The Library!

When I was a child and lived in Buffalo, New York, I discovered a treasure – the public library. For a child who learned to read at about age 4 – thanks to a patient older sister and parents who read a bedtime story every single night – it was akin to finding a toy store or candy shop that gave away its merchandise.

The particular library was on Amherst Street, and had been designed by local architect William Sydney Wicks as the Parkside Unitarian Church, dedicated in 1897.  It was made into the Fairfield branch of the public library in 1924, and remained one until 2005. It was on the walk home from St. Mark’s School, and with some care, about 4 or 5 books could be added to the basket of a bike, or tucked under an arm – or read on the way home, as long as you stayed on the sidewalk.

I was surprised to learn that not every library had a choir loft, soaring ceilings, a wing devoted to kids’ books, and a whole section devoted to sci-fi, which soon became a favorite genre.

Recently, I “rediscovered” the public library here in Syracuse.

For one who reads as much as I do, I’m not quite sure how I ever stopped visiting. With at least one within walking distance, and several with so many options for media to explore, the library is a treasure that should never be forgotten.

The concept of a “library” is ancient. In earliest times they were collections of scrolls kept privately or by a city or state, and held not only the wisdom and history of civilization, but records, transactions, scientific and religious tracts.

The Romans made scrolls available at public bathhouses, where patrons of the baths could avail themselves of dry spaces for reading. By the mid-1800s, truly “public” libraries were popular, and were most commonly associated with schools, churches, and municipalities large and small. So-called “circulating” libraries were popularized by publishers who rightly guessed that buyers would be happy to purchase, or borrow (for a price) new books. The scheme also brought novels into the culture as a reading staple. The first circulating library is recorded as being in Edinburgh, Scotland, established in 1725 – a bit ahead of its time. While some libraries, specifically the subscription or “for a fee” libraries, served only members, in both the UK and United States, having public libraries became a badge of honor for towns and cities, and philanthropists like Andrew Carnegie, John Passmore Edwards and Henry Tate built many a library across the country, which then became supported by the local municipalities and the taxpayers.

There are any number of famous and fantastic libraries worldwide. Many universities pride themselves on their great (both in size and scope) book collections, and most have at least a few “rare” tomes that have to be handled (literally) with gloves. Book collections are so special they even figure in popular film and literature, spawning such movies as “The Ninth Gate,” and “A Discovery of Witches.”

Trips to the public library, for me at least, were a once-a-week ritual. Return what you’ve read, and find the next week’s reading. Then, with the advent of books on tape, find whole new realms of “reading” so that trips and commutes feel like fun. Films were another obvious choice: rent from the video store, or better yet stop by the library and “take out” Friday night’s entertainment.

Needless to say, e-books, or options like Kindle, are another easy addition to one’s library choices. Amazon Prime offers online “borrowing” of e-books, or Kindle editions that can be downloaded to your device and read via tablet or even phone. And the advent of Audible made the whole “books on tape” concept much easier because a book could simply be downloaded to a phone app and broadcast through a car radio.

But not that long ago, I was looking at some reading I had coming up, and realized it had been a long time since my last visit to the public library. And that got me thinking about how many libraries have created magic memories in my life. The first, of course, was that Fairfield branch that held so many treasured recollections for me as a child. The school libraries at my grade school and high schools are still actual “places” in my memory. The DeWitt Public Library became a regular stop for the entire family, and offered novels, non-fiction, movies, and books on tape – and I was never without at least one of each! College, kids, and research (in medical, law and other specialty libraries) also dictated regular stops to go through collections. And every time you step into a library, something is guaranteed to be discovered – even if it’s just to browse the new fiction, or glance at the sci-fi shelves, or even just sit quietly and read.

Onondaga County is blessed with a large number of locations, large and small, urban and suburban, and many offering a variety of activities like lectures, author visits, book sales and activities for patrons young and old. Getting a library card is free, and not all libraries will fine for late returns – making reading accessible to all. You can take advantage on the libraries’ online presence to search databases on everything from Antiques, Art & Music to Science and Technology. Online learning, book reservations, and “Makerspace” can make your library experience richer and simpler.

And there is just something magical about entering a library. You’ll never be the same after your visit.

Nancy Roberts