In pursuit of the pilgrimage, I've really grown fond of being outside chasing the sun and putting in miles on the trail. There's a new adventure around every turn, and I've found that the anticipation and the discovery is worth every step in the course of exploration.
During this time I've found another temple of exploration and adventure. The Library.
I remember reading about the Great Library at Alexandria, Egypt back when I was in middle school. I also remember heading out to the library in our home town on the weekends with my dad. To be honest, I wasn't always thrilled to be going with him. He'd spend time in the stacks looking up books on fly fishing and camping, and I'd usually be able to find something in the kid or young adult section to occupy my time...once I stopped complaining and buckled down.
Fast Forward to high school and college, and somehow, my view of the library as a hall of drudgery and work became even further entrenched. It became the place I went to study and put in the grind to get the grades. I'd avoid it if I could, and when I couldn't stay away, I'd endeavor to make my stay as brief as possible.
It's taken me two decades to get back into the library again after the high school and college experience. That's a real same. During that time, I can't tell you how much money I've spend on books, but you can rest assured that it was in the thousands of dollars. Not a complete waste, but at least a little wasteful.
I'm grateful to be back in this great hall of learning and self-improvement. In addition to being a real money saver over the last six months, I've really come to appreciate the gems of literature that I've stumbled upong wandering the collection. They've all added joy to my life.
If you're a librarian, thanks for waiting patiently for the prodigal son to return. If you only visit the library, please don't take the place for granted like I did for the last twenty years.
I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I know at least two places I can find peace, learning, and adventure...outside and at the library.
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| Pining for Spring - City Dock - Annapolis, MD |
I remember reading about the Great Library at Alexandria, Egypt back when I was in middle school. I also remember heading out to the library in our home town on the weekends with my dad. To be honest, I wasn't always thrilled to be going with him. He'd spend time in the stacks looking up books on fly fishing and camping, and I'd usually be able to find something in the kid or young adult section to occupy my time...once I stopped complaining and buckled down.
Fast Forward to high school and college, and somehow, my view of the library as a hall of drudgery and work became even further entrenched. It became the place I went to study and put in the grind to get the grades. I'd avoid it if I could, and when I couldn't stay away, I'd endeavor to make my stay as brief as possible.
It's taken me two decades to get back into the library again after the high school and college experience. That's a real same. During that time, I can't tell you how much money I've spend on books, but you can rest assured that it was in the thousands of dollars. Not a complete waste, but at least a little wasteful.
I'm grateful to be back in this great hall of learning and self-improvement. In addition to being a real money saver over the last six months, I've really come to appreciate the gems of literature that I've stumbled upong wandering the collection. They've all added joy to my life.
If you're a librarian, thanks for waiting patiently for the prodigal son to return. If you only visit the library, please don't take the place for granted like I did for the last twenty years.
I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but I know at least two places I can find peace, learning, and adventure...outside and at the library.
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