Why I Love My Library: Patron Kate Shadix

A few weeks ago, Kate Shadix took her daughters, Sapphire and Light, by the Avondale Regional Branch Library to pick up their usual box of 30 books.

To say Shadix and her daughters love the Birmingham Public Library is an understatement. Shadix and her family were loyal patrons of the Eastwood Branch Library for years until the pandemic shut it down this fall. Shadix has been bringing her daughters Sapphire, age 9, and Light, 10, to check out books and take advantage of fun family-friendly activities at Eastwood Branch Library since they were toddlers.

They have been taking advantage of curbside library services at Avondale Regional Library since the pandemic began, and are excited that in-person services are resuming soon. 

In a Q & A, Shadix - joined by her daughters on a few answers - talked about what she loves most about BPL. 

BPL: It is the holiday season. As 2020 comes to a close, what do you love most about the Birmingham Public Library? 

 Kate Shadix: I’ve been homeschooling my two daughters (ages 10 and 9) for five years now and I would feel completely lost without the library.  I love that the services are free and the resources are endless.  When the pandemic started, it affected us in many ways, just like it did everyone else.  However, our libraries being closed was the biggest setback for myself and my girls.  We were thrilled to have them open again for curbside pickup.  Our libraries have allowed us to escape this COVID-weary world, one book at a time.

 BPL: How long have you been a patron of BPL? 

Kate Shadix: Both of my girls have been patrons of BPL since they could write their own names.  Because you had to sign your card, it really motivated them both to learn to write their names legibly so they could check out their own books.  We started out at our wonderful little Eastwood library, occasionally visiting other Birmingham libraries.  We moved to Avondale only since the pandemic started and Eastwood shut down (We miss you, Ms. Gina!).

 BPL: What do you love most about BPL? 

Light, 10: Being able to check out new books that I haven’t read before and getting to go on new adventures while reading.

Sapphire, 9: That books are free to borrow and we get to have books for a few weeks to read them over and over.

 Kate Shadix: To name just one thing I love most about BPL would be impossible!  The librarians are always so incredibly kind and helpful.  Reading books together with my kids has always been a treasure for me.  Reading books that make us laugh, or cry, or just make us think and talk together.  Having the opportunity to build up my kids and strengthen my relationship with them through reading together...THAT’S what I love most about our libraries!

BPL: Why do you feel libraries are a vital part of Birmingham?

Light: Books inspire people to learn things they didn’t know before and try things they’ve never imagined.  Libraries being free help people who can’t afford new materials.

Kate Shadix: Libraries provide employment opportunities  to the Birmingham area.  Also, they allow people to connect with each other.  We’ve made several friends of all ages and we’re so thrilled they are back!

BPL:  Why do you feel it is important for the public to support BPL? 

Light: People need a break from reality sometimes.  Libraries offer us that opportunity.

Kate Shadix: If you’ve read this far and haven’t already come to an understanding as to why it’s important for the public to support BPL, you should just go visit one of these amazing places and look at all of the incredible people working there.  Experience their kindness and their knowledge.  And think of the families they are working to support (both their own and the patrons around the city).