Passing time in the library

Once I established the opening times for the local library, I spent some time there each day.

The library has two on line options; use the library computers or take the Android Tablet along and sit in my place of choice, usually near a window and then get on with checking emails or even following some of my blogs.  All of this is online business is a mystery to MyVeryBestFriendCarmel who is not the slightest bit interested in technology, apart from her Smart Phone.

As well as the online facilities there are the daily papers, magazines and any other reading matter that I fancy.  Kale features on the menu at MVBFC’s kitchen and I found two new recipes which didn’t make it to the kitchen because my time at the library was taken up on line.  She was not all impressed with my priorities. 

Apart from computers and reading material the library was also a source for people listening.  Sitting at my computer occasionally a voice would pierce my consciousness and I would stop to listen. One afternoon I wasted the best part of fifteen minutes tuned into an English tutorial.  I was fascinated; it was Year 12 VCE class all over again.  The tutor was discussing an essay a girl had written and she was being advised about the “Show, don’t tell” maxim.  The premise for her essay was a holiday in India and she had started off with a strong and colorful introduction which petered out into ‘telling’ in no time at all.  I sat listening to the advice and her responses and I really wanted to see the next draft.

   

Another voice that stopped my on line reverie one day was that of a young Down syndrome man who was laboriously reading a simple story from a book.  By his side sat a young woman who prompted him when he was lost for the word or quietly corrected him when he stumbled.  He read doggedly on for the best part of a half hour; I was as jubilant as he was when he read a whole page without a prompt or assistance of any kind.  What a triumph.

It was also a place for meeting people; one day the Godchild’s sister and her small boy appeared at my side. Her sister lives locally and it is long time since I last saw her; her son Mitch is a live-wire.  What a lad, never stuck for a word; a trait he might have inherited from his Dad…..

Libraries are indeed wonderful places.

the library