For my millennial, Gen Z babes, or just any OG PBS Kids fan, who remembers that one episode of Arthur where they sing the “Library” song, and belt out the iconic line that will forever live rent free in my head “Having Fun isn't Hard, When You’ve Got a Library Card”. – Ah…to be a PBS Kids age again, even though, let’s be real, till this day, Arthur still slaps — Who knew those iconic words would still reign true, and even more so as an adult. 

Reading and the Library as a whole have been a part of some of the most pivotal moments and core memories of my life, particularly my childhood. School days filled with Pizza Hut book-its and Scholastic book fairs and summer days filled with the Library Summer Reading Program, all culminated together to grow my love for reading and the library. The library became an unexpected safe haven and an absolute thrill of wonder for me as a kid but it wasn’t until I became an unemployed adult that I realized the power that the library truly held in my life. 

Becoming an art teacher, even for a short stint of time, helped me to tap back into the practice of play and curiosity with my personal art projects. It allowed me to rediscover my love for the hands-on craft of design, which I hadn’t done since I was a little girl. Allowing yourself to experience this creative play is the very thing that liberates you, and leans you closer to liberatory joy. However, it also made me realize just how expensive the practice of play and “obtaining that joy” actually is for adults, especially in this capitalistic society. If organized or even unorganized play isn’t even accessible we’re forced to remain in a continuous cycle of being contained in a system that wasn't built for us.

Nonetheless, there is still a craving and need for connection and community, just not with the expensive price tag that comes with it these days. People are all about curating these experiences not realizing (or maybe they do) the price tag is only including a certain caliber of people that can afford it. And let’s be completely honest here, some of these high price experiences that claim to be VIP or luxury aren’t even that great or even worth it based on what’s being provided. At least if I’m paying for luxury, give me luxury.  

I saw this comment someone made under a recent TikTok video I watched that said “I’m not an indoor person; I’m just underfunded.” And I feel like a lot of people including myself can honestly and wholeheartedly relate to this statement. And sadly, for most people living under this current climate, this one statement is the story of our freaking lives…at least for now. 

Don’t get me wrong, curled up with a book is my daily jam, but I do love to go out. When I can afford it. And in this economy, and this low-to-no pay, majority of the time, I can’t. And depending on what city you live in, you're guaranteed to be dropping $30-40 minimum as soon as you step your foot outside these streets. Especially if you’re wanting to go out for those more hands-on creative experiences, rather than just going out to a restaurant or a club. I’d rather ball on a budget than stifle a meal or even a grocery bill just to have instagramable candle making photos.

This is where tapping back into the library has been a huge gamechanger for me over the last two years. Experiencing the library as an adult has truly shifted my perspective on how I view my creative process and my local community. Beyond helping me with my book buying hoarding problem it’s provided me with the opportunity to uncover resources and enjoyable activities that move with the pace of my life as I transition into the latter half of my 20’s. And I wanted the space to be able to share that with the world. Specifically for the folks feeling stifled or limited with funds, yet still want the freedom to explore their creativity in a low-to-no-cost way. Play, Joy, and Creativity, these things shouldn’t be a privilege, it’s a right. Your right. That you shouldn't have to earn with a heavy price tag.

Plus, it’s about time people start putting some respect on my girl’s name, and support their local library. Because libraries deserve love too, which include our amazing librarians. Libraries and Librarians are quite literally the backbone of the community.

So come along with me on this journey, as I explore different creative events at various local libraries in the city of Charlotte, and maybe even beyond. I’ll be sharing all the goodies that the library has to offer as a design girlie, and hopefully it’ll encourage you to take that next step and support your local library while also stimulating your creative side too. 

Until next time creative library baddies 💗

Resources