My apologies for the silence the last couple of weeks … we’re in the midst of an illness in our family and have spent a lot of time dealing with doctors and hospitals and such.
I remember the old library on Independence Boulevard, next to the Circuit City and the Toys R Us. All three are long gone, but I spent a few hours in that library every three weeks. It was one of my favorite places growing up, and I can still envision it, over 40 years later, in my mind. Libraries (not media centers, but libraries) are a treasure and I’m saddened my kids spend almost all their free time on their phones and none of it at libraries.
The old Independence Branch was my local library when I first moved to Charlotte in the 1990s When we started the process of buying a house, the librarian there gave me a booklet with amortization tables, so I could understand how financing a house purchase worked. I became a librarian in that system myself, where I had the experience that Tommy describes - of taking the call from someone - a professional author, a student with a homework assignment, or someone doing their family tree - and sharing their excitement at finding an answer. It was a privilege to do that work for my fellow residents of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, and to do it among skilled and devoted colleagues.
Beautiful speech, Tommy. I read every Hardy Boys mystery known to man growing up in Ballinger in rural West Central Texas. My hometown library was a Carnegie Public Library, which were of course all over the country for almost a century. Ballinger’s is one of the few still operational in its original building today. Carnegie may have been one of the quintessential “robber barons” of the late 19th century, and he was, but all those libraries were a very good thing. I pray the current hysterical fever, over libraries and so much more, breaks soon. Libraries, like hope, are a beautiful thing.
Nancy Drew! Childcraft! What great memories. We grew up out in the county and one summer my mom arranged for the bookmobile to come to our house every couple of weeks... nirvana!! What a gift that was. I am now wishing I had thought to thank her for that before we lost her last year (at 94!). So sorry to hear anyone in your family has not been doing well. Hope for better health for them soon!
This makes me wonder if y'all might like the TV series "The Librarians." It's a similar format to "Leverage," with a team of usually five going out to right a wrong (two of the actors carry over from "Leverage"). In this series, the wrongs tend to be historical rather than financial, but preserving the culture is the basic goal (as I remember it, anyway; it's been a few years).
As for medical stuff, we are deploying The White Hot Glare of Righteousness on behalf of those who need it.
Tommy - I thought of you last night when I saw my copy of Dogland, and realized I hadn’t gotten a newsletter in a while. I am sorry to hear of your family troubles and hope there is healing and ease very soon for you and your loved ones. Loved your speech about libraries— your words are so beautiful! And when you’re not writing your voice is definitely missed. 💛
Tommy, if you’re into music and art and are ever in LA, check out the Brand Library in Glendale, California. It’s gorgeous and peaceful. My favorite. Sending good vibes.
Hi Tommy: I’m sending loving thoughts your way with embracing hugs! I gave a talk on Thursday at the Mechanics’ Institute built in 1859 for the gold miners. A stunningly gorgeous library near Union Square that was started with four books, Google it to take in its beauty today with its three open floors of books.
Well said, Tommy. I have not thought about Jupiter Jones for many many years. Ah but what joy he brought me. I too was jealous of him living in a trailer in a junk yard!! What would we do without libraries..
When you are not around, you are missed. I think we all have experience of health issues in families and we know how hard it can be. Sending love and good vibes your way. Know you are not alone and there's a force of us behind you.
I remember the old library on Independence Boulevard, next to the Circuit City and the Toys R Us. All three are long gone, but I spent a few hours in that library every three weeks. It was one of my favorite places growing up, and I can still envision it, over 40 years later, in my mind. Libraries (not media centers, but libraries) are a treasure and I’m saddened my kids spend almost all their free time on their phones and none of it at libraries.
The old Independence Branch was my local library when I first moved to Charlotte in the 1990s When we started the process of buying a house, the librarian there gave me a booklet with amortization tables, so I could understand how financing a house purchase worked. I became a librarian in that system myself, where I had the experience that Tommy describes - of taking the call from someone - a professional author, a student with a homework assignment, or someone doing their family tree - and sharing their excitement at finding an answer. It was a privilege to do that work for my fellow residents of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, and to do it among skilled and devoted colleagues.
Beautiful speech, Tommy. I read every Hardy Boys mystery known to man growing up in Ballinger in rural West Central Texas. My hometown library was a Carnegie Public Library, which were of course all over the country for almost a century. Ballinger’s is one of the few still operational in its original building today. Carnegie may have been one of the quintessential “robber barons” of the late 19th century, and he was, but all those libraries were a very good thing. I pray the current hysterical fever, over libraries and so much more, breaks soon. Libraries, like hope, are a beautiful thing.
Nancy Drew! Childcraft! What great memories. We grew up out in the county and one summer my mom arranged for the bookmobile to come to our house every couple of weeks... nirvana!! What a gift that was. I am now wishing I had thought to thank her for that before we lost her last year (at 94!). So sorry to hear anyone in your family has not been doing well. Hope for better health for them soon!
Libraries are treasures and the bookmobile that came around in the summers were my saving grace. Prayers for your family as you deal with illness.
This makes me wonder if y'all might like the TV series "The Librarians." It's a similar format to "Leverage," with a team of usually five going out to right a wrong (two of the actors carry over from "Leverage"). In this series, the wrongs tend to be historical rather than financial, but preserving the culture is the basic goal (as I remember it, anyway; it's been a few years).
As for medical stuff, we are deploying The White Hot Glare of Righteousness on behalf of those who need it.
We have seen “The Librarians”! Very enjoyable.
Tommy - I thought of you last night when I saw my copy of Dogland, and realized I hadn’t gotten a newsletter in a while. I am sorry to hear of your family troubles and hope there is healing and ease very soon for you and your loved ones. Loved your speech about libraries— your words are so beautiful! And when you’re not writing your voice is definitely missed. 💛
Prayers for you and your family. We are all pulling for y’all.
Sending warm thoughts your way, Tommy. Prayers for your family.
Tommy, if you’re into music and art and are ever in LA, check out the Brand Library in Glendale, California. It’s gorgeous and peaceful. My favorite. Sending good vibes.
Hi Tommy: I’m sending loving thoughts your way with embracing hugs! I gave a talk on Thursday at the Mechanics’ Institute built in 1859 for the gold miners. A stunningly gorgeous library near Union Square that was started with four books, Google it to take in its beauty today with its three open floors of books.
"Libraries are national parks for our minds." Well stated
Sending you and your family best wishes, from one south Georgia kid in PM to another.
Praying for God’s peace that passes all understanding to fill your heart and mind as you navigate this season of family illness and pain.
A library in Glen Park, Indiana filled my childhood with peace and wonder.
Dolly Weathersbee
Well said, Tommy. I have not thought about Jupiter Jones for many many years. Ah but what joy he brought me. I too was jealous of him living in a trailer in a junk yard!! What would we do without libraries..
T - praying for y’all. Love, Lynn Cain
Thank you, Lynn. Although I have to say: You were no William Andrews.
When you are not around, you are missed. I think we all have experience of health issues in families and we know how hard it can be. Sending love and good vibes your way. Know you are not alone and there's a force of us behind you.