How Public Libraries Raised Me: A Story of Books, Belief & Belonging
Global display created by the Children’s Librarian at my local library branch in 2023.
🌟Introduction: Why Public Libraries Changed My Life
People often ask me, “How do you know so much about other countries, religions, languages, cultures, history?”
The answer? Books, books, books.
But not just any books – the treasure trove found in public libraries.
These aren’t just buildings full of dusty old tomes; they’re portals to adventure, windows to diverse cultures, and launchpads for personal growth.
How Library Books Shaped My Worldview
I didn’t start traveling internationally until I was about 20 years old. Before that, I got lost in books. They transported me to magical realms where I felt seen, heard, and understood. Usually, by fictional characters but also non-fictional characters as well. And I learned so much! Language, history, culture, and religion.
When I had questions that nobody could answer? Books. When I had questions that I wasn’t satisfied with the answers to? Books. I learned other people with a similar background as me had the same questions regarding many different topics that I did.
They challenged my perceptions. They showed me the world is a big and complicated place and there was SO MUCH that I didn’t know beyond what was in my realm of the known. They made me laugh. They made me cry. They became my faithful companion in times of loneliness, sorrow, and death. They provided solace when no other human could reach my soul (or so I felt at that time. Okay I still feel that!)
I didn’t know it at that time but they helped expand my vocabulary. They reaffirmed my belief that certain things do not have to remain a certain way. That change was possible.
Discovering Women’s History Through Library Books
My love affair with books started long before I could travel the world. One book that rocked my world was ‘The Twentieth Wife‘ by Indu Sundaresan, a gift from my world literature teacher. It introduced me to Mughal Empress Nur Jahan, a badass woman who ruled 17th century India from behind the scenes. This wasn’t just a history lesson; it was like finding a long-lost relative who showed me what women could achieve even in the most restrictive times.
Nur Jahan wasn’t content with being a pretty face in the palace. She was changing laws, signing royal edicts, and basically running the show while her husband, Emperor Jahangir, wore the crown. Talk about girl power in the 1600s! This book didn’t just entertain me; it lit a fire in me to discover more hidden heroines of history.
As my literary journey continued, I discovered even more remarkable women whose stories had been overlooked by history. Recently, I devoured ‘The Secret Life of Sunflowers’ by Marta Molnar, a book that introduced me to Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, the unsung hero behind Vincent van Gogh’s fame. This woman, Vincent’s sister-in-law, is the reason we know anything about Van Gogh today! She refused to burn his paintings or sell them cheap, and thanks to her stubbornness and courage, we can enjoy Van Gogh’s work today.
Before I knew it, I was on a literary odyssey, devouring books about amazing women from all corners of the globe. From ‘Female Caligula Ranavalona I: The Mad Queen of Madagascar’ to ‘In the Time of the Butterflies’, each book was like a secret passageway to another world, another time, another woman’s incredible story. My library card was my time machine.
Public Libraries: Safe Havens and Knowledge Hubs
Public libraries are spaces I cherish and consider safe havens. They’ve had an enormous impact on broadening my horizons, providing answers, and making me feel heard and seen. Through the books I read, I discovered others who shared my thoughts and experiences – it was incredibly validating.
I believe I possess a certain ease in having my perceptions challenged because I grew up with access to diverse books presenting various viewpoints. This exposure to different ideas shaped me profoundly.
My Journey From Library Volunteer to Lifelong Advocate
My journey with libraries started early. I consider myself a lifelong patron and supporter, especially since my first “real” job was as a Teen Team volunteer member in middle school. During the summer of 8th grade, I helped children sign up for the summer reading program. It was also then that I learned about the recycling bins in the library parking lot. Inspired, I created a designated recycling box at home, which I diligently emptied at the library every week or two. My family couldn’t escape my passionate lectures on the importance of recycling and environmental consciousness if they dared to slip up!
Speaking of summer reading programs, my fabulous shiny medals from those days are still stored in a box in my garage – precious mementos of my early love for reading.
The public library system even led me to my current religious and spiritual beliefs. I found books by women and feminist writers who shared my background, questions, and experiences. The ability to suggest titles through my account was a game-changer – many of my suggestions were added to the collection! And for books not in our system? The interlibrary loan system came to the rescue 99% of the time. I could request books from different cities or states and pick them up at my convenient local branch. Did I mention this is all free?
This humongous resource taught me world history, opened my eyes to diverse perspectives, and challenged my perceptions. I became comfortable being uncomfortable because I had the freedom to explore any book that interested me, all without spending a dime.
More Than Just Books: The Evolving Role of Modern Libraries
Libraries aren’t just about books anymore. They’ve evolved into essential community hubs:
- Free Audiobooks? just a tap away on library apps.
- Job hunting? Libraries offer resources to help land your dream gig.
- Craving variety? Strengthened interlibrary loan systems give you access to an even wider world of books.
Libraries truly are the world’s biggest, free bookstore – and so much more. They’re gateways to knowledge, catalysts for personal growth, and cornerstones of democracy.
Personal Growth and Recognition
In 2023, I received my first public recognition – an award for a short essay I submitted to my hometown library’s Adult Writing Contest. This honor felt especially meaningful because of how profoundly the public library system has shaped me throughout my life.
Why Public Libraries Are Essential Community Resources
Am I still that bright-eyed, bushy-tailed youngster who wants to save the world? Absolutely! Maybe not in the same gung-ho way as before, but the fire still burns. I still believe in that old saying: those crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.
What fuels that fire? You guessed it – books! But not just any books. The books I’ve discovered through our fantastic public libraries. These treasure troves of knowledge have shaped me, challenged me, and opened my eyes to a world bigger than I ever imagined.
I’m incredibly grateful to the unsung heroes and heroines whose tireless work and advocacy help expand access to these amazing resources. Librarians, staff, volunteers – they all contribute to making libraries the magical places they are.
Public libraries serve as essential goods in our communities, offering far more than just books. They are gateways to knowledge, catalysts for personal growth, and cornerstones of democracy.
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💌Let’s Connect! Have public libraries also had a profound impact on your life?
Share your story with me! 🙂
©2023 – 2026 Aanika I. All Rights Reserved.