Well, Duh, That's Obvious--Or Did You Forget?

I was at a book signing in the Neshaminy Mall Barnes & Noble (whoa, HUGE mall!) with fellow Kidlit Authors Club members Alissa Grosso, Elisa Ludwig, Artie Bennett and Cynthia Chapman Willis. After stocking up on a Starbuck's Chai Latte Venti (it's over an hour's ride, I needed to be fortified at 8:30 p.m.), I said goodbye and popped into my car.

It was pretty dark. I'm so busy paying attention to the GPS and (sorry) frenzied PA drivers on the Turnpike, I didn't see the little notice stuck under my windshield wipers. I turned the radio off to better  hear the GPS, and heard something flapping--and that's when I saw this:

A card from the local police and security at the Mall. One was stuck probably in every car. On the back says are a list of safety tips. While you may say, "Duh, obvious," how many times do we dash into a store and leave stuff on the seats or the GPS in the window? (Um, guilty) Have you ever forgotten to lock your car? (Um, guilty) By reminding us to be personally vigilant, we save ourselves from being victims, and cut down on crime. Kudos to Neshaminy Mall security and the Bensalem police for this gentle but timely (Warm weather, everyone's out more) and important reminder. It may seem no big deal, but if you've ever been a victim of crime (Um, me), you realize how much we take our safety for granted. (And yes, I waited until I was safely home to pull it off my windshield, rather than get out of my car on a busy turnpike or a dark road. Points for me.)

So lock your car, hide your valuables and take your keys. And let's stay safe out there....

Char

This Is Not Your Average Library!

I have library envy. The good part is that this is MY library. And yours. It belongs to the American People. It is the Library of Congress. Look at this fabulousness! I will stack it up against ANY library in the world!

(All photos courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, photographs by Carol M. Highsmith. Above Photo reproduction number: LC-DIG-highsm-01908)

Is that not breathtaking? Psst, wait until you see this!

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Yes, there is a fountain! (Makes me want to jump in on a sunny day! I'm sure some Washingtonians felt the same way!)

Let's go inside. Did you know that the Library of Congress has sculptured bronze doors, marble columns and bas reliefs, stained glass windows, painted cantilevered ceilings, grand staircases,, murals depicting myriad subjects like printing, zoology, etc, Pompeiian panels of the virtues like courage and fortitude, renderings of Greek mythology like the Muses (a favorite!) and bronze statues?

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A marbled staircase...

 

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Imagine the grand entrance you could make here! Note all the carvings and sculptures. Then, there's this:

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This is an aerial view of the Main Reading Room. You are surrounded by priceless art, history, knowledge. How could anyone NOT be inspired?! Let's go see more books! 

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Wonder where they have Sirenz? 

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This is the African-Middle Eastern Reading Room. One of just so many...

But it's more than just a beautiful place- these librarians are masters at their craft- all forms of knowledge and its safekeeping. Need to find an obscure article? Have to find a photo? Question about a book? These are the people to go to:

www.loc.gov

If the world's population perished, except me of course, this is where I'd head too. (First raiding every Starbucks on the way for Chai Latte supplies.) It would be a writer/reader's dream. 

So check it out! Visit! Surf its site! Ask a question! Get the best research help in the world! This is the People's Library.

Char