From the ALA press release: “National Library Week (April 7-13, 2024) is a time to celebrate our nation’s libraries, library workers’ contributions and promote library use and support. The theme for National Library Week 2024 is ‘Ready, Set, Library,’ illustrating the idea that in our always-online world, libraries give us a green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most. “
Long before there was an online world, libraries were a special place for me. So much so that when, separately, two people tried to encourage me to run for one of the three Open Seats on the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees, I had to pause a moment before saying no.
How did I find a way to resist the temptation? This was a very ego-gratifying ask. The role is important. I am well qualified. (Why am I uncomfortable writing a sentence about myself that is demonstrably true? I’ll ask my shrink as soon as I get one.)
I said no because I had to reread something I wrote three months ago, Saying NO and being OK. Just because I published it doesn’t mean I had internalized it.
I’ve looked at the markers. A pile of medical reimbursements I could have submitted three months ago is still growing. I get notifications from Ancestry about my genealogy that I haven’t checked all of 2024. The number of completed blog posts in my reserve pile is constantly shrinking.
Already doing library stuff
Some of the issues are library-related. I’m on the Friends and Foundation of the Albany Public Library board and have a project that’s become a bit of an albatross.
More pressingly, three of us have been finding speakers for the book reviews, and the author talks every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Usually, the person who books them takes care of details, such as checking their technological needs and introducing the speaker. But one of us has recently been in the hospital and is still in rehabilitation. This means more work on the engagement day and finding speakers for future talks.
(Maybe it was a too-subtle hint. I’m actively looking for folks who would like to do book reviews, and author talks in July or later.)
BTW, here’s the April schedule for the 2 pm Tuesday talks at the Washington Avenue branch:
April 2 | Special Program | Donna Liquori, freelance writer & editor, writes the Bibliofiles column for the Albany Times Union; she will discuss the culture of reading.
April 9 | Book Review | American Visions: The United States: 1800-1860 by Edward L. Ayers. Reviewer: John Rowen, former president, Friends of APL.
April 16 | Author Talk | Katherine Harbour, who is inspired by world mythology & folklore, discusses & reads from her Young Adult novel, The Dark Fable: Magic . . . Mayhem . . . Murder.
April 23 | Book Review | Freedom’s Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance to Federal Power by Jefferson Cowie. Reviewer: Erasmus Schneider, PhD, retired cancer researcher, interested in current affairs & history.
More NLW stuff
The FFAPL is having a National Library Week Soiree on Wednesday, April 10, at 6:30 p.m. at the Delaware Avenue branch of the Albany Public Library. The event costs $30. Here’s the NLW Kelly FFAPL flyer.
Jack Kelly, journalist, historian, and author of God Save Benedict Arnold: The True Story of America’s Most Hated Man, will give a short talk on a fresh perspective on the reasons for Arnold’s momentous change of heart.
Dinner is to be catered by Mamoun’s Falafel, including meat and vegan options. Wine, coffee, and dessert included. Tickets are available online now.
