Hearts. Cupid. Roses. Chocolate. Valentines. All common sites and symbols in the month of February. “Love is in the air,” as John Paul Young sang over 46 years ago. (Go ahead and sing aloud. I know you want to!)
Love is bigger than how Hallmark packages it. At wedding ceremonies, we are often reminded that “love is patient, love is kind.” Love is a verb not a noun. Love often requires personal sacrifice. I’m lucky. I see loving acts of kindness often:
- Parents and grandparents who willingly share their time to bring their children to the library. They’re helping to instill a child’s lifelong commitment to and joy for reading and knowledge – a gift that can never be taken away.
- Friends of the Library who donate their time and financial resources because they love the library and want to make the library an even more special place for you.
- Members of the community who vote for the levies that support their communities.
- Your own love for learning and reading, means you keep on checking out materials and attending different programs.
This is also the month when we celebrate our Presidents. Throughout history, each president has faced unique challenges. Each has had a unique leadership style and personality. The one thing that they each have in common is that they loved this country.
Ronald Reagan said, “if we love our country, we should also love our countrymen.” Doing so can be as simple as saying “hello” to a stranger or listening to one another.
There are a variety of books that can help each of us improve our ability to be more loving towards ourselves and others. I hope you’ll check some of them out.
In the meantime, thanks again for the many ways you support The Andover Public Library. Knowing how much you love and cherish the Library, is what keeps us motivated and makes our work a joy.
Let me close with Mother Teresa’s advice, “spread love everywhere you go.” And the words of wisdom from Lenny Kravitz, “let love rule!” Make it a great month.
Sincerely,
Nancy Logan, Director
How to Be Well: The 6 Keys to a Happy and Healthy Life by Frank M.D. Lipman
Making Great Relationships by Rick Hanson
Unselfie by Kathy Borba
Fierce self-compassion by Kristen Neff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvtZBUSplr4 Ted Talk by Kristen Neff