Jensen Kugler
A&E Editor
Anyone who knows me knows that I love a library. I think my local library kind of raised me. An English major who loves libraries? Big shocker, I know. But I think there is something so special about libraries. They are more than a repository of text. They are a safe space, a sacred resource and a rare example of reciprocity in a world that seems to systematically undervalue operating from a place of care.
The library is a haven, a honey for the soul. I think very fondly of my local library at home. When I think about sitting criss-cross-applesauce on those carpeted floors, the word that comes to mind is warm. It is home, as much as a place that is not my house can be.
I remember going to the library when I was younger and watching the “pages” reshelve books. I thought those women were the coolest people on earth. I still think that, to be honest. In my experience, librarians and their staff are some of the kindest and loveliest people out there. A lot of library programs are volunteer-run, which I think speaks to the strength of the community found in libraries.
At home and abroad, the library has always been there for me as a safe space—a place where I have the space to just be. It is really awesome to have somewhere to go where it is acceptable to linger. I love that I can stay there all day if I want to.
I do not think we should necessarily place value on a thing based on what we get from it, but libraries give selflessly. In a proudly capitalist America, libraries are one of the only places that provide education and media to people for free.
The Wayne County Public Library (WCPL) offers residents free library cards, which can be used to borrow a wide variety of items. College of Wooster students can set up an account at any time and use it to borrow both physical and digital content from the library (with no late fees!)
WCPL is connected to larger libraries in Columbus and Cleveland, and thus has access to an extensive variety of titles. I have borrowed books for my I.S. that our campus libraries do not even have. And as awesome as their book selection is, that is not even all they have to offer.
The general library collection includes DVDs, CDs, books on tape and video games. If you are willing to wait a couple extra days, you can also borrow items from their “Library of Things” including games, tools, toys and cookware. You can even reserve free passes to day trip locations like the Akron Zoo and McKinley Presidential Library.
It is incredible to me that libraries provide communities with so much. Of course, they contribute to the dispersal of knowledge and literature of many kinds, but they do so much more than that. They offer community-building, activity and color in a world that often feels bereft of magic.
I think maybe I should end now, or I will talk forever. I wish you all could see me light up over this; I hope it comes through, at least a little bit. If you are reading this, take a walk down your nearest library aisle for me. Take it from someone who still has her Hawaii library card…they’ve got a lasting impact.
