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Libraries — A place where something in life is free

Nov 16, 2012
by Caroline Miller
Heart Land, Tracy Saelinger, Woman's Day
4 Comments

All my life libraries have been important to me, first as a student, then as a researcher and now as a writer. Most people would give libraries a thumbs up, even if it meant using it as a place for respite from the rain.

 I got to thinking about the many uses of the library after reading an article by Tracy Saelinger, “7 Things Your Librarian Wants You to Know.” (Woman’s Day, 11/12) She wanted readers to be aware that libraries:

 a. stock video games and movies to be checked out free of charge

b. provide complimentary or discounted admission passes to museums science centers and zoos.

c. assist in forming book clubs together with discussions guides.

d. plug readers into e-books and Wi-Fi service.

e. provide answers to reference questions 24/y on their web sites

f. have career centers with resources for job searches and resume writing

g. reserve books to be sent to your home.

 But, of course, there’s more. To her list I’d add: access to computers and the internet, reading programs for children, assistance to those with low vision or no vision through large print, Braille or talking books. Libraries will research requested topics, and they provide a steady supply of classics and new books for free to everyone.

 So who doesn’t like libraries? Only Oliver Larson, my youthful hero of Heart Land. But he learned to know better.

shopping bag full of books

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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4 Comments
  1. margaret November 16, 2012 at 4:47 pm Reply
    Oliver was a rascal. He's interesting because he's compelled to be a mischief maker and doesn't think of consequences or people's feelings - until after the event or when things go awry. He's smart but libraries don't offer what those personalities need unless they are fortunate to meet a Mr Branscomb at the exact right time. Love the way you write your characters.
    • Caroline Miller November 17, 2012 at 10:06 am Reply
      You pegged Oliver to a T. Heart Land was a fun book to write. Out of my normal style and a wonder freeding break. Besides, who does like to laugh or smile a little? Thanks so much for you kind words.
  2. margaret November 16, 2012 at 5:03 pm Reply
    And yes, libraries are amazing places. When I walked into the reading room at the New York Library I thought I was in heaven - not least because the ceiling was painted to look as if you are looking up into the sky. Other libraries are much more humble but they do offer modernity as well as a feeling of deep reassurance that the past also matters.
    • Caroline Miller November 17, 2012 at 10:11 am Reply
      When I was a child our small library had wonderful paintings on the ceilings. I'm guessing it was the work of our depression artists whom the government hired to creat work. The ceiling of our town's small library was a wonderous sight. It ran along all three rooms, the entrance and the bookstacks right and left. I'd get a crick in my neck from so much gawking. Being in that magical place set me to reading and loving libraries. The town has an newer, bigger library now, without murals. Happy to say to old one exists as an extension. Obvious to say, I love the old building best.

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Contact Caroline at

carolinemiller11@yahoo.com

Portland, Oregon author Caroline Miller had distinguished careers as an educator, union president, elected official and artist/advocate.

Her play, Woman on the Scarlet Beast, was performed at the Post5 Theatre, Portland, OR, January/February 2015

Caroline published a serialized novelette, Marie Eau-Claire, on the website, The Colored Lens.  She also published the story Gustav Pavel,  a parable about ordinary lives, choice and alternate potential, on the website Fixional.co.

Caroline has published four novels

  • Ballet Noir
  • Trompe l’Oeil
  • Gothic Spring
  • Heart Land

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