An Ode To Public Library's

  I had a long car ride home from a family friends house today and I sadly forgot my headphones. I had a peace inside of me listening to the cars pass by, the AC blasting, and my sister in the back silently humming a tune. This reminded of how content I feel in a library, the unspoken rule of no speaking and the scanning of books by the well-acquainted librarian. This post is an ode to public libraries, for they are my safe haven.

Being Quiet Makes Me Laugh

  Memories surface when I'm hidden away in the corner of a library. In grade school, my friend and I would huddle together and read a book. We would always end up giggling about absolutely nothing. When we were in class and we could talk, we would just talk. But when we had to be silent, we would burst into laughter. 

You Hold My Fondest Dreams

  When you fall asleep reading a book about dragons, your most likely going to dream of dragons. Dozing off in a library is something I unintentionally do. I start off reading about the history of Greece and then I dream about being in Greece. I wake up to the librarian tapping my shoulder, concerned for the posture of my back.

 Sharing Seats With Strangers

  It's a rarity that a library is crowded, but when it is I'm never disappointed. I sat next to a woman reading about german shepherds one time, she told me she grew up with a house full after I mentioned I have one of my own. I sat next to a kid my age and we talked about our favorite places to eat in the city. And one time I was met with a very talkative 5-year-old who told me she wanted to be a baker. I would never have met these people if I left a library on a busy day, and I'm always glad I did.

“I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.” ― Jorge Luis Borges

  Where do you go for peace of mind? Is it your bed or a busy coffee shop? We all need a special place to gather our thoughts and recuperate every once in a while. Libraries are mine and always will be.

Mia Mason