YES! Our Library...

Over the next three or four days, I’m focusing on positive activities and actions taking place in my small corner of the United States as our country moves into unknown, angst-inducing territory as far as the new President, his Cabinet, and his appointees are concerned.

Public libraries, on the other hand, represent the best of this nation.

The Bellingham Public Library’s Central Library downtown is staying open late on Friday, January 20 — Inauguration Day — and putting on a free, family-friendly event with local musicians, storytellers, face painting, crafts, and more. 

From the library’s website: “This is an important time for communities to come together and find ways to foster hope and kindness,” Janice Keller, Communications Manager for the Bellingham Public Library, said. She added that with our cold, dark winter weather; post-holiday, back-to-school and back-to-work stresses; and contentious current events in the news, we are all looking for a little extra kindness and light.

Libraries Promote Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: We serve as safe havens and and as trusted community resources for all states the Bellingham Public Library’s home page. Clicking on that link brings up a powerful statement about those values, including the words below, which bring tears of gratitude to my eyes:

…we affirm these values every day when we open our doors and welcome everyone. We welcome you regardless of what you look like, what faith you choose, what disabilities you may have, who you love, where you come from, what languages you speak, how much money you have or where you live.
 
I am so glad to live here!

(Keeping in mind Blipfoto’s recent message about respecting copyright, the photo I’m using today is one I took of an ad placed by Bellingham Public Library in the January 2017 issue of Entertainment News NW, a wonderful free magazine that lists a wide range of events and activities in our area.)

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