A few weeks ago, I saw this sticker at my local library:
I’m already a self-proclaimed Word Nerd. Could I be a geek too?
My young friend Annika tells me that a geek is someone who obsesses about things like comic books, anime, or Sherlock. A nerd is someone with academic or intellectual interests and/or abilities. In other words, someone like me, who likes learning new things via the TED Radio Hour and Grammar Girl podcasts.
So, it seems possible that I can be a geek AND a nerd. I just don’t want to be a dork.
I was curious about this Geek stuff, so I checked out geekthelibrary.org. According to them, “to geek” is:
- To love, to enjoy, to celebrate, to have an intense passion for.
- To express interest in.
- To possess a large amount of knowledge in.
- To promote
Geek the Library is a non-profit promoting public libraries and encouraging funding for them. Their slogan “Geek the Library” reminds us that public libraries support all geeks, as well as normal people.
Public libraries play a critical role in our society by offering things like:
- free public access to computers and the Internet
- assistance with online job applications
- help with homework or tutoring
- special programing such as art classes, gardening tips, and music.
- reading programs to encourage reluctant readers
- resources and information on hundreds of topics
- entertainment via books and DVDs
Many people are struggling because of the poor economy. Public libraries can fill in the gaps by creating a sense of community and providing valuable assistance.
They can’t do all this without funding.
Here’s where you come in.
- Use your library to help you with what you geek.
- Tell other people about available programs and resources at your local library.
- Find out how your local library gets funding, and do what you can to help.
- For example, I know my library gets money based on participation in the winter and summer reading programs, so I always sign up my family.
- Get cool t-shirts and stickers from geekthelibrary.org that proclaim what you geek. (I’d like an “I geek books” shirt, myself.)
- Share what you geek at the geekthelibrary site.
I proudly geek my local library, as well as books, soccer, grammar, and Tolkien.
What do you geek? What do you do to support your local library?
Thanks for getting “geeky” with me. 😉
Julia
It is amazing what libraries can offer. The ones in my last community always felt tired, so it was hard to get excited about them (although they were, actually, being used and had some good programming). But the library around the corner in my new community is amazing. There is a constant stream of people in and out, people waiting for a free space in the lot… Kids meet there to study, writers have several critique and other groups, and there are tons of reading groups. It’s one of the best places for people to go recharge when they’re looking for work, and a great place for moms with toddlers. But it’s just like your post: the energy is coming from those visiting, not just from the staff. Geek the library is such a funny term, but great thought! T
Thanks Elissa. I’m glad the library in your new community has lots of stuff going on. Sometimes you have to dig a little…
Thanks for this post, Julia. I have not made nearly enough effort to utilize our public library and its resources. We’ve done summer reading for our daughter and she read to therapy dogs there several times – loved that! But I know there is more we could check out. I’m making a note in my day planner!
Great, Lisa. I hope you find lots of great programs there, and I’m glad you’re invested in supporting your library.
I’m definitely a geek about so many things! Books, running, soccer, hair products….I prefer “passionate” but I’ll take geek. Geek seems like kind of a cool word right now anyway :). I just don’t want to be a dork – that made me laugh!
Thanks for making me aware of this organization. I love their aims!