"Who uses the library anyway?" A thoughtful question I saw posed in an article in the New York Times a while back. I thought of that question in terms of our libraries here in Pasadena. I have met some very interesting and charming people who make it a regular part of their life to frequent the Pasadena libraries. I have met a fascinating minister who often uses the library to continue his life long work of translating the Bible into English from the oldest Hebrew and Greek manuscript copies currently available. This kindly scholar reminds us of a time when libraries were the only place where information of any kind was available. That kind of research still goes on within the library amidst the sounds of computers, gaming, and the chatter we often find here. Another interesting gentleman who frequents the library is a college professor who finds the library a place which is close to home, yet remote enough that he can prepare his lesson plans, work efficiently without distractions, and get a great cup of coffee from the Friends Bookstore. He has generously supported the Friends group with cash contributions as well as regularly buying their coffee to stimulate his thoughts.

Who else might you find in the library? We have dozens of teens who come to the library every day to meet with their friends, play video games, do homework, use the computers and even, on rare occasions, check out a book or two. We are glad to have them - they are the library members of the future.

Employees of the City of Pasadena can be found checking out materials at the library as well, including Mayor Johnny Isbell, who enjoys books on CD. Well-known TV, movie stars, and sports figures use and support their local libraries. Come to the Pasadena Libraries this month and next and you may spot some of them here.

While waiting for a plane a few weeks ago, I overheard two ladies talking behind me. They were members of a yachting club, and they were talking about all the privileges and benefits they had at their respective clubs. It was obvious that they were fairly affluent and the clubs they belonged to were very nice. But it occurred to me that you - each of our library members are like the members of these prestigious yachting clubs. They have to apply for membership in their yacht clubs and we require an application to get a library card here at the library as well. The club ID card gives them the privileges of the yacht club. The Library Card gives our members unlimited privileges at the library. At the yacht club they can get on their boat and ride down the gulf for a distance and return. At the library you can travel anywhere in the world as well as back and forth in time, at no cost whatsoever. At the club you are treated like a privileged member of society, and I hope you get that same treatment at our Pasadena Libraries, because you are a member here, and we are your club staff, waiting to serve your needs.

I have mentioned this "membership" idea to my staff and have encouraged them to think of all the people who use the Pasadena Libraries as members of an exclusive club, and we, the staff, are here to serve their needs.

So, the Pasadena Library is your club for adventure, travel, fun, mystery and enrichment. It is your club, and you belong here.

So, good friends, you can see who some of the people are who use our library. They are you, our readers. Please feel free to invite your neighbors and friends to also join you in becoming members of the club of people that makes up the Pasadena Public Libraries. The cost of membership is free and the benefits are amazing.

In closing, I wish you all a very Happy New Year, and look forward to meeting more of you this coming year.

Thomas C. Simiele

Director, Pasadena Libraries