Where Everybody Knows Your Name . . .

. . . and they're always glad you came. . . You wanna go where people know, people are all the same, you wanna go where everybody knows your name.

So I had a SUPER crappy day yesterday full of lame drama and I was feeling really bad about it and then it made me feel bad and sad about other stuff. I spent a lot of yesterday crying and ended up with a GIANT headache. It stunk! Plus, I hardly ever cry. Seriously, I can count the times I cry each year on one hand. It kind of takes a lot of stress and drama to make me cry.

I had to return some books to the library and no joke, as soon as I stepped into the library I felt a little weight slide off my shoulders. I browsed the cookbook and new non-fiction section and looked around in the kids books as well. 

When I went up the the circulation desk to present my card and check out my books the librarian said, "Oh, I already pulled you up on the computer, Opal*Q." Then she smiled her warm friendly librarian smile. A few days ago a book I had requested came in and when I went to pick it up one of the librarians said, "We knew you would be really excited that this finally came in!" I know they are just doing their job, but they really make me feel like they actually know me. I know this sounds really sentimental, but it is true and with the stupid haterade junk that is going on in my life it just feels good to know that there are people out there in the community who care about me, even if it is just book related.

The library is my home away from home. I go there a few times a week and check out at least 50 books at a time. The librarians call me "the lady with the bottomless bags" and always laugh when they give me a 6' long receipt of all the books I've checked out and say, "this one is even longer than last time." I can put my feet up and read while the kids look at books or play with toys or play on the computers. I feel so relaxed in the library, even the smell of books is soothing. The librarians are my Sam, Cliff, Norm, Diane, Carla and Woody, the books my addictive relief.

Is there a place you go where everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came? Do you have a home away from home or a peaceful spot you can escape to when everything in your life seems stressful? 

Me? The Public Library for Union County, AHHHHHHHHHH. . . .