Your House
Stop By Any Time
Just a quick reflection today.
A few days ago, I was chatting with a regular library patron while her children browsed the kid section. Her and her family are regulars and her kids are delightful. It’s a joy seeing them.
She surprised me with something. She told me that her littlest refers to the library as Mr. Dan’s House. As in, ‘Let’s go to Mr. Dan’s house.’
Goodness but that’s a first for me. I suggested we replace the sign over our door to Mr. Dan’s House.
So, after a few days of thinking about it, a couple thoughts here.
I’m so grateful and humbled that our smallest patrons are comfortable enough - both with the library and with me - to think of our tiny space in those terms. The idea of our library as a warm, safe home make me happy.
But also, it’s not my house.
It is, in fact, her house. Her and her family. And the Auburn community. It is, to be sure, everyone’s house, and for every or any reason. That’s the whole point!
No one should feel unwelcome and there should be comfort, security and shelter for anyone who walks through those doors.
You know, the doors with my name over them.
Just kidding.
This is your place. All of you. Stop by any time to visit your house.
If your office has a door, you could put a sign on or over it that says "Mr. Dan's Office."
I have stopped off by your (the Town of Auburn's) library on a couple of occasions, as you know, and it is charming, so, I can fully understand that young child's feelings.
I look forward to my next visit in the spring.
Heartwarming story and well told, as always, by the way!