Knox County Public Library

While I enjoyed the bands, floats and fireworks over the Wabash River, as I look back what I have grown to appreciate most was the sense of community. It was a celebration that brought the community together, all kinds of people, young and old, rich and poor, everyone sharing in a sense of pride that we were part of something bigger than ourselves.

As a youngster, what we were celebrating was not as important as the celebration itself. But thanks to civics education in our schools, as well as stories shared by my parents, I grew to appreciate the reason for the season — freedom and independence from oppression. Those lessons were enhanced by visiting the Knox County Public Library, located just a few blocks from our home, where I checked out books on my favorite president, Abraham Lincoln, who led the effort to preserve the Union our founders had created.

My daughters remind me of listening to hours of John Philip Sousa patriotic marching music, as I prepared taped sound tracks for multiple July 4th parade entries for my long-time employer, Vincennes University. Although they were annoyed at being awakened by my project, I believe they actually developed an appreciation for tunes such as “The Stars and Stripes Forever” — just not a 7 a.m.

As Independence Day approaches this year, I yearn for that sense of community, of common purpose and unity that once characterized this holiday, as well as others. After all, our freedom and independence is worth joining together, with all citizens, to celebrate, regardless of our differences.

That child who once visited the public library, to check out books about Abraham Lincoln, is now a proud employee at the library, a position I began after retiring from VU. So it may not be a surprise that I created a library display celebrating books about Independence Day, our founders, and critiques of our journey as a nation. I suggest checking out the display as a good way to deepen your appreciation of the reason for the season. Beyond the display, there are many other books, DVDs, and children’s resources that we can help you find on this topic.

I’m sometimes asked why I enjoy working at the library. My answer harkens back to my childhood memories of Independence Day. It’s about that sense of community, of people coming together, and learning from one another. More than just books and computers, libraries are places where individuals gather to explore, interact, and imagine.

Author Robert Putnam in his book “Better Together: Restoring the American Community” describes the library this way. “People may go to the library looking mainly for information, but they find each other there.” In libraries, community-building connections are happening all the time, from moms and dads gathering for children’s story times, or patrons gathering to discuss a book or attend a library-sponsored program.

I invite you to celebrate your freedom and connection to your community by visiting your Knox County Public Library. Our friendly staff is always ready to help you achieve your goals.