My Free to Be Me Space

I was the new kid, my dad had just been moved by the Navy to San Diego. Born on the east coast the differences between Charleston, SC and San Diego were enormous. My mom had her hands full figuring out this new place and helping my younger brother; and I wasn't really looking for parental oversight or assistance. The high school's "open" campus, lack of swipe ID badges, casual dress codes, and teachers in sandals... was a stark difference to what I was used to. The kids were nice, no more clique than any other school, but definitely into the beach and sports. That really wasn't my thing, I didn't mind being outside but really liked reading things that exposed and transported me to different places, times and cultures (and being away from my mom's scrutiny at home). I found all that and more at my Encinitas library. With its central location near down town and dedicated young person's area I could safely and comfortably hang there for hours, and my parents where OK with that. I could explore, investigate and learn about different ideas, concepts and the larger world around me without feeling the pressure of fitting in, having to say the right thing or trying to be "cool". The librarians were casual, not overly watchful or suspicious and very helpful no matter what my interest was without being to directive or judgmental. A great thing about the library was it was real. I could directly engage with it individually or with others collectively, versus having to guess or interpret what something or someone on a screen was projecting at me. Better yet, it was the same everyday, I could rely upon it, lean upon it and know it would be there for me. It didn't constantly change based upon a mood, fad, or some other "drama". The library became my safe-haven where I could feel free to be me.

As time passed I slowly acclimate to "SoCal" life, finding my own niche in school and amongst new friends. While I have graduate from school now and have my own kids, I still visit my library regularly. It is still my safe and real "happy place" that continues to grow with me, nurturing my never ending interests and explorations. And, every once in a while, I am rewarded in seeing some new young person discovering how the library offers them an authentic and safe place to be free to be themselves.