One of my favorite things to do is visit public libraries.

When we lived in Omaha I had the luxury of using the college library at UNO and then also the multiple city libraries that were strategically scattered around the area (but none next to my house of course.)

I wandered into the Albion Library this past Monday - I’ve been doing research on Nebraska folklore. Who would’ve known that I’d gain such an appreciation for Mari Sandoz 20 years after she was originally introduced to me.

My teachers then swore to me that I’d enjoy it, but there was just something so boring about the Nebraskan Midwest in my junior high brain that I couldn’t bring myself to pay attention.

And now, some 20 years later, here I sit, pouring over tall tales and Nebraska Strong Men, and river tales of hidden treasure.

As many writers probably do, I dream of being able to produce some fiction works of some kind some day. That always creates a fun conversation - I enjoy a lot of Stephen King books (the movies are generally “meh”) but the books - no one can do “horror” like King...400 pages of character development to lead you into 85 pages of chair-gripping, “can’t unread” things that make you questions how life really works sometimes.

As a community storyteller, I always look for those folks that stand out in their respective towns.

We’ve got a “Cliffy Park” in one of my communities, and a host of near tall tales or even urban legends about those certain neighbors that bring to mind the Home Alone series and “Old Man Marley” that really just missed his kids.

These types of folks in your hometown are integral to building the story of your community.

And, the best part is - if you think those folks are becoming fewer and farther between, or perhaps you knew a bunch, and now you can’t name any - chances are, that person is you!

I’d love to tell your stories - sure, everyone wants to read about taxes and stuff - but the really good things come from knowing your neighbors, creating a community and creating a legacy that others want to participate in.

Oh, and Albion has an amazing Carnegie Library - well cared for and excellently stocked, go visit if you haven’t!