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Libraries

By Saralyn Richard

                                            Rosenberg Library’s Fox Room

I’ve always loved libraries. My mother was
a regular patron at the turn-of-the-century library and museum in my hometown,
Rosenberg Library, and I remember climbing the marble stairs to the third-floor
children’s library, where I loaded up on books every two weeks. The high
ceilings and cool, papery smell, the hushed sounds of people moving about, the
tall wooden card catalogue cabinets with tiny drawers, the thrill of
discovering new books—there was no other experience quite like this.

                                                         Howard-Tilton Library, Tulane University

The Rosenberg Library set a high bar, and for a long
while, other libraries didn’t come close. When I did my undergraduate studies
at Tulane University, I spent a lot of time in the Howard-Tilton Memorial
Library. This building was much more modern, and my purpose there was much more
prescribed. Instead of wandering among shelves, looking for whatever might
appeal to my taste for reading material, I was there to do research. As an
English major, that research usually had to do with history, philosophy,
literature, or cultural background, mostly nonfiction. I still enjoyed the
quiet atmosphere of study, the efficiency of the searching and checkout
systems, and the sleek, clean tables and study carrels. I’m proud to say my
honors thesis, “A Stylistic Study of John Milton’s Comus,” is part of
its circulation, too.

                                            Harper Library, University of Chicago

When I was in graduate school at the University of
Chicago, I fell in love with the Harper Library. This lesser-used research
facility has been classified as one of the top places in the world to study. I
agree whole-heartedly. The building has the appearance and feel of a medieval
castle—inside and out, but the seating is super-comfortable, and, for a
bibliophile like me, the atmosphere is luxurious.

You may think me odd, but when I travel to different
cities, states, countries, or continents, I love to visit their public
libraries. I’ve seen scores of libraries that have made deep impressions on me.
Some of my favorites are the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., the New
York Public Library, and the British Library (where I stood in reverence before
the Magna Carta and J.K. Rowling’s first query letter).


My passion for libraries has compelled me to volunteer
to support my local library, as well. After many years of living in a different
part of the country, I have returned to my hometown, and I am on the board of
the Friends of Rosenberg Library, the same institution where my love of
libraries began. I publish a semi-annual newsletter, manage a weekly sale of
online collections, and work at the annual book sale.

I’m positive that heaven is one big library in the
sky. What do you think?

7 replies
  1. Mary Garrett
    Mary Garrett says:

    I have a t-shirt with the Borges quote about Paradise being a kind of library. Yes, please. Eternity is my only chance to read all of my TBR mountain.
    I had a bit of trouble adjusting to retirement until I reminded myself of how much I loved just READING during summer vacations as a student. Reinvent? Find a second career? Nope, returning to what I love was a far better choice.

  2. Gay Yellen
    Gay Yellen says:

    With so much research available online, it's been a while since I visited a library in person. Matter of fact, my last two visits were for book fairs. You've reminded me of of how good it feels to be among so many treasured books, Saralyn, and the potential they hold for a curious mind. It's wonderful that you have re-engaged in such a meaningful way with the one in your hometown!

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