Why Libraries Are A Safe Space - National Library Week
- Nikei S Salas
- Apr 9
- 2 min read
This was a safe space for me. Libraries. They always have been. I remember as a child going to the neighborhood library to check out books. At times I did so for homework and many other occasions for personal use. I would read them at home but enjoyed reading books at the library. I could feel the different writers reaching out to me whispering their stories. Little did I know back then that books were feeding me. I was sitting in a smorgasbord that needed no physical consumption because it was nourishing me through my mind. And comforting me emotionally.
Fast forward to my attendance of Kankakee Community College for the Licensed Practical Nurse program. This same library pictured on the left was used for my research and again a place of comfort. I recall meeting classmates here to study in the beginning and it would always lead to an outpouring of emotions. We would share our personal stories amongst the stories that sat on bookshelves. Some of us spoke through tears like a tragedy or romance book. Other stories we shared were like comedies or non-fiction books.
That is the thing about libraries. They are the unspoken safe haven. Whether it be to escape the noise of the world, which is needed often to be granted clarity, take part of the programs they provide for the community or allow immersion in the abyss of stories. Libraries can be considered sanctuary. Happy National Library Week to all libraries and librarians!
Author, Writer, Inspiration Giver, Wellbeing Educator
P.S. I would like to say thank you to Kankakee Community College for having my books in their Harold and Jean Miner Memorial Library.
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