I’ve really got to visit the library more often.
I’ve recently made a concerted effort to carve out more time in my life to just sit and read. That led me, of course, to the Webster Public Library to pick up a few books. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted, but trusted that the library’s ever-changing displays would guide me.
And, as a reader, that’s one thing I love about the library. Walking in there is like walking into a candy store where the shelves are packed with a dizzying variety of colorful, tasty, carefully-packaged morsels of goodness.
But on my last visit I was reminded that there’s a lot more to the Webster Public Library than just the books.
For starters, there’s the Artists’ Wall just to the left as you walk in. This month it’s displaying some beautiful works by local artist Rose Boccolucci, whose art stopped me in my tracks.
Over near the reference room to the right of the circulation desk, the Webster Museum has set up a display case highlighting the history of the Forest Lawn neighborhood with lots of old photos and memorabilia.
And standing proudly above the biographies in the main collection area are eight of the original Hegedorn’s panels which were rescued from the ceiling above the check-out area when the store closed in June. (I knew the library had adopted some, but it was a nice surprise to be reminded.)
In case you’re wondering, when I left the library, I did indeed have two books tucked in my bag, and they couldn’t be more different: an exploration of the cosmos written by Neil DeGrasse Tyson, and a Janet Evanovich romantic mystery.
Kind of like licorice and Sweet Tarts, actually.
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(posted 8/9/2023)
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Welcome Back! They missed you! Public libraries are one of the best – if not THE BEST ROIs of(?) for(?) our tax dollars. To me, they are almost sacred spaces – quiet, contemplative places to read, think, study & explore ideas. Marvelous spaces, very separate and distinct from other spaces (e.g. retail, or schools, or business, or entertainment spots) where social activity is the norm. Indeed, a ‘candy store’ for the mind. Nothing wrong with social interaction, and WPL has many of these also – but a quiet spot for reflection and absorbing the wisdom of ages past, and more recent wisdom, is a unique space that also reflects and celebrates the history & culture of Webster. My thanks to those humble and under-appreciated servants of the public – the WPL staff – who maintain these spaces for our benefit! Thank you, Missy, for shining a light on one of Webster’s finest resources!