When in Doubt, Go to the Library

“Harry — I think I've just understood something! I've got to go to the library!”
And she sprinted away, up the stairs.
“What does she understand?” said Harry distractedly, still looking around, trying to tell where the voice had come from.
“Loads more than I do,” said Ron, shaking his head.
“But why’s she got to go to the library?”
“Because that’s what Hermione does,” said Ron, shrugging. “When in doubt, go to the library.” 

---  J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Like Hermoine, I head to the library when I find myself in doubt.  It is a place of answers.  When I was pregnant with my first child, it was from What to Expect when You’re Expecting that I checked out from my local Wimberley Village Library (WVL) that I came to understand the changes I was experiencing during that exciting, but frightening time.  As a young mother, Friday story time was the answer to my prayers – allowing me to bond with other moms and my babies in a calm, nurturing environment.  As my kids aged, the summer reading programs kept my girls engaged, and later, gave them a chance to volunteer.  When the time came that my daughters were off with their own plans, the library again answered a need in finding myself.  I had come to doubt who I was beyond a wife and mother.  The library offered me classes, social interactions, lectures, volunteer opportunities… chances to discover who I am now, what interests me, where my passions lie, and how I might positively impact my community.  

I have learned that our dear library (as most libraries have evolved) provides many meaningful solutions to those looking for work, for a work out, for a fun night at the movies, for friendships, for book clubs, for making crafts, for learning a new language, for trying new foods, for professional advice, for a reliable internet connection, and for finding yourself.