Ark Valley News - From the library

From the library
By Ginger Bynorth
Last Updated: November 17, 2016

Make your own collections

Everyone who's ever been inside a library knows it contains collections. But did you know a library also creates collections?

In my youth I was required to utilize the library for educational purposes, but it also became a choice. I still remember the weight of the long, narrow drawers containing index cards of all the books on the shelves. Thumbing through the paper cards alphabetically in order to locate a particular book. Locating the long, high shelf and hoping to find that book so I could pencil my name on the check out card just inside the front of the book. The librarian then ink-stamped the due date on the return card and swapped it out for the one I filled out.

I noticed the smell of the book, its weight, how the pages felt when I turned them, the spine that made a cracking sound when I was the very first to open it and the print which I could read and re-read if I really liked it (or didn't understand it). But reading was always about where it took me — on a journey through storytelling or a quest to learn more — creating my own collection of thoughts, dreams and inspiration.

We've gone from 8 mm and super 8 mm film, reel-to-reel tapes, vinyl LPs, cassette tapes, VHS, Braille, CD and DVD to digital media files, audiobooks and eBooks. From card catalogues to database searches, encyclopedias to Wikipedia, and Googling the Internet. We can even share with other libraries across Kansas without the travel. And the library is probably the only free service where once you sign up you won't get spam or junk mail. Extra bonus.

The local library was one of the first places my son and I headed to after moving to Valley Center 11 years ago. I knew we could connect with our new community through the library and discover whatever was available to us locally.

To our surprise we found so many things beyond books! One particular discovery became a highlight when two of my son's friends came to visit and soon the three boys were walking to the library to check out ... fishing poles. They headed to McLaughlin Park to catch some big ones at the pond and returned with the poles in hand (sans fish) to the library. They reminisce about that to this day.

I've been bringing my oldest grandson there almost weekly as well. He prefers books and videos that make him laugh; what a great "collection" he is creating for his life. As for myself, well, I've been a storyteller almost all my life, and the stories I create are now in a digital format. But I'm a sucker for a good story, and the library has no shortage of those.

There are three things I am really looking forward to soon: the new library and community center (what a great concept), my other two grandchildren also joining me there (they'll be calling Valley Center home with a move here) and creating more of my own "collections" while knowing my family is creating theirs, all with the help of our local library's access to a vast array of media.

We have a really good start with donations for our new resource and community center. Imagine a new center where all things community meld. Seniors gather to dine, dance, play games and even exercise; children come together for story time and songs ("Cat in the Hat" has made appearances); teens creating content for their own online page reflecting teen life in Valley; folks sharing in a book club or knitting, coloring, writing, quilting, even learning photography ... right there in lovely Lions Park. But wait, we need to donate. Let's all make a united effort to help reach the goal — a community collective — and do our parts, be it great or small.

Now let's sit, shall we, and share stories. I know you've got a good one to tell from your "collection."

Upcoming events

Nov. 17 — Pizza Hut 20 percent certificate day

Nov. 17 — Family Coloring Night

Nov. 19 — Adult workshop, tomato cage angel

Nov. 24-26 – Library closed for Thanksgiving

Dec. 1 — High school book discussion

Dec. 2 — Tree lighting, McLaughlin Park

Dec. 3 — Hometown Holidays

Dec. 6 — City Council