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Wynelda-Ann Shelton

The Ultimate Writer’s Resource….

For many of us, the ultimate resource for our writing is the public library system. I, personally, am often at the library every single week. Sometimes I get books for research, but often times I get fiction books. Many of the books that I have reviewed in this column found their way into my hands because of the public library system. Ahab's Wife is one of many books that I have enjoyed because the library makes it easy to branch outside of our comfortable genres.

As a child, I often went to the local library. It was about the size of a 7-11 store. But I can still remember the comfy bean bag chairs to flop in while reading. The librarian was always helping me to find books on my latest passion. She helped me to find books on horses, race-car driving, living in the “olden” days. It was at the library that I learned how to do research and that there was a whole big world outside of my little part of it.

Many of my friends at WVU have heard of my “library intervention” scene. I was told that I was checking out too many books; the library has a limit of $700.00 worth of books or 70 books. I successfully argued them around to my point of view. They were all books that I needed for research after all. With a pointed look, he motioned towards the stack of fiction books. “Market research,” was my reply.

It was with great sorrow that I heard of the budget crisis facing my local library. And it’s not just my library. As the economy slows down, many communities are slicing their libraries budgets. The county library system where I live had to cut their book buying budget by 40%. I decided to get involved. And now I’m asking you to get involved with your public library.

Many libraries are posting a “Call for Books” on their websites. These are books that they would like to add to their collection. They are also in need of recent best-sellers, fiction, reference, CDs and videos. You can make a cash donation, which they will use to great effect. I, myself, have donated two books to my local library and hope to donate more soon. I talked with the librarian of my local branch to see what I could do to help.

Libraries are wonderful friends to writers. For many, it is a source not only of information but also inspiration.