A Good Read

So I had a wonderful time being loaned out as a book at the Toronto Ref Library on Saturday, as part of their Human Library.

My first borrower was an elderly lady by the name of Joan. Joan and I pass each other every Monday morning as I’m leaving my therapist’s office and she’s waiting outside for her turn. I have no idea what’s drawn me to her, but I always thought she was sweet and figured since we see each other once a week, every week for ages now, I should smile and say HI. She’s always complimented me on how warm my smile is and my heart always feels a little warmer as I thank her for reflecting my smile back at me. A great way to start a Monday, if you ask me. I’d been thinking of asking Joan for coffee or tea sometime, just to get to know her a little better, when she read my mind and asked me first, just last week. I immediately thought of suggesting she take me out on loan from the library, as it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know each other. Turns out it was. It was an enjoyable first chapter for us both and we’ve decided to make a habit of spending an afternoon together in the future over a warm beverage, so we can trade stories.

I only had one other person take me out on loan, but both my sessions ran close to an hour — double the allotted time. Elaine and I had a deep conversation about telling our stories and fighting — and losing — the protracted battle for a happy ending in the wake of a tragedy. It was a tough conversation. I like to be able to help, especially if I am out of my depth and with no answers. I was able to walk away though, empowered by the support I was able to offer. Elaine is such a font of valuable and wise information — I hope she finds the strength to let her lost battle be the key to someone else’s win against the war on compassionate medical care for the elderly and disabled. It’s too easy for the doctors and hospitals to sweep aside patient understanding for dismissive “I know what I’m doing.”

While I was sitting on the “shelf” with the other books I had a wicked time chatting with my fellows up for being borrowed:

Lyndsay:  You are truly inspiring to have defied death at such a young age and with such a wonderful sense of humour about it all; I’m serious about being your ghost writer if you ever want to tell your story.

Beth:  Keep up the wonderful work — independent presses are what keep our reading experiences rich.

Andrea: It was so nice to grab some face time with you finally — thanks for the crash course in Twitter 101!

Vani: You were an über popular book and I’m disappointed we didn’t get more shelf time; I made the jump to Twitter, so look me up and we can share the experience as newbies.

Nick: Your bravery and ability to remain open-minded in the face of potential oppressors is awesome! Don’t ever let narrow minded fear or intimidation stand in your way of the good work you’re doing.

Shawn: Never got to flip pages with you, but I aspire to be as  plugged in to urban culture as you seem to be.

Catherine: It was great to connect over telling great stories, no matter the drudgery of transcription woes.

Chris: You are an unsung hero standing up for one of the city’s most undervalued infrastructures — without the TTC, where would Toronto be?

Donovan: Truly a pleasure to meet such an accomplished and easy-going writer, such as yourself; I look forward to running into you again.

Finally a HUGE thank you to Ab, Ken and most of all Anne Marie for organizing such a phenomenal event. I am so first in line for being on regular loan if you ever establish a permanent collection.  Just one of the reasons libraries are vital to cities and the people in them.

…I’m really looking forward to being a borrower next year.