My daughter has a homework assignment that befuddles me. So, what’s new? I could hardly pass school given the work I see her complete and the load she juggles. I don’t remember having so much to do – or having learned as much as she does.
She is currently studying water. There is more to the story than that, but beyond turning it off when I am washing dishes to conserve it, that is all I really know. I do think about it and understand that water is Political Power, but on a topic much deeper, I plead daily ignorance.
That’s why when we headed to the library to get some “print sources” for her research, I wasn’t as helpful as I would have liked to have been. Picking up one of the books, I couldn’t even pronounce the word “hydrostratigraphy”. Not only did it roll off her tongue, she knew what it meant.
Whether it’s what she studies or how she studies, it is new to me.
But what was familiar and still awe-inspiring, was the library. The downtown branch of Denver Public Library is now blocks away from our new home.
What a gem. Designed by architect Michael Graves, the library is adjacent to the Denver Art Museum. It is truly a work of art.
When she suggested we head to the downtown branch instead of the small branch in the heart of a neighborhood close by, all I could think of was where to park. But as we got closer, street parking was open and we slid right in. Walking a block or two, the building loomed ahead. I felt a rush of excitement.
Once inside, I breathed in quiet. Then I breathed out gratitude; For the books, music, videos, resources, reference librarians, beautiful chairs, bright light and worlds beyond ours that required no more than a card. All free. It’s amazing to think about. And even greater to experience.
I haven’t been to the library in a long time. Now I can’t wait to go back. I guess I am learning something new. My lesson is how to appreciate something right in my own back yard.
Now, that is a lesson I hope to always remember.
When was the last time you went to the library and what did you MindFULLY learn? Let us know!
themindfullcreative.com 
The Denver Public Library has a great site Fresh City Life. They have felting classes, cooking classes just all around great things to do around Denver. I am on their email list and always love seeing the creative things they have done to reinvent themselves. Always wanted to do the felt class. It is great to know that everything can not be found on the internet. I love the library.
About 18 months ago I spent a whole day in the Western History Collection at the library. I was so engrossed I wasn’t hungry for lunch. I took one bathroom break. I didn’t even miss having an afternoon coffee. You can access awesome (in the truest sense) books and documents. All your own stuff goes into a locked locker. They provide paper and those awkward little library pencils. But’s all OK.
On the same floor are microfilmed Rocky Mt. News and Denver Post editions all the way back to their beginnings, and a card catalog referencing everyone who was ever mentioned in those newspapers.
I can’t wait to go back.