Libraries are Important

I was meeting a friend at the Millennium Library at 10 am, when it opens.  I am my parent's daughter so I am early for everything.  I can't help it, it just is in my DNA.  I was there at 9:30.

I use my branch library with some frequency.  I like to read to my toddler grandson when he is visiting and I am a political junkie.  There is always new books coming out but I simply have no desire to buy a tell-all about Agent Orange.  Plus, he has so many people turn on him, that there is a new one every week.

Anyway, the Millennium Library has always been a place that I have loved but don't visit very often.  I think it has been years since I was there.  Quite frankly, the biggest issue that keeps me from the downtown library is parking.  It is both costly and inconvenient.  Actually, the last time I was at the Millennium Library was 8 years ago.  I remember because I had a nasty conversation with the woman working at the exit of the parking garage.  I actually feel sorry for the Mayor and Council.  They can do all that they do, but, one city employee with no customer service skills can leave a very sour face in one's mouth.

Anyway, I wasn't worried about arriving too early because I was going to enjoy a leisurely cup of over-priced coffee in the coffee shop.  It is now closed.  I really haven't been there in a while.  I don't know how long the spot has been empty but that is revenue in the form of rent that the city could use.

At 9:30 am, there were about 25 people waiting for the library to open.  I would estimate the youngest person was 3 months old and the oldest person was about 80.  There were students, young moms, retired people, people in suits, just a mixture of all demographics.

And, more people started to come and wsit for the library to open.  By 10 am, there were about 200 people waiting.  I never realized that the library is important to that many people. 

I tried to be cool and hang back from the crowd.  At 9:59 am, there were 4 security guards manning the gate to make sure it was exactly 10 am and no one was let in a moment early.  By the time I got in and went to the washroom, all the workstations facing the windows were all taken.  At 10 am, there were two library technicians waiting to check books out.  And 4 security guards.  I know there were other library employees on the other floors, but 4 security guards.  There might have been even more that were working behind the scenes.  But, 4 just seemed like a lot.  I guess it is unfortunate but reality that we need security guards in the library.  The library is filled with signs that say "everyone is welcome" and "treating all with respect".  I don't think these signs would be there if they weren't needed.  It is just really sad that this isn't common sense and we have to tell people that.

I had previously assumed that the Millennium Library was something nice to have but had outlived its purpose.  After all, I hadn't been there in years so I assumed everyone was like me.  I didn't realize how important it was to the 200 people waiting to get it.  It is a meeting place, a place to use the internet, a place to read the newspaper, and a place where you can find information about community resources.  It is serving a huge market in the downtown area.  Their circulation numbers are probably declining every year, but, none the less, libraries are very important.

There is a civic election coming up in just over a month.  I hope each Mayoral candidate spends a day at the Millennial Library and then realizes how important this community resource is to the community.