Editor’s note: Karen Harris Tully is a writer who lives in Raymond and has agreed to keep a journal to share with Daily World readers during the odd and uncertain time we’re all navigating.

Dear Journal:

I guess it’s been a year now, and I don’t think I’ve ever talked about how the library has helped us get through of this year of strangeness. That seems like a huge oversight, so, I’d like to share a library love note.

For some months, local libraries were closed for regular browsing, but that doesn’t mean they were completely closed. The librarians at my two local libraries, Raymond and South Bend, have been great. Many times over the past months, I’ve called and asked for a grab bag of kids’ books that I could pick up, which they’ve always happily put together, thank goodness. They ask my kids’ ages and interests, how many books for each of them, and have chosen a great selection, every time. I asked for picture books about animals for my 5-year-old, especially pangolins and unicorns, world diversity, and of course princesses. For my now 8-year-old, we requested early adventure chapter books, and kids’ non-fiction about animals, cooking, world history and pretty much everything else.

The librarians have chosen the best books! ALL kinds of books, featuring all kinds of people, places and animals from around the world. I have thanked them multiple times for the sheer diversity of characters and topics I never would have thought to ask for. The range of princess books is impressive, by the way, and not one from Disney. We’ve borrowed kids’ books on meditation and mindfulness, dealing with anger and emotions, brave women and men through history, science, math, dance, sports, and so many topics I can’t even list them all. Come to think of it, I need to remember to add books about kids trying new foods to our on-going list, hmmm. I’m sure they have some.

I actually think the library may be ordering new books, just because I’ve asked. It’s honestly the best free service I’ve found this past year, maybe ever! And such a time saver. Of course, I’ve placed holds on specific books online, and asked for adult picks for me, too. I’ve gotta say, librarians choose some great books.

And … we found a happy surprise when we got there yesterday! The library in South Bend is now letting patrons browse for 15 minutes (up from five on previous visits). We were like kids in a candy store. Masks were required and hand sanitizer too on the way in, which makes sense, since we touch everything. The books we return are all put through quarantine. Of course, we left with a huge bagful of new books. Thank you, librarians!

Song of the day: I Want Candy | Bow Wow Wow

Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.