Cobleskill Community Library, Cobleskill, (see Chistine?, I spelled it right!), N.Y.

The Library  Book Tour is over. I don’t know if I accomplished anything, but I had a great time, one of the most meaningful of my writing life. More than 1,000 people came to see me. Maria sketched most of the libraries, and her work will become fiberart, potholders perhaps. It is time to move on with my life. The children’s books I am working on. The Frieda book. My life. My friends. The farm.  More work to do on me, always. More photos to take. I have Spring in my head and I’m not much interested in the storms anymore.

I just loved this tour. The people, the librarians, the ideas, the conversations, the moving from place to place, seeing new things, sharing it with Maria, taking photos, finding new and wonderful restaurants to see and the very different character of libraries. Libraries reflect their communities I see, mirror them, are tied to them. Libraries are the best of us, and I am happy to have raised my voice a bit to call some attention to that. It felt very worthwhile.

Thanks to the libraries and the librarians for their great and sensitive hospitality. And to the many people who came and the kindnesses they showed. Sorry to Richboro, Pa., which could use a visit I know. I will get back there in more settled weather. It was great fun dashing to Providence ahead of the storm and then exploring my hometown city. I want to go back to all of these places. They all, like the country itself, had different issues, sensibilities, feelings. How lucky for me that I could get to go. Thanks.