Library tribute from Derry New Hampshire

Derry Public Library at 64 East Broadway, Derry, NH

Nice article beautifully describes "My library: Literay home away from home- rewards repeated visits", published in the Northern New England Journey (MarchApril 2019). Those of us who love our libraries will relate to this article by Rosalie J. Karjala.

What is it about our little town library that excites me? One of two in the town of Derry New Hampshire, it perches on a side street here, next to a park, a throwback to simpler times.  Once inside, I feel as though I'm in my favorite restaurant with a three dessert sampler in front of me, my spoon poised in anticipation. All these books! I'm ravenous for words, starving for stories, my voyeuristic urges eager to peer into other peoples' lives, real or imagined.

The women behind the front desk welcomes me with a smile of recognition- I'm well known from my frequent forays into the stacks.  And, it's all there waiting for me, free for the taking.  Truth in fiction, treasures in fantasy. Human folly revealed, stripped bare of pretensions.  P plethora of information in bold, pre-electronic print, mine to hold in my hands.  Real pages waiting to be turned.  An abundance of endless gifts.

I don't even mind the officious librarian whose cheery desk sign reads "Please bother me- your question is more important than my task!"  Her body language, however, tells me to do anything but that. I smile at the irony and interrupt her anyway only to have my suspicions confirmed as she first ignores me, then looks up in irritation. But, I press on. This is a battle I can win.  Slowly, she warms to my inquiries about G.K.Chesterton as she picks up on my excitement. She can't resist. Her librarian soul has been awakened. She emerges from behind her fortress like desk and trots off eagerly in the direction of the book I am seeking.

"Come here- I'll show you just where to find it!"

I love her for the orderly quiet she imposes on this place.  I love her for her hissings of "shh!" when those two teenagers, at that table over there, start to giggle. I love the way she reminds me, "You realize that the fine for late DVDs is a dollar a day." She revels in her power over me, but who cares? 

I wander through the quietness, savorign the dusty smell of old books.  How long has it been since anyone checked some of them out?  Henry F. MacGregor, a library patron, looks down in august splendor from his portrait hanging over the 93-year-old brick fireplace. The fire spreads its blanket of warmth over me as I nestle into a chair with a real, genuine book. The stained glass window shuts out New Hampshire's pelting winter rain. Pages turn. My imagination sours, caught up in Chesterton's metaphors. 

The feast is on!

Rosalie J. Karjal is a 27 yeaer member resident in Derry, New Hampshire. Her essay is published on the back page of Northern New England Journey, March/April 2019.