Guess what fun thing we can celebrate this week? National Library Week!

The library is one of my favorite places to go. I love finding new books to read on any subject. From health and dieting to science and astronomy, there are so many new things to learn about. Learning has been a lifelong pursuit of mine that I never “grew out of” after getting my Bachelor’s of Science degree in my early twenties.

I still love to grow in knowledge in a number of fields, even areas that I am not an “expert” in. Do you know how someone becomes an expert in any field? Usually, it is reading what other experts think, developing your own opinions and sharing them or putting them to practice. The more you read, the more you can become an “expert” in any subject.

What I love about libraries today is that there aren’t just books. Don’t get me wrong, I love books, but today’s library has eBooks (you can read on your phone, tablet or eReader), movies (physical DVDs or Blu-Ray discs or even downloadable movies to watch on any device), Audiobooks (CDs and downloadable), music (CDs and downloadable), periodicals, trade journals, newspapers, maps, and lots of other reference materials. Not only do they typically have all of those types of media, at my local library I can “check out” a pass to visit some of the local museums around me. I can also “check out” a pass to local State Parks.

Additionally, there are things like microscopes, telescopes, and sewing machines that the library has on-hand that a patron could borrow. While you sit around at the library, most of them have computers one could browse the web at, and some even have laptops to use for a bit more “privacy.” Libraries also host local groups and classes for meeting areas and continuing education to enrich people’s lives. Need to host an impromptu meeting with friends, neighbors or acquaintances regarding a subject of interest that you all share? Block off time in your local library’s conference room or meeting hall.

If you pay taxes (please tell me you do), part of your contribution to local and state taxes fund these wonderful community places of learning and enrichment. So… get your money’s worth. Use all of the resources available. Some libraries even have “classes” online that are pre-recorded about various subjects like computer programming, art classes, photography classes, etc. that you can get semi-formal training in for free!

Free is the selling point for me. If I had an opportunity to try something out and receive some considerable benefit without having to give up much more than my time, I will try it. You will find that some things are not for you. That’s the beauty of the library. You can try it for free, and if it doesn’t work out, then move on. It’s wonderful!

Because I love to read and learn, here is some history about the first libraries:

The first libraries consisted of archives of the earliest form of writing—clay tablets in cuneiform script discovered in Sumer, some dating back to 2600 B.C. Private or personal libraries made up of written books appeared in ancient Greece in the 5th century B.C.

The ancient al-Qarawiyyin Library in Fez located in northeastern Morocco was founded in 859 A.D. It’s the oldest working library in the world. It was re-opened to the public in May 2016 after major refurbishment and modernization. It holds ancient manuscripts that date back to the 7th century A.D.

The al-Qarawiyyin, which includes a mosque, library, and university, was founded by Fatima El-Fihriya, the daughter of a rich immigrant from al-Qayrawan (Tunisia today). Well educated and devout, she spent her entire inheritance to build a mosque and knowledge center for her community. Today, it is the oldest operational educational institution in the world. Mystic poet and philosopher Ibn Al-‘Arabi studied there in the 12th century, historian and economist Ibn Khaldun attended in the 14th century, while in medieval times, Al-Qarawiyyin played a leading role in the transfer of knowledge between Muslims and Europeans.

Here in America, the Library Company of Philadelphia was started in 1731 by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia. It was the first public library established in America.

Regarding their history, The Library Company of Philadelphia says,

The Library Company of Philadelphia is an independent research library concentrating on American society and culture from the 17th through the 19th centuries. Free and open to the public, the Library Company houses an extensive non-circulating collection of rare books, manuscripts, broadsides, ephemera, prints, photographs, and works of art. Our mission is to foster scholarship in and increase public understanding of American history before 1900 by preserving and interpreting the valuable materials in our care. The Library Company connects with thousands of visitors annually, ensuring that the lessons of the past will continue to amaze, instruct, and inspire future generations. We serve a diverse constituency throughout Philadelphia and the nation, offering comprehensive reader services, an internationally renowned fellowship program, online catalogs, and regular exhibitions and public programs.

What a mission statement!

Celebrate National Library Week this week by giving your local library a visit, especially if you haven’t been in awhile. If you have young kids, be sure to bring them along. Modern libraries have extensive children’s sections with toys and other things to keep their attention engaged. You also want to make sure you are passing on a love of learning to those little ones. This love could become a lifelong passion that will serve them well throughout their entire life.

Check out the American Library Association’s webpage celebrating National Library Week and the importance of libraries in our communities. The site is urging you to share your library stories about how you enjoy your local library and what it does for you on social media.

– Jason