It should come as no surprise that libraries have always been very special to Nahant Public Library Director Nori Morganstein. But when asked about her earliest memories in libraries, Morganstein joked that she actually rebelled against them when she was young.
“I had two parents that were very, very into education,” she explained. “My mom works for a university still, and my dad ended up being a teacher, so I rebelled against it a little. But I think by the time I was about 9, I couldn’t escape it. I’m very much an avid reader.
“To this day, I read at least like 50-100 books a year. I very much know it’s because of my parents, and I was extraordinarily lucky to have two parents in the education field because I was surrounded by books, and now I’m also married to a librarian, so we can continue to buy books. Hopefully that love of books and education is something I can share with others.”
Morganstein, originally from Chicago, earned degrees in English and library science and has had an extensive career as a librarian. She said “it’s not necessarily always the easiest job,” but seeing the incredible benefits libraries have on both kids and adults keeps her in this industry.
“I’ve seen people learn languages in libraries. I’ve seen a summer reading program turn a reluctant reader into a lifelong reader. I’ve seen kids reading to therapy dogs and just opening up in general. I’ve seen successful tutoring sessions happen in a library. I’ve seen people becoming friends, who I hope become lifelong friends, in a public library,” Morganstein gushed.
“I really think of libraries as these community hubs that could have lifelong impacts on people – and maybe what I’m saying can be seen as a small thing, but they’re small things that have big, big impacts. I think that’s why people do what they do and become librarians. It’s not just about books. Books are part of it, but it’s about trying to make some kind of little difference in a world that can be increasingly harder and more expensive, but trying to help people in small ways.”
Morganstein said the Nahant Public Library, for the month of May, did a town-wide read-a-thon where the library is asking the town to all read the same book: “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. She also said the library hosts documentaries, lectures and discussions, and she credited the staff for being able to hold those events.
“I think there’s a lot going on in the world that people don’t agree on, and one of the things that can bring people together is literature, right? There’s a lot going on, but literature – especially ones about things that are really interesting, like aquariums and the octopus – is a great way to get people together and just talk and remember things that we have in common,” Morganstein said. “Like, we’re all interested in the ocean – especially when you live in Nahant. It’s just something to make people happy and have something in common.”
Morganstein also said the federal government’s recent cuts to library funding has trickled down to both the state and local levels, and the best way to support the Nahant Public Library is to use it. She emphasized that library cards are free, and so long as someone has a Massachusetts ID, they’re eligible for a Nahant Public Library card. They don’t even need to be Nahant residents.
The Nahant Public Library has the third oldest municipally-owned library collection in Massachusetts and welcomes all with its beautiful iron, glass floors and stained glass windows. Also, for anyone worried about late fees, Morganstein said most libraries don’t have those anymore, Nahant Public Library included. The only fees there may be are for lost or damaged books.
“They are really one of the last few places I believe are for everyone,” Morganstein said. “They’re free and open to anyone, no matter their background. You can go into them and not have to spend any money and go to an event… and not have to worry about spending a dime. Libraries are probably one of the last-standing places that are like that.”
