Friday, October 15, 2010

Delivery Service

I love libraries. The warm smell of paper, beautiful orderliness and the quiet snick as people type, searching for information. It holds one of my favorite addictions-books. A place where I could spend hours, if allowed.

We made a run to the library today. It was all four beasties-the big boys had a half day. We traipse through the library, a miasma of sounds surrounds us, interrupting the hush. We pick out movies, then off exploring the shelves for waiting treasures. I love how my children love the library...I just don't love bringing my children there. Where once a peaceful place, you add my brood and it becomes active, chaotic. I catch Gunnison as he runs to show Josiah a "special" book shouting at the top of his lungs, "Jos, it's your favorite!". I herd Gavin away from his typing on the computer-to look for books on ninjas (hmmm...are we surprised). Josiah wanders over to the non-fiction on his own. Emme, thankfully, is trapped in her carseat carrier. She, however, adds to the cacophony with her squeals, turning quickly fretful. Me? Do I get a chance to feed my lust for letters lined neatly on the page? No, this visit isn't for me. I'll get my fix sans beasties around, thank you.

We collect our chosen items and head for the front desk. Gav isn't feeling well, so he lays down. Josiah joins him. Gunner is off, well...who knows why Gunnison likes to meander off, and Emmeline has now officially had it. I stand patiently (as much as I possibly can) bouncing the car seat to calm Little Miss, but set her down to dart after wandering Gun. Her fussing reaches shrieks. I think we have officially passed the point of "you sure have your hands full". Yes, we have. We have reached the point of "Delivery Service". I entered the realm of fast food library-ness. With the suggestion and understanding smile (from a second librarian who arrived on the scene), I pack up my beasties and move on out to the car. They delivered our literary goodies right to my driver's window. With great gratitude (and a wee bit of shame) I appreciated the delivery service.

There will always be another library outing. How could I possibly keep my children from learning to love the library as much as I do? BUT- Here's to hoping I won't be using that particular service again.

12 comments:

Mamapierce said...

Having kids can be tough, but you are doing such a great job, Liberty. You are such a wonderful mama to your sweet children. They are so blessed to have you.

Aubrey said...

Oh, I understand. I love the library too and could get lost there. On my night out I usually end up at the library and Carlin knows not to expect me home until closing time! Luckily for me our library has a fabulous children's area that is sort of separate from the rest of the library so my kids can be as loud as they want, along with all of the other kids. Of course, I have to do my own perusing at other non-kid times, but like you, it's worth it to instill a love for the library and books into my children.

Kara and Theo said...

I gave up trying to go to the library when I had to get on to all 3 of my girls when they thought the sensors at the front of the door that sets off an alarm if you try to take books out, was a climbing apparatus. The scene from "The Sound of Music" when the Von Trapp kids were all in the trees yelling and swinging as their Dad drives by comes to mind. :/

whitney said...

Once again, you could've been describing one of our many library visits. I so feel your pain...but I've gotta say I'm jealous of your car-side service. Where can I sign up for that?!?

Anonymous said...

How do you make such an intorlerable situation hilarious...I dunno...but you do. :) I laughed so hard at your brilliant imagery. Seriously, could've been me and well...has been sans car take-out. :) You are such a great mom; Jill's right. You are instilling a life-long love of the library and while the squeals and charades will fade, their love won't. They'll be left with memories of their loving mother hauling 4 crazy kiddos to the library when she could be doing a zillion other things and helping them love books and learning. That love will serve them well.
I love and miss you guys!! Give smooches and loves all around please!!

holyoak said...

I don't think I could top what Jill wrote. Ditto, ditto and ditto! Well said!

Andrea said...

I agree, you are a great mom, Liberty, and you have tons of patience, which I admire. When Ariel was about 2 (I did not have Cecily yet) I took her to the library and we got in trouble for her being so loud, unfortunately for me, there was no delivery service. Remember, I only had 1 child...so I think you are doing a great job having four! Miss all of you terribly!

Coty said...

I laughed out loud Liberty. Not at you plight...well yeah it was...but only because I can't even count how many times it has happened to me. And for some dorky reason I also teared up a bit??? I'm not the only one!!!

The library here has a spiral staircase. Last time we visited, my kids were swinging around on it like a bunch of unruly apes. It was SO embarassing!!!!

Anna said...

You are courageous to attempt such an outing with four kids! Children and libraries are like water and oil. But it is hard book-lovers to stay away from such an enchanting place. I believe that most patrons are understanding of your situation.

Oh, the joys of motherhood. You deserve sainthood, Liberty!

Unknown said...

I have to tell you, I have had nearly the exact same experience with my children and the library last year. We haven't been back since! Some things with kids are just TOO much!

Good for you for planning on another library outing.

Ann said...

You are braver than I am, I have had to pretty much give up the library for the time being. Owen is not library appropriate. :D

whitney said...

ok, lady...your next post is waaaay past due. I need me some Applegate Halloween beasties!