r/BenignExistence • u/Ambitious-Cow-6642 • 3d ago
I went to the library yesterday for the first time in years.
After being taken out for breakfast by my daughter, I went to the library for the first time in years. I renewed my library card and took out 3 books. I saw a bulletin for a jigsaw puzzle building contest and I registered to compete next weekend.
The vibe was so chill in there. Multi people also came in to get library cards and passports and just general help from the librarians. It was nice and calming knowing that this resource is available in my community. A jigsaw puzzle was set up there that I spent an hour and a half working on assembling. It was the first time in a long time I felt at ease in my mind and soul to be out in public just relaxing by myself. I am really looking forward to the contest and I hope I don't get too nervous. I am so excited.
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u/YourFriendMaryGrace 3d ago
Going to the library was such a special part of my childhood and I never stopped going, and now I get to take my kids! And they love it as much as I do. Every time we go I think about how important community is for our sense of well-being, and I feel grateful to have a free place in our community where we can just be, learn, share, and meet people.
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u/Ambitious-Cow-6642 3d ago
I took my children to the library when they were little and now as adults it is such an important part of their lives. My daughter was telling me how much she loved me taking her and her siblings as a child. She had fond memories of the different programs they offered, working on crafts, learning about nature. Maybe that's what's motivated me to go back, her reminiscing.
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u/PegFam 3d ago
I took my daughter for the first time recently. She’s 6 months old. We picked out tons of board books and had so much fun. We were the only ones in the kid’s section and we felt so special, haha. I’m so excited to keep going with her.
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u/Marillenbaum 2d ago
Congratulations! I hope this is start of your daughter’s lifelong love of books and libraries!
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u/yesbutnotwithyou 3d ago
Im so glad you reacquainted yourself! Libraries are amazing in so many ways ❤️
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u/blkbravado 3d ago
Welcome back! I encourage everyone here to visit their local library if possible 🫶🏾
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u/Big-Elephant6141 3d ago
Welcome back to the library.
My kids are grown too and it took me a while to settle into a cozy, predictable routine. I found it was very easy to either overextend OR crawl into a little hidey-hole and become a little too isolated.
I went back to the habits and routines I used when my kids were little, like regular library visits. I had never stopped using the library but I’m a little more intentional about it now.
My library day is Wednesday. I go to a yoga class at my YMCA, then take an evening stroll straight to my library where I return, peruse, and pick up my holds. It is a precious, well-placed semicolon in my week.
I also love the events and activities. My library system offers an adult winter reading program that I look forward to every year.
Good luck on the puzzle contest!
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u/enricobasilica 3d ago
I also started making use of my local library again after a long break and I have to say, I love it. I'm more there just for the books but I love that me getting to read cool books is good for them too!