I grew up in a family that revered reading. My parents saw the local library as a place where the world would become available to us kids. Every other week my mom would lead all four of her children on what was a long walk to the Carnegie-built public library. Once there, she would let us loose to find whatever books struck our fancy. The librarians standing behind the big desk by the front door were awe-inspiring goddesses who sternly reprimanded us if we returned books after their renewal date, but who always knew where we could find just the right thing to read, or the tome that would answer a question. I never stopped going to libraries, whether it was in pursuit of fiction or to find out how to repair a light fixture. I have never stopped loving and respecting librarians.
The Aquinnah library book group met last Saturday. We sat on the deck, enjoying the sunny and mild weather, waving to neighbors driving by, glad to be together sharing thoughtful talk. I am so grateful to our “library ladies,” Rosa and Vera. Every month they suggest interesting books to read, and lead our discussions with humor and grace. Their jobs are complex, requiring deep knowledge of their varied “products,” which are composed of items that will interest anyone from babies to seniors, and answering whatever questions are presented to them. They walk a complex administrative path, serving the town as employees, their trustees as advisors, and the state library system as professionally required. They also provide a community hub, where people know they will be greeted with grace, a cup of coffee if requested, knowledge to share, and kindness. You gotta love your librarians.
There are other public places here in Aquinnah that lift our spirits, of course. Come to the Cliffs on Thursday evenings, and you can get a taste. There you will find good takeout food from Cliffhangers for your supper, live music by local musicians, and picnic tables filled with tourists and locals visiting and soaking up the beauty right along with their meal.
If you have children, either your own or visiting, you should know that Aquinnah has a terrific playground hidden away behind our Town Hall. It’s the result of a lot of hard work by a small committee of visionaries. They’re still working at it, with a basketball court in the works. The Aquinnah infrastructure committee is working on the parking lot, but for now you can park outside Town Hall and then take the path between town offices and the Police Department building to get there. Adjacent to the playground is an area that is being developed by the Aquinnah Cultural Center as a food forest, featuring plants that are natural to this ecosystem and thus part of the Wampanoag heritage. This is still being built, so stay tuned.
The Up-Island Council on Aging is having an open house on Thursday, August 6, from 4 until 6 pm. Bring your family and guests to enjoy a tour of Howes House, and hear about renovations, meet the staff and neighbors, and enjoy a drink and snacks. If you want to attend but need transportation, give them a call at 508-693-2896.
I only have one name on my happy-birthday list for this week, and that is Jamie Vanderhoop, who celebrates on July 30. Let me know if you have names to add.
