Summer is here.

This means making time for chilling under the shade with a glass of sweet tea, lemonade, or some iced water to stay cool.

This means making time to visit the beach, parks, and fairs.

This means finding safe places to get out of the heat and humidity.

So, you’re probably reading this on your phone, aren’t you? 

It’s okay if you are.

Pssssst.

I have a secret to tell you.

There’s this place with seating, climate control, bathrooms, and it’s relatively quiet.

Can you guess where it is?

No?

It’s your local library.

Unlike noisier bookstores (which are great too), the library needs you to come pay a visit.

Seriously.

See, you might think that public libraries get enough funding and visitors. They don’t.

And just like you, I enjoy building and maintaining my own personal library of books (from time to time). And, like you, there is an ick factor with things that are public.

But, guess what?

• A lot of libraries have bathrooms (where you can wash your hands!)

• A lot of libraries have hand sanitizer (which you can use before and after your visit)

And, let’s be honest…

You probably don’t have enough money or space to get every single book you want to read. And you know you have those books that have been collecting dust on the shelf. And then you know you have those books which really aren’t coffee table worthy, that you never cracked open even once to take a gander at the pages inside…

Yeah. You see where this is going.

Embrace that frugal life. And, support things that matter and offer a place of sanctuary, information, and some small creature comforts to the general public.

Enter. The Library.

And please, show some respect to the library staff. (Especially those sometime quiet, introverted workers that indeed do carry a college/university degree in Librarian Sciences. Someone had to do it.)

There’s nothing like the mayhem of having to organize books (to make sure that they are available for you to read and not lost or horribly damaged).

And please, don’t damage the books.

And, if you must have a bite to eat or something to drink. Step away from the books or computer and do so outside.

Libraries.

You people know you take them for granted that they will always be there.

But what if they weren’t?

And you know there are already so many neighborhoods that don’t have any bookstores, newstands with papers and magazines…

And yes, the phone is nice. And yes, the internet is awesome.

But so are books.

And so are libraries.

So, this summer.

• Consider getting in touch with your inner literary soul.

• Encourage people in your life and community to read more.

• Support young children learning to read and promote literary works for youths, teens, and older adults too!

Maybe consider reading to kids or helping people learn how to read and appreciate the joy of books, reading, magazines, and other forms of media (available at the library).

And don’t forget, many libraries also offer DVDs, computer access, basic printing, and have regularly scheduled events.

And, you never know who you might meet at the library. Or you might discover a new author or genre you didn’t ever think you would ever fall in love with reading. 

And one more thing, you can look at study guides for major tests and job certifications and get help with related ‘adulting’ activities.

It’s all there. At your local library. (And if it’s not, you can request for certain books and media materials and provide monetary support to make it happen.)

• Banned books are real.

• Shorter hours are real.

Safe places to find some peace and quiet, surrounded by books, with decent lighting, seating, bathrooms, and all in a climate-controlled environment where the elements won’t beat you down… are at an all-time low.

So, there you have it.

My little 2-cents for supporting your local library, visiting a library, putting your damn phone down sometimes and turning away from the television…

And opening up a MF BOOK!

Seriously.

Literacy.

Take it seriously.

Open your mind to the power, the privilege, and the positively life altering moments that you can bring in your life and in others, with BOOKS!

Make a plan to READ this SUMMER.

And… schedule a DATE with your local library.

No one has to know.

(Or go tell everyone. Since you know deep down, you love sharing your business or other people’s business with everyone like a mini-celebrity that hasn’t been discovered yet for being so, ooh-la-la.)