The House of Books

In Egyptian mythology, Seshat was the scribe of the gods and the pharaohs. Seshat, keeper of the library, was known as "Mistress of the House of Books". The library was the storehouse of knowledge, a university where ideas were taught, shared, and discussed. 

She became known as the goddess of astronomy, math, architecture, and surveying: all tasks that require knowledge, literacy, wisdom, and skill.  

The library, from that ancient time, has served as the center around which science, art, math, literacy, engineering, history, and language rotate. The library is the hub at the center of the wheel of knowledge.

This is still true today.  

There is a strong connection between robust school libraries and learning, literacy, and higher order thinking skills. 

In today's complicated world, the library is a sanctuary, a place for students to find information about the difficult situations they face.  It is a place to find who they are, what they value, what they stand for, and who they want to be.  

From that long ago time when Seshat stretched the cord to measure the creation of the world, the library has served as  a strong foundation for students who will be literate, active thinkers.  

But to do this, the library needs books. New books. Diverse books. Books that students self-select. Books that speak to the hearts and minds of young people today. 

And that is where we must begin. 

Sources:
Seshat's Story
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