Rights, knowledge, and access

The last week of September is “Banned Books Week”, as recognized by the American Library Association. During this time the ALA encourages all interested parties to “celebrate the freedom to read”, and celebrate we will. Library employees often pride themselves on being guardians of the freedom of speech -such is the role of the library- and we also often celebrate challenges issued to books, as it is through such public challenges and debate that learning and understanding about one another can take place. Regardless of one’s own views, any one of us may benefit from an appreciation of another’s point of view. While some opinions may never change, and some conflicts may never be reconciled, it is through such processes that understanding and respect can be arrived at. Such lessons, from whatever arena they may be gained, can only help us, improve us, and stand as testament to our culture. Such is the role of the library. Libraries serve the benefit of any who would seek it. Libraries can serve as an incredible equalizing force, offering resources and information to those for whom such benefit may otherwise be out of reach. In that regard, libraries are about access. While I may not agree with the opinions offered in a certain book, I will fight to preserve anyone’s right to access it. Such is the role of the library, and I know of no employee at this library who takes that role lightly. So while it may seem like a small role or an insignificant purpose to the person who just wants to check out a paperback to read over coffee, it is indeed a facet of our freedom, an expression of just one of a few truths that have long ago been declared self-evident.

This year, Tuesday the 4th of November represents a day where our role and duty as citizens can be exercised. This day will doubtlessly bring about results that some will find agreeable and reassuring, and in which others may hold dissatisfaction and unease. Much is made of the need for citizens to register to vote and partake in the process, and rightly so: our process’ success is predicated on the involvement of an informed citizenry. In that regard, if one were to choose to become informed on any issue, I hope that they would consider their local library as a resource in that pursuit. What better resource than the library is there to aid in clearing the fog of obfuscation and establishing a foothold on the truth in relevant issues? What better place is there to find information than the place that will fight to preserve anyone’s right to access that information? What better place is there to help citizens become involved in the process than one of the places established to help ensure access to the knowledge that can aid in that process’ adequate representation of views? Help us combine our role as a library with the role we all can have as voters. Just walk in the door, we’ll help you with the rest. It’s easy to find us there too, we’ll be the ones standing next to the voter registration forms.

As the summer passes...

So, my dear Cardiffians, as we prepare to leave summer behind and proceed into slightly chillier times rich with crisp air, Charger-fever, and the occasional holiday, the Cardiff library continues on with its array of events and offerings of books, movies, and programs. These programs have recently included a great first Wednesday performance by Rocket Science -who left us with a peaceful, easy feeling- and an energizing Saturday morning concert by Hullabaloo, who lived up to their name as well as their reputation of performing superb “kid-folk” music and providing an excellent experience which found many people of all ages smiling, dancing, and having a great time.

But we are not done! We here at the Cardiff library do not rest as the summer days wane. Indeed, we continue to try our best to provide something for everybody. As the temperature outside begins its annual dip southward, we will provide indoor programs for the kids, including more story times, more Wii “playdates”, more movies played on the premises, and plenty more, including weekly crafts (that you can even take “to go”), origami, and bi-lingual story times. So come on in, I know we'll have something for you.