The Librarian
What makes a librarian? We are not magicians yet we give people knowledge, which is more powerful than magic. I was a librarian for 2 years every Saturday afternoon in Fulham, giving people knowledge and empowering them. I worked at Fulham Library and would like to think I was their best librarian, although I am sure this is a very contentious, if not slightly bold declaration to make. Nevertheless, it was amazing to work there; I met the mayor and even received an award for being such a great librarian (see picture). I should imagine that not every librarian gets that!
I have always had a strong connection to libraries, as that is where priceless knowledge has been stored over the centuries. The social design of libraries, whether they are private, public or just small rooms in small houses, is as a place of learning, where the scholarly ambitions of academics and civilians alike can be met.
I have always been fascinated by libraries since their beginnings in ancient Mesopotamia; and in this sense, the library represents the culture and the learning of humankind. (Some scholars believe that writing was invented to keep track of early versions of payments in Mesopotamia which were stored in vaults, that later became the first libraries.)
The word "library" has its root in Latin; deriving from the word "librarium" meaning "chest for books" (the word "liber" meaning book, paper or parchment"). Thus the history of libraries is in part the history of the book. Early books took the form of clay tablets, scrolls, palm leaves, carved stones and rolls of silk, all of which were stored in "libraries".
Taking this a step further, the history of the library is also about the shelving of these items, which even today is a major aspect of being a librarian. (Another is to make sure that the books are kept safe from the primary enemy of all books; dust!)
Some people may ask: what is the relevance of the library in modern times? I think they shall always be relevant to society. They are pillars of the community like Churches or Castles. If one takes a glance at sales of physical books in modern times they are increasing, not diminishing; 229 million books were sold in the United Kingdom alone this year.
Thus, the key questions in my opinion are: Will the world switch over to digital books and what is the changing role of libraries? Even to this present day more books are being printed than before. Libraries, therefore, in my view shall remain relevant in the future like churches, as they have always been there and are embedded in the very fabric of our society and social consciousness.
Moreover, libraries can be so much more than simply places to store books;. they can be used for talks, social functions, concerts, book fairs, gatherings, childcare facilities, even birthday parties. They are pillars of communities.
In my mind, libraries celebrate the act of reading and the importance of learning, not just dusty buildings with books stored in them. They are active symbols of culture and civilisation.
There is a old saying, one of my favourites; books are written by the living for the living. Books capture the thoughts and conversations of the dead talking to the dead.
There are many forms of libraries, the academic library, the private library and the public library. The library has a librarian with assistants. Overall , Libraries have different forms and purposes but I have always loved libraries and always shall.
