Let's Gather

Fall is the time for gathering. We gather the leaves that fall into piles for jumping or more likely for dumping into bags or the woods. We gather the last of the vegetables from the garden before the first frost. And as the days grow colder, we gather our hats, scarves and mittens from their summer hiding places to wear once again. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, our thoughts turn to a gathering of friends and family.

Have you ever thought of the library as a gathering place? It is a place for everyone in the community. The shelves and display areas have already gathered a wide assortment of reading and listening material. It is all there for the borrowing. The library is a friendly, welcoming place to gather your thoughts as you pause in your busy day. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you browse a magazine or the newspaper. Gather together at a large table to work on a class project with your friends or gather with a group of parents while your children enjoy a story time with Mrs. Brewer.

The library is truly a gathering place of thoughts and people.

Election Day

As librarians, we field many questions, but my favorite ones often come at this time of the year, especially in a national election year. Living in a somewhat transient community, we have residents who have never voted in Connecticut before. They may be familiar with voting procedures in other states, but Ledyard is foreign to them. They are looking for voting guides, sample ballots or even where to vote. I am always happy to locate as much informtion as necessary for them. I love to see democracy in action.

At times, they may even be looking for guidance on how to vote in particular races or questions. No matter how opinionated I may be about political issues, I never share that with patrons. After all, it is the job of a librarian to lead a horse to water; not to make him drink.

Please drink from the fountain of democracy today and exercise your right to vote. No matter who wins, remember it is our choice.