Verbs in the Library!

August 31, 2008 in Life is a Verb

Have I ever mentioned how much I love libraries? From my first job at the Morganton-Burke Public Library (see page 80 in Life is a Verb!) through my role as librarian for the graduate English department at the University of Virginia to my job in the Science and Engineering Library also at Mr Jefferson’s University, these spaces hold a special place in my life. And so, you can imagine my reaction to this story from the ever fabulous Rick Hamrick who evidently marched right into the Denver Public Library and requested they order Life is a Verb for their shelves:

"This is your full report on the acquisition and subsequent lending-out of Life is a Verb by the Denver Public Library.

Both copies are housed in the Central Library. It is a most-fitting place for Life is a Verb to rest between checkouts. This is a library building as a verb. I love the way the building morphs from one area to another, as if alive. The flow inside the building is far smoother than the seeming abruptness of the exterior. Life is a Verb is housed on the first level of the library, in the stacks off the Schlessman Hall, which is the magnificent three-story atrium one enters when walking into the library. If ever one is in doubt of the power of the written word, this building, this investment by the people of Denver, is a wonderful way to put those doubts to rest. For me, going there is not unlike visiting the palace. Which palace? The one you value most highly.

Life is a Verb is now absent from the library (both copies checked out), and there is a waiting list. Being a guy who wants to share and play nice, I’ll be returning the copy I have today so that someone on the waiting list gets their chance."

My thanks to Rick–a man I’ve never met–for his incredible support.

I wonder if your public library needs to order a copy or two? Smile.

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

2 comments to " Verbs in the Library! "


Rick

August 31, 2008 AT 10:46AM

Patti–I must confess that while walking in and demanding anything of my librarians sounds powerful, my effort was more along the line of click, type some, click, click, click OK. Emma still wins in the ‘exit your comfort zone’ exercise.

Sad, but true: I demanded that my library order LIAV from the comfort of my current location: sitting on the edge of my bed, typing my orders to my minions.

It is our shared good fortune that Denver and its library are attuned to their patrons. And, based upon the fact that the book is over-subscribed by Denver readers, I can safely claim that we are not only less obese, but smarter and better-looking than the competing cities such as Wasilla.

Suzanne Deal-Fitzgerald

October 7, 2009 AT 5:35PM

Shhhh….this is going to be a Christmas Present to my library.