Here’s to libraries and the people who support them!

In a contentious world full of bluster and misinformation, I’m glad we still have libraries.

There, a thousand stories and a million real facts welcome all comers. You can find both education and entertainment among those stacks. And, if you don’t see what you’re looking, just summon a librarian.

That’s what I did when I visited Appleton’s splendid new library. I brought my very own librarian, retired Menonomee Falls library media specialist, 2007 Wisconsin Special Services Teacher of the Year (and my sister) Kathy Finley.

We brought our mom, too, retired English teacher Peggy Kostelnik, and Kathy’s husband, retired school administrator Keith Finley.

So, I had a pretty heady group with me for my first visit to the new place.

My mom peeled off pretty quickly, found a book, checked it out and settled herself in a comfy chair by a sunny window. The rest of our little group toured all three floors, impressed by the volume of books, the level of innovation and the space. On a crowded Sunday afternoon, we still had plenty of breathing room and saw lots of spots for quiet contemplation among the fray.

I also spotted lots of opportunities to level the playing field, with available resources for people who might not have access to them at home.

I’m so proud to live in a community that still values books! Many thanks to Friends of the Appleton Public Library, who raised $12 million toward the $40.4 million cost of rebuilding our library.

Today is the annual Global Day of Unplugging and a perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a trip to your local public library.

If you live in or near Appleton, you’ve got yourself a gem.