When’s the last time you went to your local library? Do you know what they can do for you? Some years ago, I almost cried when I read about the possible closing of many of the Boston Public Library branches due to shortage of funding. Thank goodness it did not come to pass. Brian McGrory, one of my favorite Boston Globe writers, captured my feelings perfectly in his article, Treasure Islands at Risk . After you read Brian’s article, do you still say to yourself, “Who cares?” Well, I care. Let me tell you why. As someone who’s experienced my own funding shortage, I have and continue to use my local libraries for my pleasure reading and for work. I love the homey feel of each small library, the smell of polished wood and aging books, and the idiosyncracies of each employee, many of who became my friends over time. There’s nothing quite like having someone look up from what she is doing and smile when I come in the door, ask what she can do to help me—and it’s not home, where my … [Read more...]