So what the heck is a Library Cultist anyway?

I'm so glad you asked...

It may seem like a silly thing to offer such passion and love for a thing that we take as congruous as the Library. It's a fact that there are more libraries that are McDonald's restaurants (as of writing this) so why would you dedicate so much time, money and energy to speaking about how important the Library is? It's there, it's always going to be there, right?

If you want to take that chance in believing that, then that is your right. But I believe it as a responsibility of the citizens of anywhere to pay back resources freely (yes, freely) given in any way possible. You may not have money, gods know that there were times in my life where I didn't have much. But the library was there anyway, offering internet access, clean bathrooms, of course books and even job seeking resources. The librarians and volunteers were helpful and kind, the patrons respectful and the facilities taken care of. It's a beautiful place, and it's the same place whether you have nothing, or everything.

The Library is truly the last bastion offered against this late stage capitalism we find ourselves in. There is not even a moment of feeling the need to pay for your right to be there, the only thing a librarian will almost consistently beg you to do is get a library card and use the resources it unlocks for you. Every library card that's signed up for gives them more funding from the government, you know that thing that consistently takes and takes from anything good in this country? Yeah, they have a harder time arguing to defund the library if enough people use it. If nothing else, visit your library and get a library card, that little thing could make all the difference to an institution that will continue to struggle under this regime of anti-intellectualism and bigotry.

To add to that thought, I want to say I live in a county that still has a recognized Sundown Town (google it) not a 20 minute drive from me. It's where I grew up, from the age of two until I got out in my college years. I admit I didn't get far but I got far enough. Knowing that, and knowing the current climate in this country, you would think the libraries would be suffering from this crackdown against 'Wokeness' or whatever buzzword is being floated now. But I have checked out children's books at my local branch telling the stories of Trans kids, I've seen feminist literature on it's own shelf, surrounded by construction paper decore made by the (all female) team at my local branch. The government of my state of Florida would have you believe that the LGBTQ+ community has all but fled in fear of their neighbors or family due to the massive red state we have become. But as a proudly Bisexual woman, with a Pride flag at my front door and rainbow sunglasses on my face everytime I leave the house, we're fucking here. If the library in my podunk town has sensible reason to keep their shelves filled with every walk of life, then I bet yours would have some surprising stuff too.

All I'm saying is it's a good use of your time and requires no money. Please find your local library and give them some love, attend a crafting event at a branch, download the Libby app and get free audiobooks. (Fuck audible) To avoid giving Google the search, you can find your local branch through here.