Greenwich Free Library
Special Library Love Edition
The Love That Cannot Speak Its Name
There is "bibliophile" for those who love books, whether to read or just to look at or even to tsundoku . (A Japanese concept without a direct English equivalent, it is the act of buying a book and leaving it unread, typically piling it up with other unread books. Perhaps not coincidentally, Japan has also produced Marie Kondo, who has become famous for her "spark joy" method of decluttering. Recently a rumor spread like wildfire among bibliophiles that Ms. Kondo had put a limit of 30 books in a home library. This sparked outrage and generated a flood of hysterical memes. Watch this video to learn the truth and beware fake news.)
But, as we know, libraries are only partly about books. Libraries are also about the love of serving the community, the love of imagination, the love of accurate information, the love of children - from the most adorable babies to the ickiest teenagers, the love of our elders, the love of history and the love of the possibilities the future holds. But, try as I may, I can't find single words for any of these concepts. And so, to misquote Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart's ruling in a very different matter, we'll just have to be content that, when it comes to love for libraries, "we know it when we see it".
And we see a lot of it! Our door count for 2018 was just over 52,000. We held nearly 400 programs and provided space for another 500. Our 3,409 cardholders checked out more than 40,000 items. And our partnerships with other local organizations have allowed us to spread the love beyond our walls. We make all this happen with the support and love of our exceptional staff, our incomparable volunteers (Really, incomparable. When other libraries find out about the number and dedication of our volunteers, they are overcome with envy.) and all of you.
Cold, cold February is a great time to bring all that warm love out and show it off. All month, folks who come in can post a Library Valentine on our front window and express their love in words. Our Annual Volunteer Valentine's Party will give us a chance to show our love with food. (Anyone who has volunteered even once this year is encouraged to RSVP and come!) And the last month of our annual fundraising appeal is a good time to show your love in the way that makes nonprofit hearts sing, with money. (You are also welcome to read lots of romance novels and, quietly, tell us about the really romancy bits.)
We hope to see a lot of you this month. The love fest wouldn't be the same without you.
Annie
Come in and post a Valentine!
Come bask in our adoration!
It's always best to shop local but if you do go online . . .
Help us meet our $10,000 target!
Greenwich Free Library
Email: amiller@sals.edu
Website: www.greenwichfreelibrary.org
Location: 148 Main Street, Greenwich, NY, USA
Phone: (518) 692-7157
Facebook: facebook.com/GreenwichFreeLibrary