part of the ongoing series
Summer Library Librarian 1 Angella Meanix July 30 - August 13, 2021 Angella Meanix was one of our Little Free Library's first volunteers, a master librarian who got our stacks into shape and who has some of the highest accolades … she has been described as Llover, Mother, Sister, Friend, and Ninja. angellameanix.com See full details about the Summer Library project, including other Librarians' work, here. |
On librarianship...A single book is light and easy. A group of books is not. So, for me, moving them around was draining.
It was clear at first – I would categorize them by genre. Then it was fuzzy – What else? As a book buyer for Wellington Square Bookshop I’ve gotten used to how to buy a nice collection. But with a pile at my feet, how would I decide 🤔 ? For Street Road’s Summer Library I chose quality over quantity. I decided a library is relative. A librarian is … also relative. A curator. I realized my preference was for books and art and natural objects to live near each other and tell their stories — separately or together. Also for a small selection, comfortable space and unexpected details. I love books. I don’t really love libraries. Naturally, I like the premise. The spaces, however, often leave much to be desired. My greatest library influence was in elementary school. We had a reading pit; we sat on the carpeted floor that stepped down into a circular space. We had a walk-in fortress for special books. It was inviting. I was allowed to choose whatever I wanted. It was a place to read or to just get books. There wasn’t any judgement. My love for books and the individual feeling of choosing them was born. This is special to me, because truth be told, reading offered (and continues to offer) unique challenges for me. I was able read at a high level, but not without being in a distraction-free, glass booth. I am a floor-sitter and a fan of forts with old sheets and blankets. You’ll see some of those preferences as well. So, hide away, sit on the floor. My library invites you to to be curious, relaxed, inspired, and child-like … and to indulge a good story. — Angella Meanix
Installing |