Jonathan Faia Guest Columnist for the Chino Champion Newspaper- The public library, not just for kids
The public library, not just for kids
As a kid, I loved trips to the library, whether it was the large public library in my hometown, or my school library.
Jonathan Faia
Either way it meant I had some time to get lost in something. I remember at the youngest of ages checking out books to teach me how to draw dinosaurs and at the time that was good enough for me.
Something happened though and I began to read more and more. I started with the classic Dr. Suess books, but that quickly escalated to reading great classics like The Outsiders, Lord of the Flies and the book that most affected my life, To Kill a Mockingbird.
The book’s patriarch Atticus Finch was the epitome of a father figure and at that young age, I decided he was the father I was going to be. I later gravitated to books about overcoming limitations, whether they were socioeconomic, home life, or growing up.
All were things that I struggled with as a young person and maybe still hold on to today.
The library offered me an escape from all my trials and struggles. It was a sea of dreams where I could disappear into any reality I needed.
As I got older, my love of reading and escaping didn’t go away, but my trips to the library began to wane. I mean who has the time while adulting, right?
Well, I’m happy to say that I have begun to reconnect my relationship with our local library here in Chino Hills, the James S. Thalman Chino Hills Branch Library. It was named after former Mayor Jim Thalman who helped Chino Hills become a city back in 1991.
The local legend is he was a voracious reader who encouraged his children to find inspiration through reading.
I dropped in a few weeks ago and while this wasn’t my first trip in my adult years, it really hit me how the library has evolved into becoming more of a community service center for all ages.
In addition to children with their parents in tow scavenging the shelves for favorites to add to their summer reading lists, there was also a number of adults.
Some opted for a cool place to use computers and Wi-Fi, but I was intrigued by a group of seniors participating in a class to brush up on their technology skills. It warmed my heart to see such a cross section of the community enjoying a place that holds a monumental place in my heart.
San Bernardino County has 32 branches, including a library in Chino that supplies individualized services to our communities. The idea that libraries are just for readers is a misconception that can be put to bed.
At the library, one can take advantage of children’s and adult activities, technology, private study rooms, adult literacy, mature driving and computer classes, books on CD, used books for purchase from the Friends of the Library bookstore, or a free app called “Libby” where you can enjoy audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and “extras” such as Indieflix, Qello Concerts, and 250 courses including fine arts and music, personal development, language, history and literature.
If you find yourself driving through town, stop by the Chino or Chino Hills branches and reignite your passion for exploring new things.
Jonathan Faia lives in Chino Hills, is the author of “Wylde Serenity” and “Love Letters from Barstow,” and is a healthcare administrator.
