Library Of Congress
Working at a Retirement Community, I plan and participate in programs and special events with active seniors. I enjoy creating opportunities that will continue to stimulate their active minds because a healthy mind doesn’t happen by chance. It takes drive, effort and intention to maintain cognitive function and wellbeing.
The residents I work with are well educated, passionate, funny and purposeful in their pursuit of all things meaningful and fabulous. They demand the best, and rightfully so.
I often tell them, this is not a job, but a Master Class. They are the teachers, and I am the eager pupil, learning and growing from their shared wisdom. I really do appreciate their stories, hanging on to every word, and expression. More often than not, the expressions are priceless. They are medicinal too, keeping my heart happy.
I recently planned a trip to the Library Of Congress (LOC). I’ve been to many libraries throughout the United States and elsewhere, but never to the LOC. I am in Washington, DC on a regular basis to visit museums, attend concerts and dine, but never visited the LOC. There are no excuses as to why. (I was surprised to learn how many residents had not been to the LOC. It’s been on their list, but like me, they never made it.)
That all changed yesterday. Some trips are more popular than others, and provide more enthusiasm. This was one of those trips that made everyone happy. What can I say? The Library Of Congress is beautiful, a real masterpiece. A true gem, indeed.
From the LOC website: "Today's Library of Congress is an unparalleled world resource. The collection of more than 173 million items includes more than fifty-one million cataloged books and other print materials in 470 languages; more than 75 million manuscripts; the largest, rare book collection in North America; and the world's largest collection of legal materials, films, maps, sheet music and sound recordings."
In addition to the Library Of Congress, I recently visited the George Peabody Library and Enoch Pratt Free Library, each showcasing their own style and magnificence. Libraries… They are REMARKABLE!
In the age of social media and with the movement to ban books, libraries are more important than ever. With budgeting woes and cutbacks, your local libraries need your support. The easiest way to do this is by showing up and using your local library as a resource. While you’re at it, volunteer. How about starting a book club?
