Welcome Aboard

"I'm so glad you're here." How many times do we get to hear that statement uttered in sincerety? I've had the pleasure of hearing patrons tell me that several times this past week as I undertook my maiden voyage on the bookmobile. I catch a ride and travel the route with the esteemed bookmobile coordinator: he assists patrons that come aboard the vehicle while I venture into the facilities (with crates of books and A/V materials) to assist patrons who are unable to access the bookmobile. The elderly citizens of Reading are some of the nicest and most enthusiastic folks around. I enjoy watching the anticipation on their faces when I arrive as I unload the books and make my displays. They discuss genre, plot, and character development among themselves as they peruse the collection. When I have a book that someone has been looking forward to reading, the unabashed squeal of delight upon discovery of its presence is a welcome sound to my ears. When I recommend a book and I am thanked for finding a new author to follow, I'm deeply humbled. I knew going into this position that I would enjoy interacting with elderly residents and assisting them in choosing books to read, but what I didn't realize is how profoundly touched I would be by these patrons' recognition and appreciation of the invaluable community service offered them courtesy of the library. The materials they borrow educate, challenge, mystify, and entertain them. They understand the joy, wonder, and knowledge gained from reading. Despite age, poor health, or immobility, these smart, vital people are able to go anywhere, be anything, and feel everything through books. One lady, her weathered canvas tote bag heavy with Harlequins, summed up this notion very nicely by telling me, "Reading books keeps me going."