Last week, I had the honor of serving as the Grand Marshal of Lisbon’s Sauerkraut Days parade. This honor is given to citizens who have made a contribution to the town. After serving as Lisbon’s public librarian for 34 years, it was still a delightful surprise.
Of course, I was treated like a queen and had a wonderful time riding in a Corvette, waving to friends and library patrons along the route, but I know it wasn’t all about me. By honoring me, the town is honoring itself for supporting and celebrating its library.
In a time when librarians and libraries all over the country — some even in Iowa — find themselves involved in political conflicts and culture wars not of their own making, Lisbon continues to value its library and to trust those who work hard to make it what it is: a source of pride and a place of belonging.
Thanks, Lisbon! You did it again. Please keep up the good work of keeping the library in the heart of the community.