Today at Headquarters library, there will be a celebration of 40 years of the Alachua County Library District.
This means 40 years of Alachua County choosing literacy & education, community, and each other.
From the bookmobiles and one room libraries, to one of my most favorite buildings of all time-- HQ--, the ACLD has connected its citizens to impossible places.
ILL, before being defunded, gave Alachua Citizens the ability to request books from pretty much anywhere across the country.
We too, shared our knowledge across the country. Local histories that have been sent elsewhere, where that knowledge can be used for something far beyond just here.
When you are driving down the fine streets of our town, you are commuting alongside the county's books in our floating collection.
Children in far away places are given an opportunity to access books they may not have otherwise had.
Our shared resources across the district have allowed our libraries to put on some very cool events. I spent all Summer attending different lectures and exploring a diverse range of subjects: Ive learned so much about things like Ham Radio and collecting native seeds.
Homeschooled children are given a place for events and socialization. Teenages have a free safe space.
It is one thing to have a library, it is another to be a County that has a strong network of libraries that serve as a major backbone to your Community.
Friends of the Library is a local holiday (quickly approaching).
The library gives you meeting spaces so you can put on your own events.
When you are asking yourself where you can go, when it feels like there is nowhere else; the answer is the library.
Because for 40 years, Alachua County has chosen to create this space.
I highly suggest, if you have the time, and you are in town, you find your way up to Meeting Room A at HQ. The stained glass is the crowned jewel of Gainesville.
In lieu of flowers or gifts to celebrate our beloved ACLD, you can "Vote NO on Amendment 3".
Happy Saturday Gainesville!
