The door that can lead to success and happiness is not just a metaphor, it is the front door of the Scituate Library. For no charge your imagination and mind are given a set of long, broad wings to explore a robust selection of books, movies, music, community activities, and other educational materials. No matter how old you are or how technologically advanced you may be in the world of ebooks the Scituate Public Library has something for everyone.
I have fond memories of going to the library as a child minus the part in early middle school when I was forced to learn the Dewey Decimal System. This system always seemed and still does seem like the most complicated idea ever created. Sorry Mr. Dewey but I am not a fan. My love affair with reading and the library began in early grade school when I was introduced to the Little House book series. These books nurtured my imagination of wanting be a girl from the 1870’s just like Laura Ingalls. I envied Laura Ingalls so much that my grandmother designed and made me a “Laura Ingalls “ dress and bought me some shoes back from Austria that shared similar characteristics of shoes from this time period. Laura and I also shared the same first name which was a bonus. My childhood library also offered several Little House themed activities in addition to the books I took out. While most kids were dreaming of Disney World I was dreaming of visiting Walnut Grove, Minnesota. I also made up a Little House on the Prairie game that I would play in my backyard. It was basically me playing house and pretending I lived “on a little house on the prairie”. I have the library to thank for these imaginative adventures. As an adult I go to the Scituate library on a regular basis. After living in many different places as an adult I have found the Scituate Library to have the best selection of books and movies that meet my personal needs compared to many other community libraries across New England. I mostly explore non-fiction books, take out cd’s to improve my music collection, and rent independent and foreign films. It is like having the Kendall Square Cinema in my own living room. I used to subscribe to Netflix but after discovering what an incredible movie inventory the Scituate Library has on their shelves I no longer feel a need. Instead I can spend the money on more important things like weekend iced coffees from Morning Glories and local Scituate lobstah.
I have been surprised to hear how many people don’t take advantage of their local library. Some people feel there is no need to go to the local library due to having the technology of a Kindle or an iPad. The Scituate Library offers much more than endless rows of books. The library can help keep you fit as a fiddle for no charge. If you are like me and have purchased a workout dvd of some kind, toyed with it a few times before moving onto the next latest fitness fad, and now watch as it collects dust….. Stop right there! Take a drive to the dump aka “transfer station” and drop it off at the Take It or Leave It . You no longer have to watch your wallet shred money. The Scituate Library has an abundant collection of fitness DVDs for you to enjoy. Yoga, jazzercise, belly dancing, aerobics, salsa dancing, zumba, pilates, whatever lights your fire. Are you looking to socialize and meet new people? Join the Great Reads Book Club or the Mother/Daughter Book Club. Read, learn, discuss, have fun, and meet new people. Sign up by calling the library or inquiring at the front desk. Are you looking for something to do for a weekend date or with friends who are coming into town? Reserve a pass through the library for one of the many fun local destinations. Passes are available to the New England Aquarium, Boston Children’s Museum, Franklin Park Zoo, Fuller Craft Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, JFK Library and Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, Pawtucket Red Sox, Plymouth Plantation, Roger Williams Park Zoo, USS Constitution, and the South Shore Natural Science Center. Sign up and plan in advance these are reserved at a lick. You can book these passes up to two months in advance. If you are looking to stay in town and keep you children busy check out the children’s programs sponsored by the Friends of Scituate Library where your children can enjoy activities such as the Lego Club, Pajama Story Time, educational series on marine science and wildlife, the Homework Club, or music with Mama Steph. The library is also a great way to explore different types of music. Listen and see what you like before you make the commitment to buy or “borrow”. Have you been wishing you could knit a baby hat for the niece, nephew, or grandchild on the way? The Scituate Library offers knitting lessons. Give it a whirl and maybe you will find a new hobby and meet some new folks. Enjoy the WiFi in a peaceful setting while browsing on your laptop of IPad if you just want to sit and relax.
C’mon down to the Scituate Library and connect with the community. Don’t forget to stop by the Book Sale on August 20th 9-4:30pm and August 21st 1:30-4:30. Proceeds helps support all of the programs and resources the Scituate Library offers. I hope that after reading this you can save on your credit card and instead use your library card.
