varying degrees of light

I am writing this on a computer in the newly built Sioux Center Public Library (hold for applause). I remember spending a few evenings freshman year calling Sioux Centerites and asking for library funds. The most I had managed to squander, from one person, was a hundred dollars. That's a lot of money and God bless them for helping out the library like that, but I can't imagine how much it cost to put this building up. It's a very open space with a fireplace and semi-vaulted ceilings... it's no Pella library, but it's an impressive space. Brick columns and squared carpet... surprisingly sparse shelving, but plenty of shelving nonetheless. Oh, and there are computers labeled, "Sioux Center Public Library CARD CATALOG ONLY," that you can go on and check your email and blog on. Looking back on the libraries of my life - elementary school, Calvin library, the one in Cascade and Hulst Library at Dordt - evokes a sense of stillness and, maybe even, solemnity. Not a hissy librarian looking down her nose at you, saying, "Quiet child! People are trying to read!" But more of a 15th century French library where robes and staffs and penises are required to enter. Most of you know my enthusiasm for robes, staffs and having a penis, but what I'm trying to say is that (and part of this can likely be blamed for the outdoor construction) there's an awful lot of noise traveling throughout the space. Click at the circulation desk, hammering outside, woman shuffling through the Kingsbury four shelves over... and, of course, the cell phone rings. The lady rifles through her purse to find it and speaks to her child? Instead of the quiet din of undisturbed silence, there's the looming growl of computers and copy machines humming to establish their existence and dominion.
But at least there are people here, where the books are.

Oh, and classes at Dordt start in two days. It's interesting to see all the happy freshmen, euphoric from starting their first of four years of sleep overs. Live it up, ya rascals.