What Does My Public Library Mean To Me?
by Jessica Some
age 15, Murfreesboro

What does my public library mean to me? It is a place which offers me the privilege of knowledge and enjoyment. The library always has a calming, positive, atmosphere generated by the staff. Linebaugh has become my second home.

Do we realize what a privilege it is to be able to access the literary, audio, and visual works of the library free of charge?  In other countries, people thirst after books and knowledge in hopes of better lives.  The library is so much more than a building with books.  This place teems with stories, facts, statistics, and histories from so many people and so many locations.  Any citizen who desires may learn as much as he or she wants.  Knowledge is one of the most powerful assets in the world.  The library presents so many opportunities to learn and enjoy, and so many people let the chances slip through their fingers.

The library radiates optimism and friendliness.  The staff members are willing to go above and beyond what you ask them, and many of them always have ready smiles on their lips.  That book you are looking for isn’t on the shelf?  They will dig through ten crates of books to find it if you are willing to wait.  Are you feeling downhearted and melancholy? Mr. Rick will put a smile on your face, and bring laughter to even the most tired and impatient.  If you forgot your wallet at the desk and unwittingly depart, Mr. Dave will run desperately down the stairs to the parking lot in hopes of flagging you down.  The positive attitudes of all the staff members and their encouraging remarks never fail to calm me down and relieve my stress.

Linebaugh has become my second home.  The peacefulness of the reading areas draws me in, to the rows of books just waiting to be read.  I remain captivated by the hope of discovering yet another amazing story.  The clerks and pages are like family to me.  They know me very well, and I am so happy to know each and every one of them.  Their smiles and friendly conversations impact my life for the better, and I hope that I may also make a difference in their lives.

My public library holds so much importance in my life.  This is my home, a place of friendship and knowledge.  This is my public library. 

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