Dear Libraries,
It’s not you, it’s me.
We’ve had an amazing relationship.
You’ve supported me for 20 years and…
…introduced me to beautiful souls who find joy in serving and who see the world for what it could be.
…taught me to fight for the underdog and break down the walls of power.
…allowed me to act as a mentor, to experience the fulfillment of knowing I could help empower others.
I don’t feel like we’re on the same page anymore.
You once taught me to be neutral, to remove myself from the query and focus on the other person’s needs and intent.
Now I’m not so sure.
Remaining silent condemns me.
Speaking my mind crucifies me.
Damned no matter what I do.
I realize not all of this is your fault.
You didn’t start the culture wars exploding all around us.
But you did throw the kerosene.
You forgot about empathy and replaced it with righteousness and by doing so you isolated our brothers and sisters on the frontline…the ones who never lost touch with the people.
You forgot our call to represent all…
…which means understanding the drag queen who just wants to be understood and the parent desperately trying to protect their child from a rapidly changing world they no longer recognize.
…which means addressing the fear behind the hate without shutting out the hater.
I am removing myself from this equation.
Feeling slightly guilty that I leave others to fight the battles.
I hope that our separation allows us both to grow in whatever way we each need to survive.
And perhaps, someday, we will meet again. Stronger in spirit and purpose.
10 Comments
Some days I wish I didn’t have to stay in libraries, but other days are totally worth it. I wish I had the opportunity to do what you are doing. You’re very lucky and I for one can’t wait to see where your journeys take you. I’ll be looking for trip tips and when I can finally afford to take a vacation (next year), I’ll be seeing what your site has to offer.
Thanks Karen, I was hoping this post would be therapeutic for other librarians. As frustrated as I’ve felt this past year, I still love our profession. I will most definitely be sharing some good tips for traveling on a tight budget, so stay tuned. We’re going to try car camping, homestays and more!
I’d like to be part of your blogs or posts on travel. I’m off to Alaska shortly.
I was willing to drive from LC to Jennings to hear you. So worth the drive!
Hi Glynetta, that sounds fabulous! We still haven’t visited Alaska so you’ll have to take notes for me. The easiest way to follow our adventures and not miss anything is to join our newsletter on https://tripstowalkabout.com — there will also be lots of beautiful pictures and video being posted on our Instagram and Facebook @ptavocados
Have fun in Alaska!!
Clare—the world and the profession sure ain’t what they used to be. The last year and a half’s been tough. Good time to be getting out. Best of luck.
Yes indeed, sometimes we just have to walk away and regroup. And I know y’all know this even more so than me.
Clare, I’m so sorry to see you leave the “library world” but I’m excited for the new exciting things that are in store for you. I think that libraries are still basically or fundamentally the same, but as they have been infiltrated by politics and agenda minded people, they have tried to please everyone without pleasing anyone. Guess libraries just need to “regroup” somehow. Thank you for leading the JDPL and providing the leadership that it needed. You will be missed.
Thanks Trudy. Yes, I think we all need to step back, breathe, and regroup.
27 years in public libraries, so far (Texas and Louisiana). There are definitely trying days/months, and an intensifying culture war, but ‘m still plugging away, even if ‘ve said for years ‘d like to work at another National Park for one of their concessionaires.
Bart, I could definitely see you in a National Park, especially as a guest concierge or a curator at one of the monuments. 3 more years and you’ll have your 30 — dream big my friend! Time passes much too swiftly.