I was at The Civic Center Library on the afternoon of Friday, March 13. It was a slow, quiet day even for the library. I left at about 3:30pm. Only two library employees appeared to be there. That was the final day before COVID-19 closed many businesses, and offices in the US. The variations on the phrase the new normal took effect afterwards.
Now we practice social distancing and wear masks. The world is quieter with less traffic on the roads, and fewer airplanes flying. Road construction never stops. The real words for many seniors is social isolation. The Norman Park Senior Center closed its doors. Old folks may calculate walking outside in a different way than before. There are fewer public restrooms now.
I formerly went to the library to read a newspaper, check out a book. Look in the full nine- volume Oxford English Dictionary for a recondite word, or do volunteer work there. There are large tables at the library where I could spread out papers and a few pens while using my notes to write something. The completed patio at Civic Center has never been used. The inside of the building is now used for Social Service calls connected with evictions, food shortages, and other problems with many out of work. When the doors of the library are finally back open to business many of the employees and volunteers will be gone.
That might not happen till the second half of 2021.
Those who never went to any library may be skeptical about their importance. These are excerpts from an article in the January/February issue of Discover magazine. The article by Megan Schmidt is called The Empathetic Reader. “A growing body of research has found that people who read fiction tend to better understand and share in the feelings of others…The intersection between empathy and fiction has caught on in psychology…I do think that reading books can help promote kindness overall.”
Books contain insight into human nature. Life continues as a learning experience for those of all ages as time goes by.
Deuel Woodward resides in Chula Vista.
