Serendipity at the Library
by Betty Moore

What better place for serendipity could there be than a library? “Serendipity” is accidentally stumbling upon something fortunate, especially while looking for something completely unrelated.
Have you ever come to the library to get one particular item, then left with several others – after overhearing another reader tell how much he enjoyed what he just turned in, or passing by an interesting DVD on the “New DVD” rack by the door? Maybe you came in to get a tax form and discovered the ongoing Friends Book Sale.

Give yourself the time to discover things you didn’t even know you wanted to know – at the library! Recently, a gentleman asking a question at the reference desk told me, “Last year I made a resolution to spend at least an hour in the library each week.” He was pleased with what he’d learned over the year, just by setting aside a time for exploring the library.
It’s not too late to add this to your own New Year’s resolutions.

Maybe you’ve never been on the second floor or visited the children’s room. You may not have taken the time to look at the display cases, or decorative stained glass windows. You may not know there are murals and sculpture. You may not have seen the historic maps and prints.
Wander through the 149 magazines and 13 North Carolina and national newspapers at Headquarters. I recently passed through the magazine section at the Salisbury branch and a circus train on the cover of “Trains” magazine caught my eye. The fascinating photo-filled cover story on “what it takes to put Ringling on the rails” contains circus train history and culture as well as how older cars are adapted for circus train use.

Finally, treat yourself by visiting a library branch you’ve never been to before. Rowan Public Library’s Salisbury, China Grove, and Rockwell locations each have attractive, comfortable surroundings full of resources with unique activities and displays. You’ll be surprised and pleased to see both familiar and different things at each branch, plus you’ll get to meet other helpful, friendly staff members.
Be open to serendipity at the library!