Yay! It’s National Library Week plus a POM
I have been a library fan since elementary school. I think my high school year book proclaims I wanted to be a librarian when I grew up. Although my degree ended up as a writing teacher I was a librarian for the first half of my work career and when I switched into the classroom reading and library skills were part of the curriculum.
Now that I am retired I’m a Friends of the Library volunteer and I’m there two-three times a week working with donations.
When I go on vacation I always check out the library. Hawaii, Washington DC, Seattle, Okinawa—I visited all of them.
So, I’m combining National Library Week with National Poetry Month with a POM (Poem of the Month). Emily D recognizes how books are like a ship that sails us to different shores.
1830 – 1886
There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away,
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears a Human soul.
How will you celebrate National Library Week?
Pam Webb 
I had that Emily Dickinson quote on a poster in my language arts classroom for years! Hurrah for libraries and literature!
Emily is da bomb!
When I taught 2nd or 3rd grade, one of my regular field trips was to the county library. Approximately half of the kids already had a library card by then, but there was something magical about watching children receive their first card.
Love it! The library is special place and 2nd and 3rd grade is the perfect age to introduce kids to the wonderland of books. Thanks for doing your part, Pete!
I’m celebrating library week by making calls to save the IMLS, sadly.
Is that your local library?
No, it’s the Institute of Museum & Library Services that’s being eliminated by DOGE. It supports libraries throughout the U.S., especially those in need of services that local communities would not be able to afford, otherwise. It’s another step in gutting funding for public services. If you Google IMLS, you’ll see their website and mission.
I’m thinking pushback will happen eventually with all these cuts.
Pushback started immediately, and a few million people marched last Saturday to emphasize what’s going on and express their disapproval. Congress only has the power to eliminate approved and funded organizations/agencies, but our current administration declared a state of “emergency,” even though there was no emergency, granting extraordinary powers to one man and his special teams. Now you could say he’s created his own emergency, a self-fulfilling prophecy, tanking a robust economy and…..I’ll stop there. Suffice to say, pushback started almost immediately. Workers at our National Parks who were “let go” on Valentines Day, have been reinstated, for one. All of the chaos caused by this administration is a waste of taxpayer dollars.
Also, the ALA is already suing to bring the IMLS back….