Editor’s Note: Eleventh Stack will be taking a break this holiday week. All CLP locations will be closed on Thursday, November 24, and will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, November 23. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at CLP, and we’ll see you next Monday!

Thanksgiving is almost here, and for many it is a time to reflect, gather with friends and family and of course, to eat a LOT of food. I always get a little introspective this time of year (in between helpings of mashed potatoes and stuffing). So for this Thanksgiving season, here are just a few reasons why I am so thankful for the Library.

Free to the People

This is an oldie, but a goody. The ability to access free books, eBooks, movies, T.V. shows, music, resume help, the internet, programs and so much more can never be overstated. While this may be the most obvious reason on my list, it is also the most important.

A Place for Everyone

Walk through your local branch any given day, and you will find a microcosm of our community. A child checking out a book with their very own library card. Teenagers trying cooking or photography or meeting for anime club. Adults getting advice for an upcoming job interview. Whatever you need — the Library has it!

Volunteers

From reading buddies to Friends groups who raise money for our branches, those who work at the library are so thankful to have volunteers who give so much of their time and talents to the Library’s mission of literacy and learning.

Staff

I am still a relatively new staff member in this organization, but I smile every day because of what I see my co-workers doing. They have the ability to connect with people, and help them in a way I find astounding. I especially geek out over our Teen Specialists because I am not-so-secretly convinced that they might be the most patient and kind people in the world.

Your Support

Last but definitely not least, I am so thankful to see how supportive Pittsburgh is of its library system. Back in September, Love Your Library month took Allegheny County by storm, and the support for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh was overwhelming. It is truly humbling to see people’s generosity.

So, there is my list. Now I am off to go bake (just kidding, buy) a pumpkin pie. Please share in the comments below why you are thankful for your Library.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-Allison

Allison works at CLP – Main in the External and Government Relations Department as a Development Associate. She enjoys long walks, good books and bad reality television.