Of Libraries and Local Bookstores…
Some of my fondest early memories were of my Mother dropping me off at the library so I could hang out there while she went to work nearby. It was the absolute best time. I would access the card catalog to find subjects I was interested in, then dive into them for hours on end. I remember finding the Science Fiction section and borrowing a ton of books. On other occasions I would research my favorite horror movies using books from the library, including my favorite, Godzilla. I first learned how to draw thanks to the library. I know a lot of you probably remember the “How to Draw” series. I wore them out at my local library and I can still remember how all of those books looked, and smelled. It had an amazing effect on my formative years that carries on to this day. I still find great comfort in hanging out at a library. In fact, I’m writing this article from a library. My love for libraries isn’t something that has faded over the years. If anything, I’m a bigger supporter than ever. Libraries are a fountain for curiosity. It can inspire a young seeker of knowledge and enable someone who wants to better themselves, no matter the age.
When I lived in Wichita, I briefly lived across the street from the brand new library. It was perfect. I wrote many blog posts and articles there. Beyond that, I also went to the library after work, just for the sake of hanging out and reading, whether it was a book, magazine, or even a graphic novel. Even now the library continues to be a sanctuary where I can retreat to recharge and occasionally reignite my imagination. In my humble opinion, it’s an essential resource.
In the same way, I’ve long been a patron of local bookstores. When I was old enough to drive, I went to the local mall and discovered bookstores. These places also fascinated me because I could find new publications. As much as I loved the library, it usually didn’t have the latest books. I spent plenty of time at that bookstore and over the years I’ve gone out of my way to track down local bookstores anywhere I live. Unlike the big box stores, these shops are run by small business owners, and it’s not an easy life. More and more, consumers are migrating toward the ecosystem of convenience. Pushed by underlying marketing patterns to move toward e-readers, and even streaming book services, consumers are pushed ever farther away from the local stores. Why drive to a store and buy a book, when every book ever made is at your fingertips, waiting to be ordered?
I would argue that there is plenty to be said for the “inconvenience” of going to a local bookstore. For one thing, we don’t always have to do the most convenient thing, we aren’t machines. There is absolutely nothing wrong with disappearing into a bookstore, or library for the afternoon and immersing yourself in reading. Perhaps it’s the underlying message I keep noticing that “we should be productive and efficient”. It’s pushed non-stop through hustle culture and mainstream media. Apparently we should rush from place to place and find the most efficient way to do everything so that we have more time to spend on our tasks. Long ago, before I was a web designer, I worked on assembly lines. We took incredibly short breaks, lest we fall behind. It was grueling, and something I never want to do again. I believe it is essential that our brains have time to pursue our curiosities and rest. We don’t always need to be plugged in, or turned on. In fact, in the face of a society that pushes “convenience” and “productivity”, I’ll cling stubbornly to my “inconvenience” even harder.
My point is, we should hold on to these bastions of curiosity and discovery. If you haven’t been in a while, go visit your local library, it’s an amazing resource for knowledge. Take the time to seek out a local bookstore near you. Buying something from them will help a small business owner keep the lights on at their business. Take the time to embrace your curiosity and let your brain unwind a bit. Over the past few years we’ve all had plenty of things to keep us wound up, so why not let your brain unwind a bit, and support your local library or bookstore while you’re at it. They are both precious resources that will hopefully continue to fuel curiosity, knowledge, and discovery for years to come.
– Ryan
