Library Propaganda

This reminds me of well-loved books; most people think that a beat up book is a sad thing, but it all depends on the way that it's beat up, as you can tell whether it got that way from being mistreated vs read so many times.

> be me

oh, i'll just go to the library for one book, and that's IT. just one. like this book here! that looks very interesting. i will take out this b- oh, but this book, now this looks very good too. ... it's unfair of me to choose :( i will just take them both, i can always renew them. now time for me to go and study- oh! what's this? oooh what an enticing blurb! i like this book too. my darling you shall go on the pile. everyone belongs. i can always renew them. and while i'm here.. ... i was looking for a book about- yes! this book! this is perfect! ohh i am so glad im not dead. now i have so many wonderful books. this is plenty :) i don't need anym- oh! look! another book... ... ........ .. . i can always renew them......

Break out of your "comfort zone" and read something from a new perspective - you might discover that expanding that zone is exciting, empowering, and ultimately provides a great sense of comfort by making the unfamiliar more familiar. Reading (or listening or watching, however you prefer to access media) beyond the familiar expands your capability for empathy and enriches your perspective of the world!

Saw someone on Reddit asking what the requirements are for going to the library. Not to get a card and check stuff out. Just to hang out there. I don't mean to make fun of the poster for not knowing. I blame capitalism and the reduction of third spaces for making the idea of being able to just exist in a free public space seem like a strange concept to people. Anyway. This inspired a meme.

Hey hey, as a librarian, can I just say don’t pace yourself at the library. I get a lot of customers saying “oh I shouldn’t get too many books out at once” but like you should!!!! Max out your card, take everything we have on a subject you’re interested in, make a book fort in your home. We love that shit! It doesn’t matter if you read them or not; just take them for an adventure and bring them back whenever they’re due!

Also, anything you remove from a shelf to look at to see if you want to read it or if you pull out a bunch to use for homework/research, please leave them on the table you’re sitting at. Some libraries have carts left around to put them on. These count towards usage statistics as well.

Hey do you have any good queer/LGBTQIA theory reading recommendations? It’s a broad ask but I’m not sure where to begin.