We’ve received many wonderful and heartfelt responses to the Love Your Library campaign. Thank you! Throughout April we’re sharing weekly stories and quotes from patron submissions with you. See past messages below and check back for more to come or follow us on social media for updates.
Didn’t get a chance to submit your own special memory or story about Ramsey County Library yet? It’s not too late! Fill out this electronic form online.
4/29/22 Quotes
I Love My Library Because…
“To me the library is a special place, it takes me to places I could never afford to go to. It opens my mind to endless knowledge. It just makes my world so much bigger, and it keeps my brain going. I love it.”
~ Glenn P.
“I love my library for the friendly staff, clean and open spaces to read and study, and many, MANY resources available. My library feels like a second home.”
~ Jessica B.
“The library means a safe space for the diverse community to come celebrate themselves and one another as well as literature. I love that Ramsey County library provides so many community programs and unique places to study because it creates a welcoming homey environment and a sense of belonging on a deep profound level.”
~ Robin M.
“My library card is the most important card in my purse.”
~ Shirley L.
4/22/22
Finding Solace Through Ramsey County Library by Susan M.
“This will seem a sad story, but its ending was made infinitely more peaceful through the agency of a Ramsey County library.
In 2004, my grandfather was in Regions Hospital, dying. Dementia had taken its toll and he was hospitalized with a broken hip and pneumonia, in great pain and confusion. Recovery was unlikely and a long vigil began.
Pa’s favorite pastime had been long-blade ice skating at local arenas, often to live organ music, and my aunt tried comforting him by singing old songs he might remember. It worked; whenever she sang, he visibly relaxed. A few days into this, Auntie was losing her voice and nearing collapse. My mother called to tell me I was expected be at the hospital within an hour, together with a CD player and music familiar to 94-year-old Pa. Really? Where was I going to find that? She suggested the library.
Twenty minutes later I was at the Shoreview library and five minutes after that I’d found the perfect disc. I was hitting play in Pa’s hospital room with time to spare. Mother, no stranger to making unreasonable requests, was flabbergasted; Auntie was just relieved. As the disc played through the first few tracks, Pa’s breathing became less labored, and his arms seemed to relax. When a track called “Yellow Bird” began playing, someone remarked that it had been one of Pa’s favorite skating tunes, and we distracted ourselves by reminiscing about Pa and Grammy and their long association with long-blade skating.
At some point, Auntie looked over at Pa and remarked that he seemed very still. He would never stir again.
We like to think that in Pa’s final moments he was back on the ice, a cool breeze in his face, as he sashayed around the back corner of Aldrich Arena. My family loves the Ramsey County libraries because, at a time of great stress and profound grief, we were able to reach into its vast collection and pluck out the perfect thing to remind our Pa of the wonderful life he had enjoyed, and to which he could return.”
~ Susan M.
4/15/22
This week’s essay comes to us from the Ramsey County Correctional Facility in Maplewood. RCL librarians have established an outreach program where they fill requests from residents and deliver them once a week. The current program began January 2022 and is off to a great start with 939 books delivered to over 100 residents so far! In the first five weeks, there were 60 new library card holders.
What Do I Like Most About the Library Services? by Rafeon Y.
“From my perspective, the endeavors that the library services embark upon are highly celebrated in numerous ways, and it also reflects a groundbreaking experience that I am thankful to have witness first hand.
One of the many attributes of the library services that I find enjoyable is the indisputable truth that the reading materials requested actually comes off book shelves from Ramsey County’s main library that all individuals incarcerated or outside perimeters of confinement can access equally! Personally, that reflects an elite vibration of inspiration and it also reciprocate copious amounts of positive energies within the community.
In addition, the library services tremendously advocates for higher education which (in my opinion) is a narrative that I surely make subscription to. Their attention to creating programs demonstrates the validity of concern for more than the immediate state of intellect in Ramsey County, but for the future of the world…and beyond.
Furthermore, the librarians themselves voluntarily make contributions with their time seeking out, transporting, and oversee the distribution of all the materials requested. It’s so compelling to me; that ir makes my day brighter, and I always look forward to absorbing just a glimpse of their enchanting aura which is purer than the skies after a tropical rain. Since time and memorial, a person who volunteer to help those in need posses the heart of an angel, which symbolizes a true child of god.
In closing, I would like to thank the entire library service staff for their sensational work (because as a team together everyone achieve more). And I would personally like to extend my admiration to the librarians for their polarizing consideration for us all. Once again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
~ Rafeon Y.
4/8/22 Quotes
I Love My Library Because…
“I have 3 grandsons and the library has been a wonderful resource for me from STEAM kits to the take home STEAM projects during COVID, the toddler story times pre-COVID, the online activities and a wonderful breadth of books. The boys are always excited to earn a free book (1000 books before kindergarten) and see some new activity from the library at our home.”
~ Renee R.
“I Love my Library because it’s a good place to study for stressful tests.” ~ Carlos E.
“The library is a portal to knowledge, adventure, truth, and beauty. At this library I have voted, checked out books, and had engaging conversations with neighbors. I love the selection of books, magazines and other media here. There is also a lot of natural light, making it a tranquil environment. I met my wife at the library!”
~ Michael E.
4/1/22
Why I Love My Library by Kashika K.
“I love the Ramsey County Library. The library is an oasis where I can dive head-first into my favorite novel. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved the library. I loved the variety of books available, and all the characters in my books became my friends. And it was all because of Ramsey County Library.
When I was six, I moved here from India. All the way across the globe. I loved the vibrant colors and atmosphere here. Everything was so new. There was so much adventure. I loved my new home – nestled in the hills. But the place I felt most at home was in the library. It had its own special feel.
Every book’s binding called out to me – like it was meant for me. I loved how helpful the librarians were, they would direct me to new books, and old favorites. I would act out my books in the puppet show house. I would come there to spend hours reading Charlotte’s Web, and Where the Wild Things Are.
Then, once I grew older, I came to study. The library had such a relaxing feel. I would spend hours studying Science, English, or Math! On Sundays after brunch, my mom, my brother, and I would come to the library to relax. I would read or finish school assignments, my mom typing away on her laptop, writing emails. My brother would run around finding a 2 feet long stack of children’s books – the old classics – my childhoodfavorites. Sometimes when we had fines on books, we’d come to ‘Read It Down’, I love that feature, how we can pay off fines -just by reading!
When the pandemic hit, I was so sad that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my after brunch reading. When the restrictions softened, I picked up books and creative kits through the drive-through. I loved that there were staff to help us through zoom! I made some candles on the patio, and some beeswax wraps for the kitchen! My brother and I got gardening kits (they came with little gardening tools!) and we learned how to plant seeds, watered them daily, and enjoyed watching our little saplings grow into stunning plants and flowers! Still, every time we went to pick up a kit, I would miss sitting inside, by the tall glass windows, sunlight streaming in and twinkling on all the books so they glistened.
But soon enough the library opened again, and I was back! With masks, it wasn’t the same, but it was even more special. Even in the midst of tornado-like circumstances, the tornado couldn’t harm the books. The magic of the library was too strong. We all had to be six feet apart, but it was heartening that the books could stay together. They were exactly where they used to be, arranged in the same old Dewey Decimal system.
And every Sunday, the sun would again twinkle on the bindings of all the books. I could almost see it smiling as I looked up at it. It was as if it was also happy that my favorite place in the world was now open, once more.”
~ Kashika K.
Additional image from Susan M.’s essay
Ramsey County Library Friends
Ramsey County Library Friends (formerly Friends of the Ramsey County Libraries) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the libraries in making information, books, music, and programs available to the public.
Love Your Library Stories
We’ve received many wonderful and heartfelt responses to the Love Your Library campaign. Thank you! Throughout April we’re sharing weekly stories and quotes from patron submissions with you. See past messages below and check back for more to come or follow us on social media for updates.
Didn’t get a chance to submit your own special memory or story about Ramsey County Library yet? It’s not too late! Fill out this electronic form online.
4/29/22 Quotes
I Love My Library Because…
“To me the library is a special place, it takes me to places I could never afford to go to. It opens my mind to endless knowledge. It just makes my world so much bigger, and it keeps my brain going. I love it.”
~ Glenn P.
“I love my library for the friendly staff, clean and open spaces to read and study, and many, MANY resources available. My library feels like a second home.”
~ Jessica B.
“The library means a safe space for the diverse community to come celebrate themselves and one another as well as literature. I love that Ramsey County library provides so many community programs and unique places to study because it creates a welcoming homey environment and a sense of belonging on a deep profound level.”
~ Robin M.
“My library card is the most important card in my purse.”
~ Shirley L.
4/22/22
Finding Solace Through Ramsey County Library by Susan M.
“This will seem a sad story, but its ending was made infinitely more peaceful through the agency of a Ramsey County library.
In 2004, my grandfather was in Regions Hospital, dying. Dementia had taken its toll and he was hospitalized with a broken hip and pneumonia, in great pain and confusion. Recovery was unlikely and a long vigil began.
Pa’s favorite pastime had been long-blade ice skating at local arenas, often to live organ music, and my aunt tried comforting him by singing old songs he might remember. It worked; whenever she sang, he visibly relaxed. A few days into this, Auntie was losing her voice and nearing collapse. My mother called to tell me I was expected be at the hospital within an hour, together with a CD player and music familiar to 94-year-old Pa. Really? Where was I going to find that? She suggested the library.
Twenty minutes later I was at the Shoreview library and five minutes after that I’d found the perfect disc. I was hitting play in Pa’s hospital room with time to spare. Mother, no stranger to making unreasonable requests, was flabbergasted; Auntie was just relieved. As the disc played through the first few tracks, Pa’s breathing became less labored, and his arms seemed to relax. When a track called “Yellow Bird” began playing, someone remarked that it had been one of Pa’s favorite skating tunes, and we distracted ourselves by reminiscing about Pa and Grammy and their long association with long-blade skating.
At some point, Auntie looked over at Pa and remarked that he seemed very still. He would never stir again.
We like to think that in Pa’s final moments he was back on the ice, a cool breeze in his face, as he sashayed around the back corner of Aldrich Arena. My family loves the Ramsey County libraries because, at a time of great stress and profound grief, we were able to reach into its vast collection and pluck out the perfect thing to remind our Pa of the wonderful life he had enjoyed, and to which he could return.”
~ Susan M.
4/15/22
This week’s essay comes to us from the Ramsey County Correctional Facility in Maplewood. RCL librarians have established an outreach program where they fill requests from residents and deliver them once a week. The current program began January 2022 and is off to a great start with 939 books delivered to over 100 residents so far! In the first five weeks, there were 60 new library card holders.
What Do I Like Most About the Library Services? by Rafeon Y.
“From my perspective, the endeavors that the library services embark upon are highly celebrated in numerous ways, and it also reflects a groundbreaking experience that I am thankful to have witness first hand.
One of the many attributes of the library services that I find enjoyable is the indisputable truth that the reading materials requested actually comes off book shelves from Ramsey County’s main library that all individuals incarcerated or outside perimeters of confinement can access equally! Personally, that reflects an elite vibration of inspiration and it also reciprocate copious amounts of positive energies within the community.
In addition, the library services tremendously advocates for higher education which (in my opinion) is a narrative that I surely make subscription to. Their attention to creating programs demonstrates the validity of concern for more than the immediate state of intellect in Ramsey County, but for the future of the world…and beyond.
Furthermore, the librarians themselves voluntarily make contributions with their time seeking out, transporting, and oversee the distribution of all the materials requested. It’s so compelling to me; that ir makes my day brighter, and I always look forward to absorbing just a glimpse of their enchanting aura which is purer than the skies after a tropical rain. Since time and memorial, a person who volunteer to help those in need posses the heart of an angel, which symbolizes a true child of god.
In closing, I would like to thank the entire library service staff for their sensational work (because as a team together everyone achieve more). And I would personally like to extend my admiration to the librarians for their polarizing consideration for us all. Once again, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
~ Rafeon Y.
4/8/22 Quotes
I Love My Library Because…
“I have 3 grandsons and the library has been a wonderful resource for me from STEAM kits to the take home STEAM projects during COVID, the toddler story times pre-COVID, the online activities and a wonderful breadth of books. The boys are always excited to earn a free book (1000 books before kindergarten) and see some new activity from the library at our home.”
~ Renee R.
“I Love my Library because it’s a good place to study for stressful tests.”
~ Carlos E.
“The library is a portal to knowledge, adventure, truth, and beauty. At this library I have voted, checked out books, and had engaging conversations with neighbors. I love the selection of books, magazines and other media here. There is also a lot of natural light, making it a tranquil environment. I met my wife at the library!”
~ Michael E.
4/1/22
Why I Love My Library by Kashika K.
“I love the Ramsey County Library. The library is an oasis where I can dive head-first into my favorite novel. Ever since I was a little girl, I loved the library. I loved the variety of books available, and all the characters in my books became my friends. And it was all because of Ramsey County Library.
When I was six, I moved here from India. All the way across the globe. I loved the vibrant colors and atmosphere here. Everything was so new. There was so much adventure. I loved my new home – nestled in the hills. But the place I felt most at home was in the library. It had its own special feel.
Every book’s binding called out to me – like it was meant for me. I loved how helpful the librarians were, they would direct me to new books, and old favorites. I would act out my books in the puppet show house. I would come there to spend hours reading Charlotte’s Web, and Where the Wild Things Are.
Then, once I grew older, I came to study. The library had such a relaxing feel. I would spend hours studying Science, English, or Math! On Sundays after brunch, my mom, my brother, and I would come to the library to relax. I would read or finish school assignments, my mom typing away on her laptop, writing emails. My brother would run around finding a 2 feet long stack of children’s books – the old classics – my childhoodfavorites. Sometimes when we had fines on books, we’d come to ‘Read It Down’, I love that feature, how we can pay off fines -just by reading!
When the pandemic hit, I was so sad that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy my after brunch reading. When the restrictions softened, I picked up books and creative kits through the drive-through. I loved that there were staff to help us through zoom! I made some candles on the patio, and some beeswax wraps for the kitchen! My brother and I got gardening kits (they came with little gardening tools!) and we learned how to plant seeds, watered them daily, and enjoyed watching our little saplings grow into stunning plants and flowers! Still, every time we went to pick up a kit, I would miss sitting inside, by the tall glass windows, sunlight streaming in and twinkling on all the books so they glistened.
But soon enough the library opened again, and I was back! With masks, it wasn’t the same, but it was even more special. Even in the midst of tornado-like circumstances, the tornado couldn’t harm the books. The magic of the library was too strong. We all had to be six feet apart, but it was heartening that the books could stay together. They were exactly where they used to be, arranged in the same old Dewey Decimal system.
And every Sunday, the sun would again twinkle on the bindings of all the books. I could almost see it smiling as I looked up at it. It was as if it was also happy that my favorite place in the world was now open, once more.”
~ Kashika K.
Additional image from Susan M.’s essay
Ramsey County Library Friends
Ramsey County Library Friends (formerly Friends of the Ramsey County Libraries) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the libraries in making information, books, music, and programs available to the public.
Donate or Become a Member
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