Information is light

I recently came across this quote by Tom Stoppard: "Information is light. Information in itself, about anything, is light". I didn't find the context, so I am not sure how Mr. Stoppard intended it to mean, but I immediately flashed (if you will excuse the pun) onto the cartoon staple of a light bulb over a character's head - enlightenment, understanding, ideas. I certainly think that the library is responsible for a great deal of light in people's lives. It is an extremely rare book, piece of music or film that doesn't shed a bit of light on the human condition, a bit of understanding about our neighbors, insights into ideas. It is that Aha moment, that moment where you say to yourself while reading, "Oh I didn't know that". Light shining on life is key to understanding.

Light shining is key to seeing in a more mundane way as well. Thanks to the Kelley Library Board of Trustees, there is more and better light shining in the Children's Department. Long a place of bright spots and dim spaces, the light now is brighter without being squint bright, and dispersed throughout shedding light on books long lost in the shadows. Who knows what insights, ideas and understanding will be result from some good lighting? And where better to start than with our children?

Stop in and catch some light.

Book: The dog it was that died, and other plays, by Tom Stoppard
Book: Complete lighting design, a practical design for perfect lighting, by Marilyn Zelinsky
Book: Against the machine: being human in the age of the electronic mob, by Lee Siegel
Book: Seeking enlightenment - hat by hat, by Nevada Barr