The Power of Let’s

Nov 12, 2018 | Library Life

LIBRARY LIFE

The Power of Let’s

Written by Sarah Verno
17 April 2018
Everyone needs a “let’s” person in their life.

I was blessed to have one for 30 years. When it came to my ideas and interests, my mom was always the first to say, “Let’s find out.”

Instead of approaching an idea with, “Will this work?” my mom would ask, “What do we need to know and/or do to make this work?” Not all of my ideas were good let alone feasible, but this fundamental shift in thinking empowered me to try anything and everything with bravery and confidence.

There’s a unique courage that comes with knowing someone supports you enough to willingly take those first steps alongside you. “Let’s” tells someone you are worthy, you are heard, you are not alone, and you are not stuck.

When I started a cheerleading squad for special needs high schoolers, she said, “Let’s make the girls encouraging signs for their lockers!”  When I decided to start writing picture books, she said, “Let’s go to the library to get ideas!” When I was determined to make my own furniture, she said, “Let’s get you a drill,” and took me to the lumber store to pick out the perfect wood for my table.

Then one day she told me some very bad news, and I responded the best way I knew how, “Let’s check out the cancer resource center and get more information.” When it was a treatment day, I would pack her snacks and announce in a sing-song manner, “Leeeeet’s gooooo to cheeeee-mo!” When she started to lose her hair, I suggested, “Let’s try on wigs!” We tried on every style imaginable — laughing the whole way through. When the day came in hospice for my mom to take her final breaths, I said, “Let’s lie here together.” My dad held her hand, and my brother and I lay by her side until the slow beating in her chest was absorbed in stillness. 

My mom teaching me how to play golf.

Arizona, March 2007

Every time I walk into a library, I’m reminded of the beautiful impact my mom had on me simply by saying, “Let’s.” Librarians hold the same power to profoundly shape peoples’ realities and influence their lives. 
“Let’s” is the word that transforms a library experience into a life-changing experience. It is more than a contraction — it is an invitation.
“Let’s” is always inclusive, and just as my mom used it to affirm and support me, librarians have the privilege and responsibility to use “let’s” to empower patrons and their communities. 

So, whatever challenge may lie ahead of you today… Let’s do this.

My family (from the left: Wes, me, mom, and dad) celebrating the end of the first round of chemo treatments.

November 2015