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Frame of Reference | Card-Carrying and Loudly Proud: My Library Evangelism Era

Card-Carrying and Loudly Proud: My Library Evangelism Era


While sitting in Central Park recently, I did something I'm both proud of and slightly ashamed to admit: I set up my best friend Jenny’s library card. On her phone. While also shaming her (gently!) for not already using this city resource. I’m a library champion who occasionally teeters on bully — but it’s only because I care. And because the public library is, quite honestly, one of the greatest resources we already pay for with our taxes. Why not take advantage?






Maybe my obsession started at the Altoona Public Library. I was young, curious, and enchanted by the surroundings. So enchanted, in fact, that while my mom returned a book, I borrowed her car keys and inserted them into an electrical socket. For science, of course. “Put Key In 🔑, Fire Comes Out 🔥” is now a favorite story of Mama Jane — though we tend to gloss over the part where I melted the keys to my dad’s car and stranded us at the library. To be fair, I was three, precocious, and Montessori-raised. And thankfully, my parents were fans of precocious.


Then there was that memorable day at the Riverside Branch in NYC. I was simply walking to return a book when I spotted a knitting circle of retirees, a handsome man exiting the library, and a fire truck pulling into the station next door — all at once. My senses overloaded, I turned my ankle and collapsed. And yes, those firemen carried me inside and helped me out. OK, so not entirely library-related… but it started with a book return.







Today, my love for libraries has evolved into full-on advocacy. I’ve convinced more friends than I can count to get a card. And in case you’re not yet convinced, here are three ways to get the most out of your local library:


1. It’s a great place to work.

Here in New York, I rotate between favorite branches to post up and focus.

The Performing Arts Library at Lincoln Center is a stunner
The Bryant Park branch is iconic (just don’t bring drinks into the reading room!),
And the West Village location is a cozy haven.

I credit many a productive writing session to these sanctuaries. I could never have done it at home.


2. It’s not just about books.

Yes, I love books — so much so that I refuse to go full-time e-reader. (Shout-out to Carrie Bradshaw: books do smell different.) But public libraries offer so much more: DVDs, music, audiobooks, and digital collections. I keep three library apps on my phone — Libby, CloudLibrary, and SimplyE — because the catalog varies by platform. Can’t find your book club pick on one? Check another.

3. There’s a whole community waiting for you.

Libraries offer classes, activities, and gatherings that connect people across generations. From baby reading circles for new moms to knitting clubs for retirees (my aspirational demographic, honestly), there's a space for everyone.

The library has been a constant in every chapter of my life. It’s where I learned, escaped, discovered, experimented (oops), and even, once, got rescued by firemen. So yes — I will set up your library card if you don’t have one. And I’ll do it with love. And probably a little lecture.


Because the truth is: the library is a gift. And I just want to make sure you unwrap it.

🧑‍🎨 About Frame of Reference

Written by Sara L. Gable, a lifelong arts advocate and marketing professional, Frame of Reference explores the intersection of creativity, culture, and commerce. With a career spanning two decades in brand-building and a deep personal connection to the arts, Sara brings a unique lens to how we experience, support, and sustain artistic institutions. In 2025, she will begin a Master’s program in Visual Arts Administration at NYU Steinhardt, continuing her journey toward shaping the future of the arts.

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