Connecting Communities Through Words: Celebrating Libraries 📚

Embarking on a literary journey from pages to places.

A Grandmother’s Gift: How Books Shaped My Journey

As a child growing up, my love affair with books began while reading in my grandparents’ home. My grandmother influenced me in many ways on my life journey as a kindergarten teacher, an avid photographer, and a World Book Encyclopedia salesperson. 📸

I’d sit cross-legged on the living room floor, surrounded by leather-bound books, my fingers tracing maps, my eyes devouring facts about distant lands and ancient civilizations like a hungry traveler at a lavish banquet. Each page held a promise—a portal into a world waiting to be discovered.

But my grandmother’s legacy wasn’t just about books. She ignited a fire within me—a hunger for knowledge, a thirst for stories, and a burning need to read. Her books offered much more than ink and paper; they were portals to adventure, bridges connecting generations, and lighthouses guiding me through life’s storms.

The World Book Encyclopedia | © Kacey Carpenter

A Legacy of Curiosity

Her legacy inspired me to be curious, ask questions, and create a habit of getting a library card at every step of my life journey.

Like my grandparents’ home, community libraries provide welcoming spaces encouraging interaction and bridging gaps between generations. Whether it’s a toddler’s storytime or a senior book club, libraries foster connections that strengthen our communities.

Libraries offer much more than books to read and share. They are hubs that enrich our communities. They provide inclusive and equitable access to a treasure trove of knowledge, foster lifelong learning, and empower all of us to explore, discover, and grow.

Many provide free internet access, computer classes, and e-books. Some share nature through Seed Libraries and games, tools, and appliances through the Library of Things! Libraries ensure that everyone can participate, and find quiet retreats and sanctuaries, offering solace, inspiration, and a break from life’s hustle.

Where stories come alive | © Kacey Carpenter

Let’s Celebrate National Library Week

Communities across the country are celebrating #National Library Week. I love this year’s theme, "Ready, Set, Library!" Like my book, READY, SET, GO! Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes—it's a call to action.

Appreciate the librarians and volunteers. They are the unsung heroes, guiding us through the bookstacks, helping with academic projects, and demystifying information overload. Attend workshops, author talks, and art exhibitions. Libraries are cultural epicenters, celebrating creativity and lifelong learning.

What actions will you take to support libraries in your community?

National Library Week | © Kacey Carpenter

So, dear reader, wherever you are, step into your local library. Remember, supporting local libraries fuels a cycle of knowledge, creativity, and community. So, explore your library, read a book, and celebrate! 📚