How a love for libraries led her to the Boston Marathon

In our “Why I’m Running” series, Boston Marathon athletes share what’s inspiring them to make the 26.2-mile trek from Hopkinton to Boston.

Name: Lisa Kernan
Age: 31
From: Beverly

Five words I never thought I’d say: “I’m running the Boston Marathon!” But if there was any cause that I would run 26.2 miles for, it would be the Boston Public Library.

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the power of the written word and the ability of novels and textbooks to transport and transform us. Ever since I was little, I felt most at-home in libraries and bookstores, so it was only fitting that I chose to call the birthplace of the American public library (Boston) home for my college years.

Now, I have the immense privilege of calling the Boston Public Library in Copley Square my office, where everyday I’m inspired by the BPL’s life-changing services and programs. Literacy and access to information are central to the Library’s mission, but as an urban public library the BPL has also spent the past 175 years innovating to meet the changing needs of the community.

Today, patrons can wander into the Central Library or one of its 25 neighborhood branches for story time; a computer class; resume and workforce help; an author talk; an English language class; citizenship preparation; mental health and housing resources; and so much more.

The biggest reason why I find my work so rewarding? These programs and services are free to all thanks to the power of philanthropy. I’m running the Boston Marathon to benefit the Boston Public Library: a common ground community hub and safe haven for the preservation of knowledge.

Editor’s note: This entry may have been lightly edited for clarity or grammar.

Annie Jonas is a Community writer at Boston.com. She was previously a local editor at Patch and a freelancer at the Financial Times.