What Does My Public Library Mean To Me?
by Agnes Thomas
age 51, Murfreesboro

Reading has always been a very important part of my life, so it is essential for me to have access to the city’s library.  Although I am a student at Middle Tennessee State University, and have to use of the school’s massive library, I still feel drawn to Linebaugh.  There are many reasons that Linebaugh Library means so much to me and why it continues to have my patronage and deserves my loyalty.

There is a special atmosphere at Linebaugh that I can not find at any other library.  When I walk through the doors, I am always greeted with smiles from the staff.  They go out of their way to help find books, locate information, and converse with me in a sincere manner.  They are knowledgeable and interested in everyone walking through their doors.  While I am waiting in line to be serviced, they always acknowledge that I’m there; say they are sorry for the wait; and let me know they will be with me as soon as possible.

I also love Linebaugh’s location.  It is nestled in the heart of the town square here in downtown Murfreesboro.  There are park benches and a beautiful fountain which makes for a calming atmosphere while reading outdoors.  Sometimes I sit for hours reading by the fountain.  Linebaugh also stands out for me when it comes to customer parking.  While many downtown cities have libraries that require paid parking, I can park for free in the parking garage and take the elevator to the library, therefore I am not worried about putting money in the meter and can enjoy my library experience.

Linebaugh is also very interested in children.  The statue at the main entrance of the library is evidence of this fact.  A bronze statue of a man with a book reading to a child is proof of Linebaugh’s commitment to children.  Linebaugh has many programs to enhance children’s reading abilities as well as parental involvement in this process.  Children and adults have access to computers, educational videos, tutoring, and staff assistance.

Linebaugh, however, has a very special meaning to me.  I am a native of Chicago and have no family here in Tennessee.  Books for me are company.  Although I can be entertained, travel, meet interesting people through books, when I go to Linebaugh, I feel as though I have a family.  They have always been very kind to me.  When the librarians take time to have conversations with me, it makes me feel as though I’m not alone; that I belong somewhere.

I know every time I walk through Linebaugh’s doors, I will see a friendly face and receive a warm smile.  When I leave Linebaugh, I will leave with a smile, a book, DVDs, and tapes.  Although I have to return the library items, the smile I keep.  This is what my library means to me. 

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