By Gramma Dot

The Oneida County Library.  I used to ride my bike to the Courthouse and descend the stairs to the basement, enter the library-bookish-smelling room (that was a good smell), say “Hello” to Mrs. LaRue Tew (there’s a name that rolls off the tongue), and head to the corner where I knew Nancy was waiting for me.  Nancy, as in Drew, was always ready to catch a ride on my bike and then spend a few hours in my head as we solved the current mystery.  She was so brave and smart.  

Two generations later, I’m sitting on the couch listening to Elle read Nancy Drew in the introduction-to-chapter-books version.  Nancy is younger, but she still has Bess and George, her best friends who are always there to help.  And, she is still brave and smart. 

Nancy and the library have changed.  The new Nancy uses computers and all kinds of technology to solve mysteries, just like the new libraries give us access to technology and information to help solve the mysteries in our lives.  Back in the day, I sat on the linoleum floor to peruse the pages of the books I wanted to check out.  Now, they have comfortable chairs for me as I scan magazines, books, and technology…for entertainment and/or information.  Mrs. Tew stamped my library card and reminded me to wash my hands when I read my book.  Now, they scan the book and my number and give me a receipt.  I haven’t heard, “Be sure to wash before you read,” in years.  Times have changed!

Albert Einstein said, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know, is the location of the library.”  It’s a Good Life when you not only know the location but recognize the impact a good library has on its entire community.  Great library…great community!  See you in the stacks.