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1. anonyme
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   I wrote another rave a while back about Robert at the SW branch. I would now like to add Assistant Manager Kevin Tracey to the RAVE list for employees at that location. Kevin is a great listener, and was very attentive to some concerns I had regarding a couple of recent episodes at the branch. I'd contacted 'upper administration' but felt they failed to fully understand the nature of my complaint. Kevin seemed to get it right away, and was understanding and supportive. He's also just a great guy to talk to!

   In an odd sort of way, I view my library as an extension of my home. Exceptional people such as Robert and Kevin broaden that welcome, providing a community resource that goes way beyond books and DVD's. Librarians rule!

   Posted 7 months ago #         

2. datamuse
   Member Profile

   

   As a librarian, anonyme, this post made my day! :)

   Posted 7 months ago #         

3. anonyme
   Member Profile

   datamuse, happy to oblige. I have the utmost admiration for librarians; they are so much more than book sorters and scan operators. I'll never forget how, during the Bush administration, librarians were the only ones with the balls to stand up to the privacy abuses of the Patriot Act. Not politicians, patriots, or pedagogues; LIBRARIANS. Don't tread on 'em...!

   Posted 7 months ago #         

4. Julie
   Member Profile

   

   An early member of the Friends of Southwest Branch Library once remarked that the library is "the community's living room". I think this fits well with your description of it as an extension of your home!

   Posted 7 months ago #         

5. datamuse
   Member Profile

   

   This maybe belongs in the Occupy Seattle thread but you might like this image, which I came across last week.

   I work on a university campus and our students definitely view the library as communal work and study space. Not only have they told us so, but the building is busy most of the time!

   Posted 7 months ago #         

6. kootchman
   Member Profile

   I loved the public library system when I was a kid. I still remember the day I got my library card. Talk about an emancipating experience for a poor kid from NYC! Public Parks and the Public Library were the most democratizing instituions ever conceived of as civil institutions. A shout out to Andrew Carnegie for fortifying and expanding literacy to the masses.

   Posted 7 months ago #         

7. Julie
   Member Profile

   

   ...and to the citizens for carrying the torch: voting to pay the taxes needed to continue this most essential of democratic institutions.

   Posted 7 months ago #         

8. anonyme
   Member Profile

   Despite my meager income, I always, always vote for levies that support libraries. I agree with Kootch and Julie that libraries are essential to a democracy, as well as to maintaining any semblance of a civilized society. Kootch, I was a poor kid in Detroit, and practically grew up in the library. I know exactly what you're saying.

   Datamuse, your image was spot on. When librarians hit the street, EVERYONE should stand up and take notice, because it means something vitally important is at stake.

   Posted 7 months ago #         

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