I don’t exactly know why, but I enjoy snow blowing.

snow blower

I think it began when I was college. My freshman year I stayed on during the January earning money from Building & Grounds. For much of the time they simply said, “Go shovel some snow.” It was quiet, peaceful, and solitary. It was physical labor. It was a good time to think, and the setting was inspirational.

A couple of years later, in order to fulfill a graduation requirement, I needed to design and complete a “social practicum”. I decided to shovel snow for my neighbors. Upon asking them for permission, I got a lot of strange looks. “Why would you want to shovel my snow?”, they’d ask. I’d say, “Because I am more able to do it than you. I’m just being helpful and providing a social service.” Surprisingly, many people did not take me up on my offer, but a few did.

I now live and work in northern Indian only forty-five minutes from Lake Michigan where “lake effect” snow is common. I own a big, bad snowblower. It gives me a sense of power, and even though it disturbs the quiet, I enjoy the process of cleaning my driveway and sidewalk. I enjoy trying to figure out the most effectient way to get the job done. I enjoy it so much I even snow blow around the block.

Snow blowing and librarianship

What does this have to do with librarianship? In reality, not a whole lot. On the other hand, one of the aspects of librarianship, especially librarianship in public libraries, is community service — providing means for improving society. My clearing of snow for my neighbors is done in a similar vein, and it works for me. I can do something for my fellow man and have fun at the same time. Weird?

P.S. Mowing the grass gives me the same sort of feelings.