What Does My Public Library Mean To Me?
by Pam Davis
age 53, Murfreesboro

In a world hurling toward business achievement where faster service often means less of a personal touch, and efficient technology often means less quality of a product, we still have the Linebaugh Library which is the best of both worlds.  I moved to Murfreesboro more than four years, and one of my first stops in town was to visit Linebaugh Library.  I marveled at the convenient parking.  Upon entering the lovely facility, I felt the center of the community was located within the walls.  It is quite lovely and comfortable both outside and inside.  The décor speaks of warmth, of friendliness, and of beauty.  It is a quiet place but not overly so.  Once can hold a quiet conversation there without feeling he is offending the sensibilities of one and all.  Upstairs there is a great room with couches and chairs to let people spread out and find a place to read without quietly.  The warm colors and décor make it a pleasing place to be.  That is why I think of the Linebaugh Library as something special. Linebaugh Library has many amenities.

First it has what I would expect of a library. It has all the books I need to keep me sane in my life of transition.  The lovely interior is a beautiful place to come to read.  And so I have. I also found books I can take with me while I am carrying life in the fast lane: books on tape to listen to while I drive across town and cook dinner. There are also books for every member of my family and books for study and pleasure.  When I cannot return the books on their due date, help is only a phone call away.  And that takes me to another favorite amenity about Linebaugh Library.

I will not even call them the “personnel” or “employees.”  They are real people.  They are great people.  If they don’t like working there, they keep it a secret.  They seem to work together in unity and harmony and are quick to serve one another.  And not only are the folks at Linebaugh congenial with one another, their since of camaraderie and good will spills over to bless their customers--to bless me. When I call to renew a book, I am always--and I mean always--greeted by a welcoming voice who seems honored to take my call. I am not exaggerating. Many places of business do not have that same good service. When I come to the library I recognize the voices and see a ready smile on faces when they see me.  It is like home only better. They don’t have to be nice to me, but they are anyway. Although Linebaugh Library has old-fashion work ethics, it is not old-fashioned.

Murfreesboro, Tennessee is a place of expanding technology, and Linebaugh Library is right here with the rest of the world. I am amazed at the established computer area and the number and kinds of classes the library offers. And the classes are free! Not only that, anyone--even me--can use the computers just by clicking a few buttons to reserve one. I began to appreciate the uniqueness of the Library in a new way when I noted that there is now an automatic check-out opportunity located in a convenient place between the customer service area and the computer area. Although it would make the employees lives easier, I assume, it customers such as I would use that machine to check out books, the employees never grumble to see me or anyone else form lines at the check-out section. They could be replacing books on the shelves, but they seem glad to wait on customers who, like me, prefer the personal touch.  That is why it is so refreshing to have such a pleasant place to frequent.

I could say more words about Linebaugh Library, but is really only boils down to a number. Sixteen. Linebaugh Library is sixteen letters that spell home-away-from-home. I am glad they leave the lights on. I’m on way there now!

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