Smells of lives that beg to be lived
Linden Public Library
Walking into a library is like walking into another world. It is a place where dreams, hopes, fears, information, and everything one could imagine are kept neatly in between two covers. It smells of lives that beg to be lived. George R.R. Martin has been quoted as saying “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” Indeed, books allow us to live a life that we may otherwise never have the chance to live. They allow us to learn about anything our hearts desire, from astronomy to zoology and everything in between. They allow us to hold in our hands other worlds.
Those who have a love for books are known as bibliophiles and that is exactly what local Linden Public Library librarian Sydni Goza is. Her love of books is apparent from the second you step into the library and she wants to encourage the residents of Linden to join in her love of books. Which is why last September she accepted the role of librarian at the then not yet opened library.
The library, which officially opened on January 3, resides in a home built by DR. O.R. and Hattie Taylor in 1924. Sydni has made sure to keep that homelike feel while also ensuring its functionality.
Among its many features are a computer with access to the internet and a genealogy room for those looking to trace their family history. Books, both new and old, are neatly arranged on shelves with a wide variety of types to choose from, including some that have just been released. In a room beside the front desk resides the children’s and young adult’s section. With places for kids to sit and read and a wide assortment of books to choose from, kids of all ages are sure to find something that sparks their imagination.
To help inspire a love of reading in her community, Sydni is currently working on starting a storytime for kids home-like and a book club for adults and anyone interested in either or both of these programs are encouraged to speak to Sydni at the library. She also had a summer reading program that many kids enjoyed.
So what inspires Sydni to work so hard for the library and having programs for every age? Outside of her love of books and reading, she says she wants the library to be a central part of the community. Sydni would love for the library to become a place where people come to be inspired, learn new things, and explore new worlds. The small-town library is a very important part of the community.
It offers internet access to those who may not otherwise have access. It can foster a love of learning in children through many children’s reading programs. It allows people to learn about their family history through genealogy. It even offers the chance for people in the community to come together and share their love of reading through book clubs.
Libraries are like going to a whole new world. They are important to the communities they serve and are wonderful places to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They are both magical and homelike. A place to sit in silence and forget the stresses of life.
Most importantly, they can foster s sense of community with the various programs they offer. Sydni encourages everyone to come visit the Linden Public Library. The library is open Monday from 10 am to 2 pm, Tuesday, 10 am to 6 pm, Wednesday through Friday, 10 am to 2 pm, Saturday 12 pm to 5 pm, and is closed on Sundays.