Friday, August 17, 2012

Thank You, Enoch Pratt

Ever since I was a little girl, I've loved going to the library. Especially in the summer. Walking out of a steamy summer night and into the library, I'd sigh with relief as cool air washed over my body. This cool and quiet land was a place of wonder and I'd stand stand amazed by the sheer volume and variety of books surrounding me. I'd stare in awe at glossy hardcovers with bold titles and polished author portraits on the back. I'd slowly pry out a classic wedged on a bottom shelf, carefully brushing my fingers over its crumbling binding. I'd flip open front covers and skim through summaries searching for stories to grab my attention. Someones deepest thoughts and dreams printed clearly on paper for me to read - I knew books were special. Gathering book after book into my trusty cloth bag, I'd walk through the library like a triumphant farmer after a bountiful harvest. I signed up for a library card and couldn't believe that just by printing my name on the back of a small piece of plastic I could access all of these books, whenever I wanted, for free! It was magic.

Baltimore has a great public library. The Enoch Pratt Free Library is one of the oldest free library systems in the United States and has 23 branches throughout the city, plus a bookmobile. 23 branches! This means that in almost any Baltimore neighborhood books are easily accessible to everyone and anyone, for free. I try to go to the library every other week to stock up on books. Spending time at the library is one of my favorite things to do in the city because it's fun and free. An amazing resource for books or media of any kind, each time I go, I know I'm the lucky recipient of an amazing gift.

This gift came from Enoch Pratt. Enoch Pratt grew up in Massachusetts and moved to Baltimore with only $150 in his pocket. Pratt worked hard, very hard, and turned that $150 into a fortune. As a successful businessman Pratt saw that the people of Baltimore were ambitious, but that they "didn't have many ways to improve themselves." In 1886, Mr. Pratt founded the library with 32,000 volumes, four branch libraries, and a $1,058,333.00 endowment for upkeep and expansion. He said that Baltimore needed a library "for all, rich and poor without distinction of race or color" and he used his fortune to provide it.

I think most people can agree that libraries do good for their communities, but only in Baltimore have I really seen just how much good they can do. The official mission of The Enoch Pratt Free Library is "to provide equal access to information and services that empower, enrich, and enhance the quality of life for all." Every time I visit the Enoch Pratt Free Library, I see this mission in action. I see students studying in specially designated areas, focused and learning hard. Many of these kids don't have a quiet and undisturbed home where they can do their homework, but at the library, they have this space.

The library also has a huge number of computers which you can reserve by the hour. It's one of the only places with totally free Internet in Baltimore and for many people, "free" is the only thing they can afford. There's also an extensive media collection at the library and audio books, DVDs, and CDs in case you have trouble reading or just want something to listen to in the car. In the hot summer and freezing winter, the library is a haven for Baltimoreans who need shelter and a break from the elements. Filled with light, seats, peace and quiet, if you to spend time indoors, do it at the library.

I find books on gardening, on business, on cooking, on traveling, on everything I can think of and more. I pick up books and delve into someones thoughts and ideas, stretching and expanding my own. My fellow library goers are Moms and their babies, college students, high school students, homeless people, business professionals, entrepreneurs etc., all mixed races and walks of life. Each person is different, but all are given the same opportunity at the library which is to read, learn, educate, and "improve themselves" just as Mr. Pratt wished.

As I check out, a father helps his son sign up for a library card across the counter from me. The boy's excited face tells me that this is his first, his own, library card.  While they wait for the librarian to assist them, I overhear the father tell his son, "This card is better than any plane ticket. Books can take you anywhere. Here, at the library, this is where the adventure begins."

I watch the boy sign his name on a small piece of plastic. He reverently checks his first book out of the library.

It's still magic.

4 comments:

  1. Oh, wow. I was so happy to see such a vibrant library system when I moved to Baltimore, and I was reading your entry and nodding along, but I actually teared up when you mentioned the father and his son. What a strong role model this little boy has!

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    1. I was tearing up too! Thank you for your nice comment Karen!

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  2. Dear Carling,

    Thank you for sharing this wonderful story! I have posted a link to it on the Library's Pratt Chat blog.
    http://www.prattlibrary.org/booksmedia/blog/prattchat.aspx?id=76140&blogid=12298

    Sincerely,
    Jessica Keyes

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