Travel is my favorite type of adventure.
“Adventure Begins at Your Library” is our Summer Reading theme. Travel is my way of learning new cultures, trying new food, and learning about the history of new places. Summer is a great time to travel, but it is not always possible to get into a plane, train, or car and see a new place. Don’t worry! The library can truly be the one trip you should take this summer.
Books and information can transport you. Do you remember who your favorite literary character is? Why is that one your favorite? Is it because you can relate to that character? Literature is often a mirror. In a book, we find a character with whom we have similar life experiences and can see ourselves. Books are wonderful mirrors, but more importantly, they are windows.
Books allow readers to discover worlds, cultures, and people they would never know otherwise. People who read diverse books are more empathic. Diverse books help readers understand that we live in a complex, beautiful world. Why not take a moment to step away from the mirror and open up a window where the possibilities are endless. Something books offer that other modes of transportation do not is that they are windows to time and places that no longer exist.
Books are only one way you can learn about different cultures at the library this summer. We have a whole set of travel databases that show you maps, cuisine, culture, transportation, travel, and security. The A to Z databases by World Trade Press will let you travel the world from the library or your home. You can have a full European experience without a single plane ride.
A to Z Food America database offers more than just American cuisine. It includes recipes, history, and a collection of rare cookbooks. There is also access to food-related commercials from yesteryear, opening up a window into American history. This adventure is found only at your library.
We also have several language learning databases. After you have learned the culture and planned a full trip, you can learn the language. So one day, when you get on the airplane, you will be completely ready. There are at least 30 languages from which to choose. These databases provide the tools and guidance you need to expand your language skills wherever and however you learn best.
These are just a few of the diverse resources available as an open window. There are so many worlds, cultures, and characters out there, why limit what you read? Try something new, and find a new world to explore. Every month, new books hit the shelf that open a world of even more colorful characters and diverse titles that are worth reading. Stop by or call the information desk if you need help finding your next window. There are so many beautiful views out there, why limit yours? Summer is the perfect time to seek adventure and learn more about the world around you.
Article written by Sarah Jones and originally published in Focus on Carlsbad 2024 Summer edition.
Sarah Jones
Sarah was born and raised in Carlsbad New Mexico. She got her BA in Advertising from Kansas State University and her Masters of Library Science from Emporia State University. She has been a librarian for 13 years. She got her love of reading and the importance of education from her parents. Currently she is the Director of Carlsbad Public Library. She has spent her career serving on boards and working with Community Organizations on education, literacy, supporting women, and the freedom to read. She enjoys reading, traveling, giving back, and spending time with her family and son William.
