For #MondayMotivation, don't "check out" until you've made a positive difference in this world.

I use that term because I started "checking out" books at the #CairoPublicLibrary as soon as I could talk and walk, because Eloise Jones insisted that reading would be a part of her children's lives. And for young Black children in our racially segregated hometown, half of the magic of that ornate, 19th century red brick structure flowed from the beatific smile, lilting voice and nurturing presence of Mrs. Bertha Seavers.

It's nothing less than astonishing that this matriarch is still with us at age 103. Mrs. Seavers is one of those remarkable people who can authentically say that she has positively impacted the lives of every person she interacted with. Because the gatekeeper to my imagination and fanciful dreams for my future was this lovely, gentle and smiling woman, I believed that one day I, too, could pursue some of the adventure contained in the books Mrs. Seavers stamped and proffered each week.

I almost feel sorry for young people today, who have the world at their fingertips through their laptops and iPads and phones. Many of them may never have the experience of interacting with someone like Mrs. Seavers, who somehow managed to make every child she met feel like she understood what they wanted to read about and did her best to fulfill those dreams. That's why every pilgrimage back to #Cairo must include a trip to the Cairo Public Library, and last month's visit did not disappoint.

I may not live another 42 years, but these first 61 have been one hell of a ride! And thanks to the nourishing soul of people like Bertha Seavers, I hope I'm dropping a few breadcrumbs along the way, just like she did.

Except by now, she has scattered several thousand loaves along the way. Blessed Happy Birthday, Mother Seavers. And thank you to Don Patton and Karla Patton for sharing this special event with us.

#library #libraries #librarians #rolemodel #librarylove #reading #readingisfundamental #CairoIllinois