To students who could use a book;
They're here, so come and read 'em.
It's rather foolish not to -- look:
We've got 'em, and you need 'em.
It's certain you will be assigned
Some reading by your teachers,
And you must do it, for, you'll find,
They're unforgiving creatures.
The volumes for you to consult
Are here: you've but to choose 'em.
If you'd be sure of the result,
Just use, and don't abuse 'em.
For if you've come to get degrees,
And not inebriated,
You must do more than pay your fees:
You must get educated.
And studying's the way to do it;
Libraries, the spot to,
And not to do so is to screw it
Up, and so you've got to.
If you're afraid our terms are strict,
You sorely misconstrue 'em:
If you still need the books you've picked
When due, then just renew 'em.
So come on in: to find a book,
Your very best recourse is
To try what many overlook:
The Libraries' resources.
Originally published in SUL News Notes, October 1, 1993.
c 1993, 1995 Fleabonnet Press for the author.