A sociologist coined the term "Third Place" a decade or more ago. Reference is made to a place other than home (presumably our "First" Place), and the 2nd being, the Work Place. This 3rd place was to be identified and sought as a place of refuge and enrichment. I readily knew then, as well as now, where my "Third" Place is: Libraries.
As a kid, recovering with bandages from a series of recurring ear plastic surgeries after a dog bit my left ear off at age 5, and with all kinds of summer allergies, books became a source of contentment. My Aunt Doris read to me a great deal, and I noted that she always read her own books. She died at age 46, much too young, but because my own Mom was often institutionalized during we 3 kids childhoods, I was farmed out to both grandmothers as well as Aunt Doris. I credit her for my love of reading.
(NOTE: This is a photo of an art rendering of a favorite library, I refer to it later.)
. . . . . . .
As a college kid, I worked first at Adams State College Book Store, my first year. Thereafter, and for the rest of my undergraduate work, I worked at the College Library, periodicals first, and the because of my meticulous nature, I was assigned to work alone in Archives. I loved being there. I grew to develop a love for the texture and smell of books. Sometime in the recent past, I found this "Did You Know". I don't know the author, but I like it very much:
"Lignin, the stuff that prevents all trees from adopting the weeping habit, is a polymer made up of units that are closely related to vanilla. When made into paper and stored for years, it breaks down and smells good. Which is how divine providence has arranged for secondhand bookstores to smell like good quality vanilla absolute, subliminally stoking a hunger for knowledge in all of us."
Later, during Graduate and Post graduate work, I also spent much time at Adams State's
fine regional library. Our 2nd daughter likewise worked at this library, all four years, able to earn enough for her meager existence while also allowing her to graduate debt-free. She and friends painted a mural in one of the rooms, then a children's book room, now a classroom. Usually locked, I now request that it be unlocked for me to read in when I'm there, just because I like being near her signature. While I wasn't a member of the college track nor Cross Country teams, still, I was always allowed access to run the track, as seen in this photo from the 3rd floor. My memories are just as alive and warm as any runner, if not more so, because unlike the others, my experience on this track now exceeds 4 decades. During brutal cold winters, I often ran/run the back stairwells of the library: great cardiovascular workout without the bitter sub zero temperatures. While the Library bans this for others, my history there & those that know me, turn a blind eye to such workouts.
I have a current active membership in the Library of Congress in DC. I love being there. I attend a bi-monthly writers group in our own small local library. And when in Provo I always enjoy being at their city Library: once the original Brigham Young Academy, it was slated to be tore down. But actor Robert Redford who lives in Sundance Canyon not far away, was among many to lend support in insuring that it be restored. The restored Oak wood and tiled floors may not be of any significance to others, but to me it attests to the respect of a one time fine building and the role it played in education. So yes, I love libraries. And not just because of the Vanilla aroma.
Be Well. Do Good.
. . . . . . .
As a college kid, I worked first at Adams State College Book Store, my first year. Thereafter, and for the rest of my undergraduate work, I worked at the College Library, periodicals first, and the because of my meticulous nature, I was assigned to work alone in Archives. I loved being there. I grew to develop a love for the texture and smell of books. Sometime in the recent past, I found this "Did You Know". I don't know the author, but I like it very much:
"Lignin, the stuff that prevents all trees from adopting the weeping habit, is a polymer made up of units that are closely related to vanilla. When made into paper and stored for years, it breaks down and smells good. Which is how divine providence has arranged for secondhand bookstores to smell like good quality vanilla absolute, subliminally stoking a hunger for knowledge in all of us."
Later, during Graduate and Post graduate work, I also spent much time at Adams State's
fine regional library. Our 2nd daughter likewise worked at this library, all four years, able to earn enough for her meager existence while also allowing her to graduate debt-free. She and friends painted a mural in one of the rooms, then a children's book room, now a classroom. Usually locked, I now request that it be unlocked for me to read in when I'm there, just because I like being near her signature. While I wasn't a member of the college track nor Cross Country teams, still, I was always allowed access to run the track, as seen in this photo from the 3rd floor. My memories are just as alive and warm as any runner, if not more so, because unlike the others, my experience on this track now exceeds 4 decades. During brutal cold winters, I often ran/run the back stairwells of the library: great cardiovascular workout without the bitter sub zero temperatures. While the Library bans this for others, my history there & those that know me, turn a blind eye to such workouts.
I have a current active membership in the Library of Congress in DC. I love being there. I attend a bi-monthly writers group in our own small local library. And when in Provo I always enjoy being at their city Library: once the original Brigham Young Academy, it was slated to be tore down. But actor Robert Redford who lives in Sundance Canyon not far away, was among many to lend support in insuring that it be restored. The restored Oak wood and tiled floors may not be of any significance to others, but to me it attests to the respect of a one time fine building and the role it played in education. So yes, I love libraries. And not just because of the Vanilla aroma.
Be Well. Do Good.
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