Library Lovers’ Month

In 2023, Pittsburg Public Library saw 68,535 people walk through its doors. Even though some were repeat visitors, that’s a lot of foot traffic and indicates a continued interest in our institution. Many think of libraries as book depositories but oh, we are so much more than that.

Drop by during a storytime and you’ll see a roomful of toddlers learning the joy of watching a live performance as they listen to Gail reading a favorite book or enjoy a puppet show acting out a story. Then watch the little ones as they eagerly gather books to take home for their own storytimes to last them until the next week’s performance.

Then walk—or take the elevator—to the second floor where you’ll find folks wandering the stacks as they look for their next favorite book. Others may be reading the daily newspapers or current issues of magazines in order to get caught up on the current state of affairs. A few steps to the north in the computer lab, a middle-aged man is composing his resume as he begins searching for a new job, while the woman across from him conducts research for a proposal to her organization.

Off to the west, a group of students gather around a table as they work on their group project or study for their next big test. Others go into the east room, looking at the many books for sale by the local Friends of the Library; those proceeds go towards library programming.

Then as you return downstairs, you might see a group of VolunTeens helping with displays or with whatever needs done that day. People may gather in the meeting room for any and all types of programs—book discussions, craft times, educational lectures, or maybe a good old-fashioned sing-along—while others are picking up library items that have been held for them. And in every department are staff ready to help you find whatever you need.

Andrew Carnegie might not have been popular with the local miners but he was spot on when he said, “A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never failing spring in the desert.” Amen!

February is Library Lovers’ Month, but I like to think every month should be designated as such. Everyone loves their library for a different reason, which is the very strength of libraries. If you haven’t made it in yet this month, come on down—we have plenty to offer you.