Guest Editorial: In search of the treasure of Scarborough Library (Printed Jan. 18, 2008)
By Ed Patterson
Special to The Leader
Have you ever had a good idea? Where do you go to find out more? The Internet? Google, perhaps? Well, I took a drive by Oak Hill on Gorham Road to discover more about my good idea. I wanted to find the Scarborough Public Library. I heard it can help me learn about my interest in theater. I was planning on auditioning for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?” by Edward Albee, and I wanted to know as much as I can to, hopefully, get the part.
I have always had a fascination with the library. I have taken my two children to the Saturday morning “story time” and watched them grow over the years reading their favorite picture and chapter books. Plus, it always amazes to see how excited their eyes get when I say, “Who wants to go to the library?” They scream, “I do!” as if there was ice cream, chocolate or apple pie being served at the library just for them. The ageless thrill of exploring at the library is one of the local and simplest adventures you can do for the whole family. The real secret is the price.
It’s free.
Armed with this knowledge, I quickly walked in to discover a new world.
The atrium immediately grabbed me with its cathedral lighting – like walking into a temple. The Scarborough library seemed alive with every type of information wanting to be read and the buzz of people creating and learning from all corners. In awe, my pace immediately slowed down. I crossed over to the “Community Board” and browsed the new non-fiction books. I had to remind myself that being in the library is very forgetful. A timeless place. I lose time every time I’m inside. I remind myself I’m not in a hurry and I can relax.
“If you have a need to know something, the library is a great resource,” Library Director Nancy Crowell told me.
As she spoke I looked around and noticed the free online access terminals, the resource desk and the milieu of friendly staff servicing other members. Crowell quickly informed me about the wide variety of resources at any member’s fingertips.
“We are information navigators. Our role is to have it here or to link to whatever agency to get the information to the community plus a trained staff to help. We give you the permission to be a kid in the library. Explore!” she said.
I realized that with all of the hussle-and-bussle outside of the library doors, I am dependent on being “serviced” or catered-to when I want something. For instance, when I walk into any retail store I expect to be waited on and “serviced” immediately if they want my business, right? Well at the library, it is a place to share, not buy, old and new experiences with a smile, and can check-out any item in the library, except reference material, for no money. I have the unlimited option to check out movies, new books, old books, CDs, magazines and use the Internet by just having a “golden ticket.” OK, the Scarborough library member card is yellow and anyone can have a “ticket” to borrow by just having a Scarborough address. What a treasure.
My adrenalin started running knowing how much I can do. Actually, it may not be too quiet anymore but a low roar because of the fun activities. The library’s motto is “Education, Information and Recreation.”
“Recreation reading is our best functions,” Crowell said.
I slowed down to a fast walk and grabbed six books on plays and Edward Albee and 12 contemporary movies before heading over to the check-out desk. What did I discover today? A bounty full of treasures! I feel like I found a diamond mine in my back yard for my kids and I to have fun, and enrich our lives for the rest of our lives. What a great way to discover how to have a good idea.
No matter where you are, you can enjoy the fun the library has to offer.
By the way, just in case you are inside and unable to venture out into the Maine’s popular winter snow weather, you can use your computer and link to the Scarborough library at www.scarborough.me.us and access their whole database at your fingertips.
In this world of technology, it’s a relief to know some one else is thinking about me so that I can think for myself.
Special to The Leader
Have you ever had a good idea? Where do you go to find out more? The Internet? Google, perhaps? Well, I took a drive by Oak Hill on Gorham Road to discover more about my good idea. I wanted to find the Scarborough Public Library. I heard it can help me learn about my interest in theater. I was planning on auditioning for “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?” by Edward Albee, and I wanted to know as much as I can to, hopefully, get the part.
I have always had a fascination with the library. I have taken my two children to the Saturday morning “story time” and watched them grow over the years reading their favorite picture and chapter books. Plus, it always amazes to see how excited their eyes get when I say, “Who wants to go to the library?” They scream, “I do!” as if there was ice cream, chocolate or apple pie being served at the library just for them. The ageless thrill of exploring at the library is one of the local and simplest adventures you can do for the whole family. The real secret is the price.
It’s free.
Armed with this knowledge, I quickly walked in to discover a new world.
The atrium immediately grabbed me with its cathedral lighting – like walking into a temple. The Scarborough library seemed alive with every type of information wanting to be read and the buzz of people creating and learning from all corners. In awe, my pace immediately slowed down. I crossed over to the “Community Board” and browsed the new non-fiction books. I had to remind myself that being in the library is very forgetful. A timeless place. I lose time every time I’m inside. I remind myself I’m not in a hurry and I can relax.
“If you have a need to know something, the library is a great resource,” Library Director Nancy Crowell told me.
As she spoke I looked around and noticed the free online access terminals, the resource desk and the milieu of friendly staff servicing other members. Crowell quickly informed me about the wide variety of resources at any member’s fingertips.
“We are information navigators. Our role is to have it here or to link to whatever agency to get the information to the community plus a trained staff to help. We give you the permission to be a kid in the library. Explore!” she said.
I realized that with all of the hussle-and-bussle outside of the library doors, I am dependent on being “serviced” or catered-to when I want something. For instance, when I walk into any retail store I expect to be waited on and “serviced” immediately if they want my business, right? Well at the library, it is a place to share, not buy, old and new experiences with a smile, and can check-out any item in the library, except reference material, for no money. I have the unlimited option to check out movies, new books, old books, CDs, magazines and use the Internet by just having a “golden ticket.” OK, the Scarborough library member card is yellow and anyone can have a “ticket” to borrow by just having a Scarborough address. What a treasure.
My adrenalin started running knowing how much I can do. Actually, it may not be too quiet anymore but a low roar because of the fun activities. The library’s motto is “Education, Information and Recreation.”
“Recreation reading is our best functions,” Crowell said.
I slowed down to a fast walk and grabbed six books on plays and Edward Albee and 12 contemporary movies before heading over to the check-out desk. What did I discover today? A bounty full of treasures! I feel like I found a diamond mine in my back yard for my kids and I to have fun, and enrich our lives for the rest of our lives. What a great way to discover how to have a good idea.
No matter where you are, you can enjoy the fun the library has to offer.
By the way, just in case you are inside and unable to venture out into the Maine’s popular winter snow weather, you can use your computer and link to the Scarborough library at www.scarborough.me.us and access their whole database at your fingertips.
In this world of technology, it’s a relief to know some one else is thinking about me so that I can think for myself.
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