These past few weeks I have enjoyed watching the trees leaf out and the flowers bloom. This little bush has been a particular favorite of mine:

This bush’s enthusiasm, bowed over with an abundance of blooms, reminds me of when my daughter was a toddler and we’d bring her to the library. Excited by the many options to choose from, she would try to carry more books than she could hold. She was always trying to take one more book, one more book, until the pile would spill from her arms, and she’d try again. I was so happy to bring her to a place that literally had more wonder than she could hold.

Whenever world events leave me feeling hopeless or in despair, I remind myself that I can have this self-same feeling of wonder and enthusiasm every time I visit the library. As I explore the shelves, I find many interesting things to explore, learn, read, and do. I always have more books on my bedside table than I can reasonably get through, and more projects-in-progress than I can ever finish over the weekend. These are good problems to have, and soaking in literature, art, music, and culture helps me revitalize, ensuring I can return to helping others in need and doing my small part towards a better world.

I invite you to come to the library to experience an abundance of possibilities. There is wonder on these shelves, if you come look for it! I also invite you to a special screening of the documentary “Free For All: The Public Library” on June 5 at 7 p.m. Entertaining and inspiring, you’ll learn a little bit about the history of libraries in the United States, and about those who created the civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all.

Anthony Morris – amorris@sjlib.org – 360.378.2798

-Assistant Director

-Besogged Pluviophile

-Brindled Rooter