Libraries Offer Bountiful Rewards

One of the most colorful decorations for Thanksgiving is a cornucopia, a basket in the shape of a horn filled with fruits and vegetables. The word comes from the Latin cornu copiae, which translates literally as “horn of plenty.”

In Greek mythology, the horn was believed to represent the horn of a goat, and from this horn, the infant god Zeus was fed. The myth held that the “horn” had the magical ability to fill with everything its owner desired. In the early days of our nation, the cornucopia was attributed to the Pilgrims who celebrated a bountiful first harvest in their new land. It is a symbol of Thanksgiving.

Cornucopia. What a funny word. As I considered the idea of a horn of plenty, I thought of a Library–filled with everything a reader or researcher could want:

• abundant resources and librarians’ help to find them
• copious books, magazines, and movies stacked on shelves of plenty
• bountiful resources that that can be streamed from the library’s online services

Libraries work hard to provide their communities with everything they desire:

• storytimes for babies and children and a place for moms, dads, and caregivers to connect to one another
• programs for school-age kids to unwind after school with Lego play, arts, crafts, and STEM projects
• spaces for teens to read, draw, play video games, or connect with their friends
• classes for those seeking their high school diplomas
• computers to apply for jobs online or connect with far-away friends and relatives
• music programs for families
• help with navigating the Medicare maze
• opportunities to meet authors and artists

• saving people money
• supporting literacy and education
• offering information, socialization, and training
• providing a place for people to connect with each other

It’s no myth, however, that it takes more than magic to provide a community with everything it desires. It takes a dedicated Library Board, supportive Friends of the Library, and inclusive, educated staff members.

And I? I get to work in a library. And for that, I am most thankful.