Ode to Libraries
So, despite the way cool central libary in Portland, I do have to admit that Minneapolis has an amazing new central library. I took the bus down from my house, just as I used to when
lyricallu and I would go in high school (that was what we did for fun on Saturdays--we were such nerds!).
I was just blown away. The design is incredible and I just love the way it's all windows. Unlike the previous building, which was ugly as all get-out, this is a building that will not look awful 50 years from now.
I wish it had been like this when I actually lived here. What a fabulous place to come study. They have tons of tables with outlets for laptop and free wireless, of course, plus tons (over 300 to be exact) of brand spanking new computers with internet available for use. My old library card number was still on file, so they issued me a temporary pass until I can verify my address (the guy at the counter was pretty funny, in that endearing, stereotypical MN way: "Okay, now, so all you gotta do now is just sign up online, and we'll mail you a postcard. You just bring that postcard in now, and we'll get ya all signed up then.").
It's heartening to see that despite all the changes in distribution of information, libraries are still seen as an important aspect of community life. I think it is so important for people to have access to information and spaces like this. So, thank you to all my librarian friends (you know who you are!). You're awesome, and you're doing awesome work!