Leslie Powell-Skinner of Eldridge, Iowa, last month was named the winner of the American Library Association's At My Library Creative Essay contest. She won $350 for her poem "A 'Cents'ible Resource."
The poem:
In these uncertain economic times, here's a truth that I have found
Using the Scott County Library is financially sound!
Years ago, when sudden unemployment left me in a lurch
I used the library to help with my new employment search
We visit the library as a free Saturday morning excursion
For parents, a break in routine is a welcome diversion!
I love the on-line card catalogue and use it quite frequently
If time is money, the library saves this precious commodity
With just a few clicks of the mouse
I find what I need without leaving my house!
I often request materials online and in one fell swoop
They're transferred to the Eldridge branch; emails keep me in the loop
I like to read the paper, search out garage sale ads or check out a magazine
Not subscribing to periodicals helps keep our spending lean
Reference materials from the library helped me learn to sew
A useful skill to save some "dough"
Captivating Caldecott Medal illustrations garner our kids' attention
Reading these beautiful stories helps with sight word retention
Libraries foster a love of reading and build our kids' literacy skills
Without the worry of incurring bills
Guest authors, movie days and workshops like "how to make a kite"
Provide fun, educational opportunities when money is tight
A giant kaleidoscope revealed spectacular designs at which to look
Free art exhibits equal savings for my pocketbook
Our younger kids and I attend story time each week
It has lively tales, crafts and the learning atmosphere I seek
Free CDs fuel our son's passion for music without spending a dime
Free DVDs and audio books make car trips more tolerable and help pass the time
When I was stuck in a "what to make for dinner" quandary
I turned to my local library
Thanks to food magazines and cookbooks galore
Menu planning has become less of a chore
I've checked out books like "how to feed your family for $12/day"
It has helped me grocery shop in an economical way
My husband loves Iron Chef and is a budding gourmet
For him, I researched books from Alton Brown and Bobby Flay
This "test drive a book before you buy" approach really makes sense
Just another way the library helps us minimize expense
A news report about a boy with prosthetic limbs sparked our daughter's curiosity
We borrowed books on this subject; they were totally free
The summer reading program helps feed our kids' imaginations
Staving off boredom improves our family relations
When our kids create masterpieces--artwork that we cherish and adore
Our library can laminate them for much less money than any store.
Having two kids in diapers can be financially draining!
I used the library for information to help with potty training
I hosted my daughter's birthday party when our budget was lean
Event planning books helped us organize our party and select our theme
When our daughter had to create a model rainforest biome
We borrowed illustrated science books to use at home
Thanks to lots of books from the "parents shelf"
I developed preschool curriculum all by myself!
The Scott County Library System has a "Friends of the Library" group
They sponsor used book sales and bazaars with prices that appeal to our troupe
The library distributed free tickets to a community theatre play
This exposed us to the arts in different way
I LOVE the Scott County Library Eldridge branch, the staff and service are A+
Our family is as loyal as they get; our library is first choice for us!
