Minnesota Prairie Roots

This poster at Buckham Memorial Library in Faribault promotes the theme of the summer reading program.

BUILD A BETTER WORLD.

This sign rests on the check-out desk at the library for all to read.

Hate has no business in our community.

I picked up this bookmark at the library several days ago.

One world, many stories.

I appreciate these three messages, shared on a poster, on a sign and on a bookmark at my local library.

Buckham Memorial Library, Faribault, Minnesota. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.

In this public place along Division Street in Faribault, local residents of all ages, all colors, all backgrounds, gather. While there are certainly divisions and differences, there is also a coming together here facilitated by library staff.

These signs were previously (and may still be) posted in the library restrooms. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.

Words matter. When I read words that encourage building up rather than tearing down, choosing love over hatred and fostering of unity instead of division, I am hopeful. I am hopeful that we can learn to get along, to appreciate the individual stories we each bring to our community. Once we begin to see each other as individuals, the building begins, the love flows, our world widens.

© Copyright 2017 Audrey Kletscher Helbling