The Library Is Netflix You Already Paid For
The pandemic has pushed us all to find sources of entertainment in our homes and away from our loved ones. That push sent me back to a place I had long forgotten. The local library.
When was the last time you went to the library? If you’re like most Americans, it’s been a while. According to a Pew research study, about 60% of Americans haven’t been to the library in the last year.
It’s a shame. The library is dope. When I was living in a small apartment with 4 other roommates, I found myself nipping over to the library whenever I just needed a moment to myself. I received a quiet and isolation that was impossible to find in my big city close quarters living situation.
Life moves on, and as I settled into a domestic partnership, my home life grew quieter. Stepping out to the library no longer became a required ritual for my sanity. Needs and wants are different though. After reconnecting with my library, I’ve rediscovered the library and found it still has more to offer me.
I was blown away to see that my library has shifted away from just books, and now has entire multimedia sections on offer. There’s kitchen gadgets, laptops, and yard games for loan as well. In a single afternoon I left my library with the latest Pokemon game for Nintendo Switch, an interactive French language program, and a pasta maker. A pasta maker! It makes pasta!
There’s still the same quiet sections available to read, write, or do work. As a writer, that’s something I can appreciate. With the variety of distractions available at home, an isolated space away from pets, spouses, and television gives me a chance to disconnect and focus on the task at hand.
The best of all this, is that it’s something you’ve already paid for. Your state and local taxes go towards funding the library and the things on offer. It’s all there for your taking. The library is a Netflix subscription you’ve already paid for.