Look for the helpers
Submitted by Michele Merwarth
President of the Friends of Marcellus Free Library
In these unprecedented times, there is one famous quote that I keep coming back to in my mind. It comes from Fred Rogers, a man I watched on television when my children were growing up: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” Though I sometimes thought his show, Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood, was a little “corny” at times, I grew to understand his wisdom and his connection to children and families and how he helped children feel understood, loved, and special. There are so many people in our own communities now that exemplify Mr. Roger’s astute wisdom of looking for the helpers.
You will find helpers in government, medical workers, police departments, grocery store workers, garbage collectors, the media, postal workers, delivery drivers, food pantry workers, drug store workers, teachers, community members – the list goes on. These are the helpers that try to give our life right now some semblance of normalcy.
During this special week for libraries, National Library Week – April to 25, 2020 let us not forget what libraries and their workers (helpers) are still doing for us amid everything else that is going on. Although the actual library buildings are closed, the information they provide is not. Employees are still covering the phones to assist you with any questions you have on how to access information or free databases, audiobooks, or eBooks.
National Library Week first began in 1958 to highlight the valuable contributions libraries make in our communities. “This year’s theme, Find Your Place at the Library, illustrates how today’s libraries are at the heart of our cities, towns, schools and campuses, providing critical resources, programs and expertise. While many of America’s libraries have closed their doors to the public to prevent the spread of COVID-19, they’re continuing to serve their communities through access to online resources, virtual programs, and remote reference assistance.” (from www.ilovelibraries.org/national-library-week )
If you don’t have a library card, you can now sign up for a virtual library card in Onondaga County. Simply visit www.onlib.org/digital-library-card . To view a listing of how to access digital books, movies, music, fun & educational activities, or homework help, visit www.onlib.org/while-youre-home.
Visit your community library’s website to see all the things that are still available to you. I would also encourage you to send a note, email or call the library during National Library Week and express your thanks to these helpers as well. I know that during this time at home, I plan to access the free Ancestry database from home and work on some genealogy.
