The Library

I love the public library system. Always have. I can remember, at age 6, riding my Schwinn bicycle to the Rural Hall Public Library, at that time no larger than a large closet, with shelves and shelves of mostly dog-eared paperbacks. Discovering Sidney Sheldon (people do that?), Danielle Steele, all the others that frankly I’m amazed made it past the censorship committee.

One of the first things I did when I arrived back to North Carolina was renew my public library card. It just amazes me that there is such a plethora of materials available, gratis, for my consumption. It’s like going to a buffet and eating for free.

Yesterday one of the books I checked out was due. I didn’t have time to get to the library before it closed. Today, I made it a priority to return it. As I stood at the “Returns” desk, the librarian motioned for me to just leave the book. But, I think I owe a fine. I’m a day late. “Honey, we don’t charge fines fo’ books. We just glad you returned it.” I was shocked. I was pleasantly surprised. I love the library.