A Childhood Well Spent at the Rye Library
From the days when I was in kindergarten in Rye, which is more decades
ago then I wish to admit, on Saturday mornings I could not wait to go to the Rye Free Reading Room to listen with amazement to Miss Bird, the famed librarian from those days until the 1970s. Miss Bird was a sweet, reserved lady, and in every sense of the word a lady, who spoke in a very soft voice, almost a whisper. We were enraptured in the literary journeys on which she took us. It was such a joy to be in the library and listen to her.
My love, true love, of libraries has never waned from that time. Miss Bird helped us feel adventure, curiosity, and gave us a yearning for knowledge. She inspired us to read, which in turn helped to broaden our horizons and develop who we became.
I personally have transgender members in my extended family. I respect that
we each make life’s choices as we move to adulthood. The program the library
offered in the name of diversity to children barely past infancy smacks of
propaganda rather than enlightenment and inspiration to live life fully.
With great affection for the Rye Free Reading Room and all it engenders, I strongly feel the library should rethink their mission in Rye, New York, and in our world, for that matter.
- Karen Butler
