I’m feeling pretty good right now.
I’ve made no secret that I’m a school librarian by profession, and the recent fad on the Right of bashing librarians generally and school librarians in particular (for example, my own State Senate Majority Leader essentially saying that I and my colleagues should be charged with a felony for doing my job to professional standards) has left me profoundly frustrated and, to be frank, angry. My profession has become a pawn in the latest culture war against oppressed groups, education, and let’s face it, learning. And my governor just signed the new state law on Friday that will restrict the kinds of books that can be on school library shelves. My boss has already messaged me about it.
So I’m pushing back this summer.
I’ve ordered a stock of lightly used books (like new or very good condition), mostly picture books but also some good children’s chapter books and a messenger bag to carry some of them in.
The plan is to give them out to free to children I encounter around town. Let the parents know I’m a school librarian. Start taking back my profession’s reputation from those who would destroy for their own agenda and drive for power, those who’ve called me a “groomer” and “pervert” and “pedo” without knowing a damned thing about me or really, my profession. Our “agenda” is as simple as getting kids to read and to love reading. And there aren’t many things in this world that I find more gratifying than a child getting excited about books.
I’ve only handed out a few books so far as I just started this little project, but today, my wife and I were at a restaurant and a family (grandparents, mom, and two adorable little girls) were seated behind us.
I gave both girls a book and the adults all thanked me. I admit, it’s a little strange for a guy to be asking to hand your kids books. I’m pretty sure at first they must have thought I was going to be handing out religious tracts or something. :) Nope!
They left shortly after, and when my wife and I left just few minutes after they did, Grandpa was sitting on a bench in front of the restaurant with the youngest granddaughter on his lap, reading her the book I’d given her. Presumably the rest of the family were fetching their vehicle so Grandpa wouldn’t have to walk far.
That one interaction, seeing him reading to his granddaughter… it doesn’t matter from here on out if I hand out even one more book. That was worth it right there.
