Checked it Out at the Library
by Kristin Bridgeford
Member-at-Large of the SLO County Library Foundation board of directors
Little Blue Boy came home on the school bus with me one afternoon. I can still recall the excitement of hanging this reproduction of Thomas Gainsborough’s famous painting in my bedroom for a week. Checking that painting out from my small, elementary school library shaped my love for libraries and the sheer magic of borrowing something unique.
The Blue Boy by Thomas Gainsborough
That early experience taught me a powerful lesson: libraries are treasure chests. They hold stories and information, yes, but more importantly, they offer access.
The school library and the larger local library in my town were gateways to worlds far beyond my hometown. That foundational idea—that the community shares resources so everyone can explore their interests—is more relevant today than ever before. Libraries have evolved far beyond the Dewey Decimal System and quiet reading rooms. They are vibrant hubs of possibility, offering access to an incredible array of items that might surprise you.
Today’s local libraries understand that learning extends beyond books. Want to dabble in gardening without buying expensive tools? You can borrow seed packets or garden tools from our communities’ local libraries. Need to capture a perfect moment or learn a new skill? Our libraries loan out practical items like Wi-Fi hotspots, maker kits for robotics, California State Parks passes, or even an Explorer Backpack complete with binoculars, compass, and wildlife pocket guides.
The spirit of that childhood moment, carrying my beloved Little Blue Boy painting home on the school bus lives on in every unique item available for loan. The library transforms from just a building with shelves into a place where a community shares its curiosity. It’s a brilliant, simple concept: sharing resources makes us all richer.
So, next time you drive past your local library, don’t just think about novels and biographies. Think about the possibilities. Pop in and see what unique “treasures” you can check out. You might just find your community library offers the exact tool, pass, or seed packet you need to start your next great adventure.