Learning at the library

Presidents, the Constitution and U.S. history have all piqued interest lately for a variety of reasons — but mainly one if you know what I mean — and the more knowledge about our nation’s history, the better, for so many reasons.

“There is more interest in understanding the basis of our democracy and how it came about and the rule of law,” said Peggy McLaughlin, a member of the Burlingame Library Foundation’s Board of Trustees, who started the ball rolling for the Constitution Day event.

She was inspired by one of our regular guest perspective writers, Mike Nagler, through his May 12 piece, “In America, our rulebook,” in which he discusses America’s newfound interest in the Constitution and how we are lucky to have such a document. Nagler is a former member of the Burlingame Library Board and Foundation and has long been a supporter of its mission.

The piece reminded McLaughlin of the days she used to carry a pocket-sized version of the Constitution when she traveled and would take a look through it when there was a travel delay. She wanted to see if there was a way to provide pocket-sized versions to constituents and the foundation agreed to purchase some to pass out. At the same time, McLaughlin said a committee member, Marilyn Meyerson, noted that Constitution Day was just around the corner. So McLaughlin started asking around about who might be available and, through a friend, discovered that Judge Delaney was doing a similar presentation on the Constitution that day in San Francisco, and agreed to come to Burlingame for the local event too. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Younger patrons will have some educational opportunities too, McLaughlin said, with a four-page booklet with constitutional activities. Owlbert, the library’s mascot, will be dressed in patriotic attire and the booklets, as well as flags and flag pencils, will be available for children the entire week, McLaughlin said.

Everyone talks about the Constitution as if they are experts, but most people haven’t read it and even fewer are actual experts. Think you are? Name the 17th Amendment and when it was ratified. And I bet Judge Delaney is extremely familiar with the Sixth Amendment.

And events like these aren’t just the province of Burlingame’s public library. Libraries all over the Peninsula and the world are adjusting to the fact that fewer people are reading books and are reimagining themselves as cultural centers of sorts, with events, book sales, classes, workshops, activities, meetings and more. Perhaps those who are pulled to such events might linger to see what else is offered there, including specialty collections and a wide array of DVDs, CDs and more on loan for free. Perhaps someone might even want to check out a book or two. After all, that is the heart of a library.

“Our library does a great job. There are so many opportunities to take classes, or activities. We have sewing machines, a 3D printer, you name it,” McLaughlin said. “We do need community-building organizations. And it’s all free and amazing.”

So true. We could all use more community building and this type of programming does just that. Places of learning, based in and in service to our community, where intersections of all types can be explored, are to be treasured. That’s one way we break down barriers. Besides, most libraries are lovely and usually quiet, and peaceful. So nice that there is at least one place in this world where you can just have a few moments of peace.

Go to burlingamelibraryfoundation.org to learn more about its programming and other cool things.

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And for those of you who didn’t know and didn’t look it up, the Sixth Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights (first 10) and provides for a speedy trial for those accused of a crime. The 17th? Allows for the direct election of senators by popular vote, ratified in 1913. Not so long ago. Learning … .