Arezoo’s Blog

A month ago Evan Mirapaul, the contemporary art collector and founder of Elements Quartet, pulled off a gracious last minute appearance in a revealing Artist Dialogue with brilliant librarian and artist Deirdre Donohue. He was ecstatically enthusiastic as he showed us his copy of The Library at Night by Alberto Manguel.

National Library Week (April 12-18) celebration comes to a close, as our public libraries are in the midst of excruciating financial set backs. Although “difficult days are ahead,” this turmoil can possibly lead to one of the most creative times and a new chapter in the history of public libraries in the United States.

Many can recall the past recessions of 1987, 1991, 1997, 2001 and the current crisis that has put a damper on the progress of not-for-profit public institutions. In Kind of Blue: Pushing Boundaries with Miles Davis we gain insight into how Davis’ working method shifted to a much simpler approach and the fact that he preferred and used many first takes in his recordings. April 22nd marks the 50th anniversary of this recording and there is much to be learned from simplicity as our lives grow more complicated and we are distracted by meaningless activities.

Any kind of a super domination is not healthy for an open and sustainable growth in our culture. Whether we should pay much attention to What Would Goolge Do? is a personal option. The longevity of our public libraries is at stake. Communities with their urgent dependence on the crucial services provided by the dedicated librarians, are also at stake.

It is much easier to follow than to take the bull by the horn and invent a new approach. Now is the time for librarians to take responsibility and set a new precedence in librarianship. When it comes to saving our communities every librarian can be a natural fundraiser. Hope and hospitality, community building and education should be the foundations of our public libraries as we hoe ahead to create a fertile ground for organic growth.