More than donkeys, lima beans, borrowed treasures

To some, libraries are just a building filled with books, and to others a place for acquiring a wealth of knowledge, learning something new. Woven between pages and pages of books are words that can transform a perspective on most any given subject.

Ashurbanipal (was the son of Esarhaddon and the grandson of Sennacherib of whom are mentioned in the Bible), the last of prominent Kings of the Neo-Assyrian empire, reigning from 668 to approximately 627 BC is renowned for his extensive library at Nineveh (in present day northern Iraq near Mosul). He transformed his family’s archive into (what most research says) the very first library. The Royal Library contains about 30,000 clay tablets written in a cuneiform script referencing literature and administrative records.

In 1731, Benjamin Franklin helped create the Library Company of Philadelphia. It became the first lending library in America that allowed members to borrow books for a subscription fee.

April 24, 1800, President John Adams approved legislation to appropriate $5,000 to purchase “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress” — thus the Library of Congress. Golden domes, marble halls, lamp-lit reading rooms, the library currently flaunts more than 51 million books.

Donkeys, books and promoting a love for reading is the goal of Biblioburro Donkey Libraries in Columbia. Riding on his donkey, founder Luis Soriono, shares books in the department of Magdalena along the Caribbean coast, helping to educate local students.

Filled with more than just books was the library at Central Elementary School. During my seemingly-short grade school years there, Patricia Pleasant resided as the librarian.

Affectionately her students, including me, liked to call her Ms. P. I remember her tall stature, flamboyant personality, angelic-like voice and the fact that she loved Jesus.

She took great pride in assuring that every shelf displaying a wealth of knowledge was in the proper three-digit numbering system. Mr. Dewey would have been very proud.

Entering her territory meant clothing yourself with the very best of manners which included using a soft voice. Checking out a book was a privilege and students were expected to take utmost care of borrowed treasures.

Ms. P embraced a passion for encouraging me and others to read, read, read. She was gifted in such a way that when she told a story, read a book, or sang a song my ears perked up. Reading aloud with such exuberance seemed to make any book come alive. More than mere words on a page were valuable lessons that she pointed out more than once. The Little Red Hen (hard work pays off); Charlotte’s Web (be kind); Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (lima beans are good for you).

Think you can transform my perspective on those wide flat green pods? I doubt it. I don’t mean any disrespect to Lima Bean Respect Day that will be celebrated on April 20th of this year, but those legumes are disgusting. Y’all help yourselves.

Ms. P played a crucial role in promoting early childhood literacy in the lives of many children within the Allegheny Highlands. I am grateful to have been a recipient.

I remember the Bookmobile that came to the school. How clever, books on wheels. No matter rain, sleet, or snow Diana Hawkins and Janice O’Farrell always welcomed me aboard. Those ladies not only had a love for reading books but a genuine love for children.

I recall my mom taking me to the Charles P. Jones Memorial Library to obtain my own personal library card. I thought I was big stuff when I whipped out that card to check out books.

Nancy Drew Mysteries, Anne of Green Gables, and Little House on the Prairie were some of my choices for reading.

During my high school and college days I spent many hours at the library researching, learning …daydreaming. Sometimes a fresh perspective is just what the mind needs.

“Beyond just a place to borrow books, libraries offer a wealth of resources and opportunities that foster intellectual, emotional and social development. Whether you’re a student, professional, or lifelong learner, making use of your local library can profoundly impact your personal growth journey.” (copied)

Mrs. Hawkins, employee of the Charles P. Jones Memorial Library asked me on more than one occasion to lead story hour — teaching the children about proper dental care. I always accepted her invitation as I felt it was part of my service as a patron of this community.

I had big glittery wings to fill, y’all.

Compliments of a local costume rental, my attire was way more stylish than Virginia Lottery’s Lady Luck. She would have been jealous.

I had my own wand and for the first time in my life I donned a halo. My debut as the tooth fairy made me a celebrity.

Ms. P would be so proud.

“Smile.”

“Say, cheese.”

Thanks, Gavin, for the publicity.

Time tends to repeat itself as I had the honor of taking my three children to story hour and to get their own library card. Occasionally, I now get to accompany my beloved grandchildren there as well. Oh, what fun!

Monetary contributions to our local library are necessary for the support of literacy, strengthening of community, and transformation of lives.

Thanks so much to our local government entities, including Alleghany County and the city of Covington for their past, present and future financial support.

A quiet shout-out to the employees of the Alleghany Highlands Regional Library that help provide not only educational resources but a warm and welcoming atmosphere to all those who pass beyond their doors.

February is National Library Lovers month and I want to encourage you to stop by the library to say thanks and to check out all that is available.

“The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library,” said Albert Einstein.

Support your local library.