Late to Public Libraries

Late to Public Libraries

Linda Standing

I came late to public libraries although a love of reading had been instilled in me by my parents.

In the first ten years of my life (‘47-‘57) I did not have access to a public library given where my family lived and later when we moved, there was a small one with not much choice for a person my age, but luckily my parents could afford to buy me books.

I graduated with a MLS from the University of Western Ontario in ’71 and began work at the Faculty of Music Library. Circumstances changed when my husband and I moved to Chatham and although I tried commuting on a daily basis it was too much and I had to resign. I applied successfully to the Chatham Public Library and that is where my love of public libraries began!

What an eye opener it was, giving me access to a whole new world! The things I learned in response to patrons’ questions, the authors I found who I had not been aware of and of course the staff who were such a pleasure to work with. I was hooked and with subsequent moves I continued to work at public libraries. Even in retirement they are critical to me. I dabble in writing, but unlike some authors I like to write in a public area. So I go to the public library each day and spend about two hours writing and researching on their public access computers. And when June arrives, I lament the loss of being able to go on Sundays. Given the time I now have for reading, the public library provides me access to the many books I read and that quantity would be much less if I had to purchase each one.

As a result of libraries I love to do research, even the smallest things. For instance if a question comes up when I’m talking with a friend I immediately have to look up the answer. My friends simply roll their eyes at me but they also appreciate the answers I find.

I tried to instill a love of reading in my grandchildren. My oldest grandchild, at first was not a fan, and if anyone gave her a book as a present she would turn to me and say “here you go Nanny, you love books”! I took her to story times which she enjoyed but she was more excited about using the self-checkout machines. Today she enjoys reading.

The library offers a much wider variety of programming now with my favourites being the ones when authors come to talk about their books. I also appreciate and love the many events OPL cosponsors, especially those with the Ottawa Writers Festival and Library and Archives Canada.

The reciprocal borrowing that OPL has with area post secondary institutions is very useful. Although I could get the books I want through interlibrary loan, going to one of these libraries allows me to get the books I want faster.

Libraries are now valued as community spaces where anyone can come, spend some time and not have to purchase anything.

Libraries have changed dramatically since I began using and working in them and will continue to do so in order to remain relevant. They are critical to our society.