Andrea here, musing on libraries—brick and mortar libraries—and how much they have had an influence on my life. The pandemic has made me aware of many everyday pleasures that may be small ones, but are things I have missed very much during the lockdown we’ve all experienced over the past half a year.
Libraries visits are one of them. The access to digital books through my local library’s app and website has been a godsend during the isolation, but the recent progress in my town, allowing the physical libraries (we have three!) to to provide curbside pick-up—and also to open for two hours each day for very limited browsing of the new acquisitions—has made me happier than I expected. The sight of the shelves with all those glorious books, the scent of paper . . . they stir fond memories, going back to my childhood.
Our local library was at the end of the main street in the small town where I grew up, and my mother knew she could leave me in the children’s reading room while she went shopping and I’d never wander away from my chair. Among the many treasures I discovered there were Winnie the Pooh, The Wind in the Willows and Charlotte’s Web; the swashbuckling deeds of King Arthur and Robin Hood; the wonderful books, Rabbit Hill and The Fabulous Flight, by local author Robert Lawson.
What they had in common was how they sparked my imagination and encouraged a sense of curiosity, wonder and adventure. I was one of those girls who wasn’t very interested in girly things, and my storybook friends, be they Bear, Badger, Mole, knights or just other children, helped me dare to think outside the box.
Those books that I discovered in the library when I was a child—those stories of quests and of courage in the face of fear; those stories celebrating the power of friendship, and the power of love—were elemental in shaping who I am as a writer to day.
I found books magical. (I suppose it’s no surprise that I wrote my first book at age five. It was a Western, with full color illustrations. And yes, I’m still a lousy speller.) The power of storytelling—that alchemy of words on paper which take you to wondrous places and introduce you to wondrous friends—was transformational.
Ours was a household of books—my brothers and I were all avid readers, encouraged by our parents to explore the world of stories. But the library offered such a broad range of treasures. I never got tired of poking around and delighted in finding unexpected pleasures.
One memorable library moment involving my mother came when I was in fifth grade. Our town was very small, and at that time, the town library was in a separate section of the school library. Bored with the kiddie books, I went into the adult library (which we weren’t supposed to do) and found a book on Jacques Cousteau and his scientific work with sharks. I was fascinated, and walked up to the desk to check it out. And was promptly told I wasn’t allowed to check out adult books.
Umm, Cousteau and sharks wasn’t exactly Lady Chatterley’s Lover—not that I knew enough to say that to the librarian. But I did insist that my mother would definitely let me read it. Taking up the challenge, the librarian telephoned my Mother, and explained to her that children weren’t allowed in that part of the library, expecting her to back up the authorities.To her credit, my Mother replied—quite forcefully I learned later—that it was a ridiculous rule and that I had permission from her to take any book I wanted. (thank you, Mom!)
I still get goosebumps when I visit special libraries—the Bodleian Library, the New York Public Library in Manhattan, the British Library in London and the Library of Congress in Washington DC are just a few of my favorites. And I still love the feeling of walking through the doors of my local libraries and perusing the shelves for new arrivals, or undiscovered classic.
For me, the free public library system—allowing everybody access to books—is one of the best things we ever did in this country.
What about you? Are you a lover of libraries? Did you frequent them as a kid? Do you have any favorite libraries or favorite library stories from over the years?
I adore libraries. They are such magical places. When I was a child, the public library was right across the street from the school, so the walk home generally included a detour there. And I can remember how grownup I felt when I turned 12 and could use the adult part of the library.
I remember feeling terribly intimidated the first time I went to the New York Public Library, and you had to fill out a form and they would fetch the book you wanted. When you are starting from ignorance, it’s very hard to figure out what books will help.
The same system applied when I went to college, and I can remember my roommate requesting three books on the Iliad, and getting two of them in Greek. Fortunately (for me), there was a budget cut and they had to open the stacks. My idea of heaven is something like wandering the stacks of a large research library and discovering worlds and worlds that you never even suspected existed.
I adore libraries. They are such magical places. When I was a child, the public library was right across the street from the school, so the walk home generally included a detour there. And I can remember how grownup I felt when I turned 12 and could use the adult part of the library.
I remember feeling terribly intimidated the first time I went to the New York Public Library, and you had to fill out a form and they would fetch the book you wanted. When you are starting from ignorance, it’s very hard to figure out what books will help.
The same system applied when I went to college, and I can remember my roommate requesting three books on the Iliad, and getting two of them in Greek. Fortunately (for me), there was a budget cut and they had to open the stacks. My idea of heaven is something like wandering the stacks of a large research library and discovering worlds and worlds that you never even suspected existed.
I adore libraries. They are such magical places. When I was a child, the public library was right across the street from the school, so the walk home generally included a detour there. And I can remember how grownup I felt when I turned 12 and could use the adult part of the library.
I remember feeling terribly intimidated the first time I went to the New York Public Library, and you had to fill out a form and they would fetch the book you wanted. When you are starting from ignorance, it’s very hard to figure out what books will help.
The same system applied when I went to college, and I can remember my roommate requesting three books on the Iliad, and getting two of them in Greek. Fortunately (for me), there was a budget cut and they had to open the stacks. My idea of heaven is something like wandering the stacks of a large research library and discovering worlds and worlds that you never even suspected existed.
I adore libraries. They are such magical places. When I was a child, the public library was right across the street from the school, so the walk home generally included a detour there. And I can remember how grownup I felt when I turned 12 and could use the adult part of the library.
I remember feeling terribly intimidated the first time I went to the New York Public Library, and you had to fill out a form and they would fetch the book you wanted. When you are starting from ignorance, it’s very hard to figure out what books will help.
The same system applied when I went to college, and I can remember my roommate requesting three books on the Iliad, and getting two of them in Greek. Fortunately (for me), there was a budget cut and they had to open the stacks. My idea of heaven is something like wandering the stacks of a large research library and discovering worlds and worlds that you never even suspected existed.
I adore libraries. They are such magical places. When I was a child, the public library was right across the street from the school, so the walk home generally included a detour there. And I can remember how grownup I felt when I turned 12 and could use the adult part of the library.
I remember feeling terribly intimidated the first time I went to the New York Public Library, and you had to fill out a form and they would fetch the book you wanted. When you are starting from ignorance, it’s very hard to figure out what books will help.
The same system applied when I went to college, and I can remember my roommate requesting three books on the Iliad, and getting two of them in Greek. Fortunately (for me), there was a budget cut and they had to open the stacks. My idea of heaven is something like wandering the stacks of a large research library and discovering worlds and worlds that you never even suspected existed.
Oh, this post brings so very many happy memories back for me! I have loved libraries all my life and whenever we travel, this is the first building I check out in whatever town or city my hubby and I go to. As a child, we could not go into the adult section either but I remember having a terrible time deciding which books to check out – there were so many and I was only allowed 3!
Many moons later when hubby got a job in a small town north of the large city in which we lived, and my co-workers were giving me a going-away party, my best friend jokingly said “Maybe you will get lucky and get a job at a library”. Well, guess what? I did!!!! I applied to the library for the job of a page – which is re-shelving books. The librarian thought I was over qualified for that job and offered me one working on the desk for check-in and check-out and reference and I spent the happiest 17 years of my life there. I was lucky enough to work there before computers came along so saw the change that they made.
Our library is open 3 days a week for a few hours and they do take orders over the phone and will deliver to your car, curbside. I miss the ambiance and the scent of books. Can’t wait for things to be back to normal. The first book I can remember making a big influence on me was “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.
Oh, this post brings so very many happy memories back for me! I have loved libraries all my life and whenever we travel, this is the first building I check out in whatever town or city my hubby and I go to. As a child, we could not go into the adult section either but I remember having a terrible time deciding which books to check out – there were so many and I was only allowed 3!
Many moons later when hubby got a job in a small town north of the large city in which we lived, and my co-workers were giving me a going-away party, my best friend jokingly said “Maybe you will get lucky and get a job at a library”. Well, guess what? I did!!!! I applied to the library for the job of a page – which is re-shelving books. The librarian thought I was over qualified for that job and offered me one working on the desk for check-in and check-out and reference and I spent the happiest 17 years of my life there. I was lucky enough to work there before computers came along so saw the change that they made.
Our library is open 3 days a week for a few hours and they do take orders over the phone and will deliver to your car, curbside. I miss the ambiance and the scent of books. Can’t wait for things to be back to normal. The first book I can remember making a big influence on me was “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.
Oh, this post brings so very many happy memories back for me! I have loved libraries all my life and whenever we travel, this is the first building I check out in whatever town or city my hubby and I go to. As a child, we could not go into the adult section either but I remember having a terrible time deciding which books to check out – there were so many and I was only allowed 3!
Many moons later when hubby got a job in a small town north of the large city in which we lived, and my co-workers were giving me a going-away party, my best friend jokingly said “Maybe you will get lucky and get a job at a library”. Well, guess what? I did!!!! I applied to the library for the job of a page – which is re-shelving books. The librarian thought I was over qualified for that job and offered me one working on the desk for check-in and check-out and reference and I spent the happiest 17 years of my life there. I was lucky enough to work there before computers came along so saw the change that they made.
Our library is open 3 days a week for a few hours and they do take orders over the phone and will deliver to your car, curbside. I miss the ambiance and the scent of books. Can’t wait for things to be back to normal. The first book I can remember making a big influence on me was “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.
Oh, this post brings so very many happy memories back for me! I have loved libraries all my life and whenever we travel, this is the first building I check out in whatever town or city my hubby and I go to. As a child, we could not go into the adult section either but I remember having a terrible time deciding which books to check out – there were so many and I was only allowed 3!
Many moons later when hubby got a job in a small town north of the large city in which we lived, and my co-workers were giving me a going-away party, my best friend jokingly said “Maybe you will get lucky and get a job at a library”. Well, guess what? I did!!!! I applied to the library for the job of a page – which is re-shelving books. The librarian thought I was over qualified for that job and offered me one working on the desk for check-in and check-out and reference and I spent the happiest 17 years of my life there. I was lucky enough to work there before computers came along so saw the change that they made.
Our library is open 3 days a week for a few hours and they do take orders over the phone and will deliver to your car, curbside. I miss the ambiance and the scent of books. Can’t wait for things to be back to normal. The first book I can remember making a big influence on me was “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.
Oh, this post brings so very many happy memories back for me! I have loved libraries all my life and whenever we travel, this is the first building I check out in whatever town or city my hubby and I go to. As a child, we could not go into the adult section either but I remember having a terrible time deciding which books to check out – there were so many and I was only allowed 3!
Many moons later when hubby got a job in a small town north of the large city in which we lived, and my co-workers were giving me a going-away party, my best friend jokingly said “Maybe you will get lucky and get a job at a library”. Well, guess what? I did!!!! I applied to the library for the job of a page – which is re-shelving books. The librarian thought I was over qualified for that job and offered me one working on the desk for check-in and check-out and reference and I spent the happiest 17 years of my life there. I was lucky enough to work there before computers came along so saw the change that they made.
Our library is open 3 days a week for a few hours and they do take orders over the phone and will deliver to your car, curbside. I miss the ambiance and the scent of books. Can’t wait for things to be back to normal. The first book I can remember making a big influence on me was “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”.
I love libraries, always have, always will. I also happen to work in one. Let me tell you, it’s a little different behind the scene than it is in front of. I love going down to the sub-sub basement where some of the books are stored which hardly ever circulate. I have found a number of oldie romance books down there.
We were shut down for months and have just recently slowly reopened. We started with curbside pick-up, then computer use only, then pick-up your book and leave. Now we are open with masks, plexiglass, gloves, cleaning stuff, half of the furniture was moved allowing for distance. We have made all kinds of pass out packages for school children. We are still doing curbside pick-ups if people want it. We are not doing inside programming, but have adopted Zoom programming. Actually the Zoom is going really well, and I suspect we will continue that even after we allow inside programs. It’s been an interesting learning progress. It’s also nice to know how much the community appreciates us.
And, if you think a library is a great place to work, let me tell you you’re right!
I love libraries, always have, always will. I also happen to work in one. Let me tell you, it’s a little different behind the scene than it is in front of. I love going down to the sub-sub basement where some of the books are stored which hardly ever circulate. I have found a number of oldie romance books down there.
We were shut down for months and have just recently slowly reopened. We started with curbside pick-up, then computer use only, then pick-up your book and leave. Now we are open with masks, plexiglass, gloves, cleaning stuff, half of the furniture was moved allowing for distance. We have made all kinds of pass out packages for school children. We are still doing curbside pick-ups if people want it. We are not doing inside programming, but have adopted Zoom programming. Actually the Zoom is going really well, and I suspect we will continue that even after we allow inside programs. It’s been an interesting learning progress. It’s also nice to know how much the community appreciates us.
And, if you think a library is a great place to work, let me tell you you’re right!
I love libraries, always have, always will. I also happen to work in one. Let me tell you, it’s a little different behind the scene than it is in front of. I love going down to the sub-sub basement where some of the books are stored which hardly ever circulate. I have found a number of oldie romance books down there.
We were shut down for months and have just recently slowly reopened. We started with curbside pick-up, then computer use only, then pick-up your book and leave. Now we are open with masks, plexiglass, gloves, cleaning stuff, half of the furniture was moved allowing for distance. We have made all kinds of pass out packages for school children. We are still doing curbside pick-ups if people want it. We are not doing inside programming, but have adopted Zoom programming. Actually the Zoom is going really well, and I suspect we will continue that even after we allow inside programs. It’s been an interesting learning progress. It’s also nice to know how much the community appreciates us.
And, if you think a library is a great place to work, let me tell you you’re right!
I love libraries, always have, always will. I also happen to work in one. Let me tell you, it’s a little different behind the scene than it is in front of. I love going down to the sub-sub basement where some of the books are stored which hardly ever circulate. I have found a number of oldie romance books down there.
We were shut down for months and have just recently slowly reopened. We started with curbside pick-up, then computer use only, then pick-up your book and leave. Now we are open with masks, plexiglass, gloves, cleaning stuff, half of the furniture was moved allowing for distance. We have made all kinds of pass out packages for school children. We are still doing curbside pick-ups if people want it. We are not doing inside programming, but have adopted Zoom programming. Actually the Zoom is going really well, and I suspect we will continue that even after we allow inside programs. It’s been an interesting learning progress. It’s also nice to know how much the community appreciates us.
And, if you think a library is a great place to work, let me tell you you’re right!
I love libraries, always have, always will. I also happen to work in one. Let me tell you, it’s a little different behind the scene than it is in front of. I love going down to the sub-sub basement where some of the books are stored which hardly ever circulate. I have found a number of oldie romance books down there.
We were shut down for months and have just recently slowly reopened. We started with curbside pick-up, then computer use only, then pick-up your book and leave. Now we are open with masks, plexiglass, gloves, cleaning stuff, half of the furniture was moved allowing for distance. We have made all kinds of pass out packages for school children. We are still doing curbside pick-ups if people want it. We are not doing inside programming, but have adopted Zoom programming. Actually the Zoom is going really well, and I suspect we will continue that even after we allow inside programs. It’s been an interesting learning progress. It’s also nice to know how much the community appreciates us.
And, if you think a library is a great place to work, let me tell you you’re right!
I have loved libraries ever since I learned to read. I, too, had a note from my mother that I could read anything that interested me. I worked in my college library on a scholarship. When the opportunity to work in the Phoenix library came, I jumped at it for 25 years. My 2 systems are now open for limited service and I am thankful. I can read best sellers again without having to buy them.
I have loved libraries ever since I learned to read. I, too, had a note from my mother that I could read anything that interested me. I worked in my college library on a scholarship. When the opportunity to work in the Phoenix library came, I jumped at it for 25 years. My 2 systems are now open for limited service and I am thankful. I can read best sellers again without having to buy them.
I have loved libraries ever since I learned to read. I, too, had a note from my mother that I could read anything that interested me. I worked in my college library on a scholarship. When the opportunity to work in the Phoenix library came, I jumped at it for 25 years. My 2 systems are now open for limited service and I am thankful. I can read best sellers again without having to buy them.
I have loved libraries ever since I learned to read. I, too, had a note from my mother that I could read anything that interested me. I worked in my college library on a scholarship. When the opportunity to work in the Phoenix library came, I jumped at it for 25 years. My 2 systems are now open for limited service and I am thankful. I can read best sellers again without having to buy them.
I have loved libraries ever since I learned to read. I, too, had a note from my mother that I could read anything that interested me. I worked in my college library on a scholarship. When the opportunity to work in the Phoenix library came, I jumped at it for 25 years. My 2 systems are now open for limited service and I am thankful. I can read best sellers again without having to buy them.
Lil, my walk every day after school would definitely have included a stop at the library!
I totally agree with you on how intimidating it is to have to to submit slip to request books. I love browsing, and always discover unexpected treasures. In college, our main library had open stacks . . .I could have been lost for a semester!
Lil, my walk every day after school would definitely have included a stop at the library!
I totally agree with you on how intimidating it is to have to to submit slip to request books. I love browsing, and always discover unexpected treasures. In college, our main library had open stacks . . .I could have been lost for a semester!
Lil, my walk every day after school would definitely have included a stop at the library!
I totally agree with you on how intimidating it is to have to to submit slip to request books. I love browsing, and always discover unexpected treasures. In college, our main library had open stacks . . .I could have been lost for a semester!
Lil, my walk every day after school would definitely have included a stop at the library!
I totally agree with you on how intimidating it is to have to to submit slip to request books. I love browsing, and always discover unexpected treasures. In college, our main library had open stacks . . .I could have been lost for a semester!
Lil, my walk every day after school would definitely have included a stop at the library!
I totally agree with you on how intimidating it is to have to to submit slip to request books. I love browsing, and always discover unexpected treasures. In college, our main library had open stacks . . .I could have been lost for a semester!
Donna, so glad this conjured up good memories!
And how wonderful that you got a library job! I have to smile at your doing the check-out pre-computer era. One of my local libraries is a 19th century building that still has beautiful wrought iron and wood shelving in his stacks (along with several Tiffany stained glass windows. And when you check out a book, they thump the due date on one of those old white lined paper flaps with a hand stamp. It makes me smile every time!
Donna, so glad this conjured up good memories!
And how wonderful that you got a library job! I have to smile at your doing the check-out pre-computer era. One of my local libraries is a 19th century building that still has beautiful wrought iron and wood shelving in his stacks (along with several Tiffany stained glass windows. And when you check out a book, they thump the due date on one of those old white lined paper flaps with a hand stamp. It makes me smile every time!
Donna, so glad this conjured up good memories!
And how wonderful that you got a library job! I have to smile at your doing the check-out pre-computer era. One of my local libraries is a 19th century building that still has beautiful wrought iron and wood shelving in his stacks (along with several Tiffany stained glass windows. And when you check out a book, they thump the due date on one of those old white lined paper flaps with a hand stamp. It makes me smile every time!
Donna, so glad this conjured up good memories!
And how wonderful that you got a library job! I have to smile at your doing the check-out pre-computer era. One of my local libraries is a 19th century building that still has beautiful wrought iron and wood shelving in his stacks (along with several Tiffany stained glass windows. And when you check out a book, they thump the due date on one of those old white lined paper flaps with a hand stamp. It makes me smile every time!
Donna, so glad this conjured up good memories!
And how wonderful that you got a library job! I have to smile at your doing the check-out pre-computer era. One of my local libraries is a 19th century building that still has beautiful wrought iron and wood shelving in his stacks (along with several Tiffany stained glass windows. And when you check out a book, they thump the due date on one of those old white lined paper flaps with a hand stamp. It makes me smile every time!
Our family went to the nearest local branch every Friday evening. The bookmobile came to school every other Sunday. So my sister and I would gulp books over one weekend, turn them in to the book mobile, then read more leisurly for the next two weeks.
Our family went to the nearest local branch every Friday evening. The bookmobile came to school every other Sunday. So my sister and I would gulp books over one weekend, turn them in to the book mobile, then read more leisurly for the next two weeks.
Our family went to the nearest local branch every Friday evening. The bookmobile came to school every other Sunday. So my sister and I would gulp books over one weekend, turn them in to the book mobile, then read more leisurly for the next two weeks.
Our family went to the nearest local branch every Friday evening. The bookmobile came to school every other Sunday. So my sister and I would gulp books over one weekend, turn them in to the book mobile, then read more leisurly for the next two weeks.
Our family went to the nearest local branch every Friday evening. The bookmobile came to school every other Sunday. So my sister and I would gulp books over one weekend, turn them in to the book mobile, then read more leisurly for the next two weeks.
That’s so wonderful Kay! Hugs to all you librarians. In our town the library is hugely important—and appreciated—by the community. So thank you for all your work!
Zoom events are a silver lining to the pandemic. They open up a larger range of possibilities. We’ve had some big-name authors do programming with our libraries, and there are craft classes too, showing you how to knit, quilt, etc. Such fabulous resources for everyone!
That’s so wonderful Kay! Hugs to all you librarians. In our town the library is hugely important—and appreciated—by the community. So thank you for all your work!
Zoom events are a silver lining to the pandemic. They open up a larger range of possibilities. We’ve had some big-name authors do programming with our libraries, and there are craft classes too, showing you how to knit, quilt, etc. Such fabulous resources for everyone!
That’s so wonderful Kay! Hugs to all you librarians. In our town the library is hugely important—and appreciated—by the community. So thank you for all your work!
Zoom events are a silver lining to the pandemic. They open up a larger range of possibilities. We’ve had some big-name authors do programming with our libraries, and there are craft classes too, showing you how to knit, quilt, etc. Such fabulous resources for everyone!
That’s so wonderful Kay! Hugs to all you librarians. In our town the library is hugely important—and appreciated—by the community. So thank you for all your work!
Zoom events are a silver lining to the pandemic. They open up a larger range of possibilities. We’ve had some big-name authors do programming with our libraries, and there are craft classes too, showing you how to knit, quilt, etc. Such fabulous resources for everyone!
That’s so wonderful Kay! Hugs to all you librarians. In our town the library is hugely important—and appreciated—by the community. So thank you for all your work!
Zoom events are a silver lining to the pandemic. They open up a larger range of possibilities. We’ve had some big-name authors do programming with our libraries, and there are craft classes too, showing you how to knit, quilt, etc. Such fabulous resources for everyone!
Another Librarian here! Hugs to you, Beverly, and many thanks for enriching so many lives.
So glad you are starting to re-open, too. It makes a big difference for communities.
Another Librarian here! Hugs to you, Beverly, and many thanks for enriching so many lives.
So glad you are starting to re-open, too. It makes a big difference for communities.
Another Librarian here! Hugs to you, Beverly, and many thanks for enriching so many lives.
So glad you are starting to re-open, too. It makes a big difference for communities.
Another Librarian here! Hugs to you, Beverly, and many thanks for enriching so many lives.
So glad you are starting to re-open, too. It makes a big difference for communities.
Another Librarian here! Hugs to you, Beverly, and many thanks for enriching so many lives.
So glad you are starting to re-open, too. It makes a big difference for communities.
I’m another who loves libraries, so thank you for this lovely post, Andrea.
We moved to our current location around eighteen years ago. After we’d been here about a month, I felt I’d arrived when the librarian greeted me by name.
I moved a great deal throughout my childhood and adolescence attending over a dozen schools. I loved to read though and going to the library was always a given. I continue to love to read, and my husband jokes that he’s grateful that the card I max out is my library card as opposed to a credit card.
The only negative I can remember concerning the library took place when I was ten/eleven and doing my homework there after school. A nice (I’m being facetious) man offered me a calculator if I’d be his friend. This was back in the early seventies when calculators were new and cost about a hundred dollars. (And we’re talking basic functions not a scientific calculator.) It’s scary to think how very tempting that offer was.
I’m another who loves libraries, so thank you for this lovely post, Andrea.
We moved to our current location around eighteen years ago. After we’d been here about a month, I felt I’d arrived when the librarian greeted me by name.
I moved a great deal throughout my childhood and adolescence attending over a dozen schools. I loved to read though and going to the library was always a given. I continue to love to read, and my husband jokes that he’s grateful that the card I max out is my library card as opposed to a credit card.
The only negative I can remember concerning the library took place when I was ten/eleven and doing my homework there after school. A nice (I’m being facetious) man offered me a calculator if I’d be his friend. This was back in the early seventies when calculators were new and cost about a hundred dollars. (And we’re talking basic functions not a scientific calculator.) It’s scary to think how very tempting that offer was.
I’m another who loves libraries, so thank you for this lovely post, Andrea.
We moved to our current location around eighteen years ago. After we’d been here about a month, I felt I’d arrived when the librarian greeted me by name.
I moved a great deal throughout my childhood and adolescence attending over a dozen schools. I loved to read though and going to the library was always a given. I continue to love to read, and my husband jokes that he’s grateful that the card I max out is my library card as opposed to a credit card.
The only negative I can remember concerning the library took place when I was ten/eleven and doing my homework there after school. A nice (I’m being facetious) man offered me a calculator if I’d be his friend. This was back in the early seventies when calculators were new and cost about a hundred dollars. (And we’re talking basic functions not a scientific calculator.) It’s scary to think how very tempting that offer was.
I’m another who loves libraries, so thank you for this lovely post, Andrea.
We moved to our current location around eighteen years ago. After we’d been here about a month, I felt I’d arrived when the librarian greeted me by name.
I moved a great deal throughout my childhood and adolescence attending over a dozen schools. I loved to read though and going to the library was always a given. I continue to love to read, and my husband jokes that he’s grateful that the card I max out is my library card as opposed to a credit card.
The only negative I can remember concerning the library took place when I was ten/eleven and doing my homework there after school. A nice (I’m being facetious) man offered me a calculator if I’d be his friend. This was back in the early seventies when calculators were new and cost about a hundred dollars. (And we’re talking basic functions not a scientific calculator.) It’s scary to think how very tempting that offer was.
I’m another who loves libraries, so thank you for this lovely post, Andrea.
We moved to our current location around eighteen years ago. After we’d been here about a month, I felt I’d arrived when the librarian greeted me by name.
I moved a great deal throughout my childhood and adolescence attending over a dozen schools. I loved to read though and going to the library was always a given. I continue to love to read, and my husband jokes that he’s grateful that the card I max out is my library card as opposed to a credit card.
The only negative I can remember concerning the library took place when I was ten/eleven and doing my homework there after school. A nice (I’m being facetious) man offered me a calculator if I’d be his friend. This was back in the early seventies when calculators were new and cost about a hundred dollars. (And we’re talking basic functions not a scientific calculator.) It’s scary to think how very tempting that offer was.
Ha! It doesn’t surprise me that you were an avid reader as a kid, Sue! I totally relate to that joy getting new books, and trying to time things that you always a pile at your fingertips!
Ha! It doesn’t surprise me that you were an avid reader as a kid, Sue! I totally relate to that joy getting new books, and trying to time things that you always a pile at your fingertips!
Ha! It doesn’t surprise me that you were an avid reader as a kid, Sue! I totally relate to that joy getting new books, and trying to time things that you always a pile at your fingertips!
Ha! It doesn’t surprise me that you were an avid reader as a kid, Sue! I totally relate to that joy getting new books, and trying to time things that you always a pile at your fingertips!
Ha! It doesn’t surprise me that you were an avid reader as a kid, Sue! I totally relate to that joy getting new books, and trying to time things that you always a pile at your fingertips!
One other story ~ I’m not a trained librarian, but I was hired by a homeschooling resource center to build their library. I enjoyed starting from zero and acquiring several thousand books; it’s a lot of fun spending someone else’s money to buy books! Since I had a very limited budget, thrift stores and library book sales were my friends.
One other story ~ I’m not a trained librarian, but I was hired by a homeschooling resource center to build their library. I enjoyed starting from zero and acquiring several thousand books; it’s a lot of fun spending someone else’s money to buy books! Since I had a very limited budget, thrift stores and library book sales were my friends.
One other story ~ I’m not a trained librarian, but I was hired by a homeschooling resource center to build their library. I enjoyed starting from zero and acquiring several thousand books; it’s a lot of fun spending someone else’s money to buy books! Since I had a very limited budget, thrift stores and library book sales were my friends.
One other story ~ I’m not a trained librarian, but I was hired by a homeschooling resource center to build their library. I enjoyed starting from zero and acquiring several thousand books; it’s a lot of fun spending someone else’s money to buy books! Since I had a very limited budget, thrift stores and library book sales were my friends.
One other story ~ I’m not a trained librarian, but I was hired by a homeschooling resource center to build their library. I enjoyed starting from zero and acquiring several thousand books; it’s a lot of fun spending someone else’s money to buy books! Since I had a very limited budget, thrift stores and library book sales were my friends.
My librarian tells me I am one of her best customers and that makes me very happy! We have become good friends and when she applied for another job, she asked me if I would give her a reference. I was gutted that the libraries closed but fortunately I had been given a new Kindle forChristmas so that kept me going. Thank heavens libraries in my part of the UK are fully open with the usual social distancing rules
My librarian tells me I am one of her best customers and that makes me very happy! We have become good friends and when she applied for another job, she asked me if I would give her a reference. I was gutted that the libraries closed but fortunately I had been given a new Kindle forChristmas so that kept me going. Thank heavens libraries in my part of the UK are fully open with the usual social distancing rules
My librarian tells me I am one of her best customers and that makes me very happy! We have become good friends and when she applied for another job, she asked me if I would give her a reference. I was gutted that the libraries closed but fortunately I had been given a new Kindle forChristmas so that kept me going. Thank heavens libraries in my part of the UK are fully open with the usual social distancing rules
My librarian tells me I am one of her best customers and that makes me very happy! We have become good friends and when she applied for another job, she asked me if I would give her a reference. I was gutted that the libraries closed but fortunately I had been given a new Kindle forChristmas so that kept me going. Thank heavens libraries in my part of the UK are fully open with the usual social distancing rules
My librarian tells me I am one of her best customers and that makes me very happy! We have become good friends and when she applied for another job, she asked me if I would give her a reference. I was gutted that the libraries closed but fortunately I had been given a new Kindle forChristmas so that kept me going. Thank heavens libraries in my part of the UK are fully open with the usual social distancing rules
Ha, ha on the maxed-out card, Kareni! Tell you hubby he should consider himself VERY lucky . . .for a variety of reasons.
Yes, it’s always a fun moment when the librarian knows you by name!
That’s a scary story about the calculator, Luckily you were smart enough to know not to accept gifts from a stranger.
Ha, ha on the maxed-out card, Kareni! Tell you hubby he should consider himself VERY lucky . . .for a variety of reasons.
Yes, it’s always a fun moment when the librarian knows you by name!
That’s a scary story about the calculator, Luckily you were smart enough to know not to accept gifts from a stranger.
Ha, ha on the maxed-out card, Kareni! Tell you hubby he should consider himself VERY lucky . . .for a variety of reasons.
Yes, it’s always a fun moment when the librarian knows you by name!
That’s a scary story about the calculator, Luckily you were smart enough to know not to accept gifts from a stranger.
Ha, ha on the maxed-out card, Kareni! Tell you hubby he should consider himself VERY lucky . . .for a variety of reasons.
Yes, it’s always a fun moment when the librarian knows you by name!
That’s a scary story about the calculator, Luckily you were smart enough to know not to accept gifts from a stranger.
Ha, ha on the maxed-out card, Kareni! Tell you hubby he should consider himself VERY lucky . . .for a variety of reasons.
Yes, it’s always a fun moment when the librarian knows you by name!
That’s a scary story about the calculator, Luckily you were smart enough to know not to accept gifts from a stranger.
That’s another wonderful story. What a fun assignment!I bet you built a fabulous core collection!
That’s another wonderful story. What a fun assignment!I bet you built a fabulous core collection!
That’s another wonderful story. What a fun assignment!I bet you built a fabulous core collection!
That’s another wonderful story. What a fun assignment!I bet you built a fabulous core collection!
That’s another wonderful story. What a fun assignment!I bet you built a fabulous core collection!
What a lovely story about your friendship. Yet another way libraries enrich our lives!
E-books have been SO important during the pandemic when physical libraries were closed. So glad yours are open again. As I said, we have a few hours each day, and still no exploring in the stacks. But I think we’ll soon be expanding that.
What a lovely story about your friendship. Yet another way libraries enrich our lives!
E-books have been SO important during the pandemic when physical libraries were closed. So glad yours are open again. As I said, we have a few hours each day, and still no exploring in the stacks. But I think we’ll soon be expanding that.
What a lovely story about your friendship. Yet another way libraries enrich our lives!
E-books have been SO important during the pandemic when physical libraries were closed. So glad yours are open again. As I said, we have a few hours each day, and still no exploring in the stacks. But I think we’ll soon be expanding that.
What a lovely story about your friendship. Yet another way libraries enrich our lives!
E-books have been SO important during the pandemic when physical libraries were closed. So glad yours are open again. As I said, we have a few hours each day, and still no exploring in the stacks. But I think we’ll soon be expanding that.
What a lovely story about your friendship. Yet another way libraries enrich our lives!
E-books have been SO important during the pandemic when physical libraries were closed. So glad yours are open again. As I said, we have a few hours each day, and still no exploring in the stacks. But I think we’ll soon be expanding that.
I love the library. When I retired, one of the first things I did was renew my library card. It is where I first met many of you ladies.
When I was young, I mostly used the school libraries in the winter. But in the summer my friend and I would walk the 10 blocks to the library at least once a week. We would load up on books and on the way home we always stopped at the convenience store for and ice cold Coke. Great memories.
I miss being able to go to the library. I had to give it up even before the pandemic because of my arthritis. I miss being able to just stroll up and down the aisles, checking books at random.
Loved this post.
I love the library. When I retired, one of the first things I did was renew my library card. It is where I first met many of you ladies.
When I was young, I mostly used the school libraries in the winter. But in the summer my friend and I would walk the 10 blocks to the library at least once a week. We would load up on books and on the way home we always stopped at the convenience store for and ice cold Coke. Great memories.
I miss being able to go to the library. I had to give it up even before the pandemic because of my arthritis. I miss being able to just stroll up and down the aisles, checking books at random.
Loved this post.
I love the library. When I retired, one of the first things I did was renew my library card. It is where I first met many of you ladies.
When I was young, I mostly used the school libraries in the winter. But in the summer my friend and I would walk the 10 blocks to the library at least once a week. We would load up on books and on the way home we always stopped at the convenience store for and ice cold Coke. Great memories.
I miss being able to go to the library. I had to give it up even before the pandemic because of my arthritis. I miss being able to just stroll up and down the aisles, checking books at random.
Loved this post.
I love the library. When I retired, one of the first things I did was renew my library card. It is where I first met many of you ladies.
When I was young, I mostly used the school libraries in the winter. But in the summer my friend and I would walk the 10 blocks to the library at least once a week. We would load up on books and on the way home we always stopped at the convenience store for and ice cold Coke. Great memories.
I miss being able to go to the library. I had to give it up even before the pandemic because of my arthritis. I miss being able to just stroll up and down the aisles, checking books at random.
Loved this post.
I love the library. When I retired, one of the first things I did was renew my library card. It is where I first met many of you ladies.
When I was young, I mostly used the school libraries in the winter. But in the summer my friend and I would walk the 10 blocks to the library at least once a week. We would load up on books and on the way home we always stopped at the convenience store for and ice cold Coke. Great memories.
I miss being able to go to the library. I had to give it up even before the pandemic because of my arthritis. I miss being able to just stroll up and down the aisles, checking books at random.
Loved this post.
Loved this post, Andrea. Lots of lovely library stories from childhood. We had a circulation library system in my town, not a free public library, so at the start of the summer, off I’d take the bus and go drop off my subscription, and then go every morning to choose a new book for the day. The excitement of that morning bus ride never got old nor did the enjoyment of lying on the couch on hot summer afternoons just reading.
Loved this post, Andrea. Lots of lovely library stories from childhood. We had a circulation library system in my town, not a free public library, so at the start of the summer, off I’d take the bus and go drop off my subscription, and then go every morning to choose a new book for the day. The excitement of that morning bus ride never got old nor did the enjoyment of lying on the couch on hot summer afternoons just reading.
Loved this post, Andrea. Lots of lovely library stories from childhood. We had a circulation library system in my town, not a free public library, so at the start of the summer, off I’d take the bus and go drop off my subscription, and then go every morning to choose a new book for the day. The excitement of that morning bus ride never got old nor did the enjoyment of lying on the couch on hot summer afternoons just reading.
Loved this post, Andrea. Lots of lovely library stories from childhood. We had a circulation library system in my town, not a free public library, so at the start of the summer, off I’d take the bus and go drop off my subscription, and then go every morning to choose a new book for the day. The excitement of that morning bus ride never got old nor did the enjoyment of lying on the couch on hot summer afternoons just reading.
Loved this post, Andrea. Lots of lovely library stories from childhood. We had a circulation library system in my town, not a free public library, so at the start of the summer, off I’d take the bus and go drop off my subscription, and then go every morning to choose a new book for the day. The excitement of that morning bus ride never got old nor did the enjoyment of lying on the couch on hot summer afternoons just reading.
I love libraries! When I was a child, I would just go to the shelves (in school or at the public library) and explore. Fairy tales, science fiction, exotic religions. In college, in my first English class, we were each given a project, and admonished not to bother the librarians. I took that literally and didn’t ever ask a question, even after I had to do a thesis in the music library. I explored and learned the bibliography of the subject. Which stood me in good stead when I took music bibliography in grad school: instead of becoming an opera singer (oh, well) I became a reference librarian and worked in an academic library for 11 years. Loved it, especially helping faculty and students find what they needed. (Who knew that you could extract DNA from the chloroplast of a tobacco leaf, huh?) Solving their Q was like following the clues and finding out who did it in a mystery. And IMHO, there is no substitute for browsing a actual physical reference collection or open stacks with real books and finding things on the shelves by the magic of serendipity.
I love libraries! When I was a child, I would just go to the shelves (in school or at the public library) and explore. Fairy tales, science fiction, exotic religions. In college, in my first English class, we were each given a project, and admonished not to bother the librarians. I took that literally and didn’t ever ask a question, even after I had to do a thesis in the music library. I explored and learned the bibliography of the subject. Which stood me in good stead when I took music bibliography in grad school: instead of becoming an opera singer (oh, well) I became a reference librarian and worked in an academic library for 11 years. Loved it, especially helping faculty and students find what they needed. (Who knew that you could extract DNA from the chloroplast of a tobacco leaf, huh?) Solving their Q was like following the clues and finding out who did it in a mystery. And IMHO, there is no substitute for browsing a actual physical reference collection or open stacks with real books and finding things on the shelves by the magic of serendipity.
I love libraries! When I was a child, I would just go to the shelves (in school or at the public library) and explore. Fairy tales, science fiction, exotic religions. In college, in my first English class, we were each given a project, and admonished not to bother the librarians. I took that literally and didn’t ever ask a question, even after I had to do a thesis in the music library. I explored and learned the bibliography of the subject. Which stood me in good stead when I took music bibliography in grad school: instead of becoming an opera singer (oh, well) I became a reference librarian and worked in an academic library for 11 years. Loved it, especially helping faculty and students find what they needed. (Who knew that you could extract DNA from the chloroplast of a tobacco leaf, huh?) Solving their Q was like following the clues and finding out who did it in a mystery. And IMHO, there is no substitute for browsing a actual physical reference collection or open stacks with real books and finding things on the shelves by the magic of serendipity.
I love libraries! When I was a child, I would just go to the shelves (in school or at the public library) and explore. Fairy tales, science fiction, exotic religions. In college, in my first English class, we were each given a project, and admonished not to bother the librarians. I took that literally and didn’t ever ask a question, even after I had to do a thesis in the music library. I explored and learned the bibliography of the subject. Which stood me in good stead when I took music bibliography in grad school: instead of becoming an opera singer (oh, well) I became a reference librarian and worked in an academic library for 11 years. Loved it, especially helping faculty and students find what they needed. (Who knew that you could extract DNA from the chloroplast of a tobacco leaf, huh?) Solving their Q was like following the clues and finding out who did it in a mystery. And IMHO, there is no substitute for browsing a actual physical reference collection or open stacks with real books and finding things on the shelves by the magic of serendipity.
I love libraries! When I was a child, I would just go to the shelves (in school or at the public library) and explore. Fairy tales, science fiction, exotic religions. In college, in my first English class, we were each given a project, and admonished not to bother the librarians. I took that literally and didn’t ever ask a question, even after I had to do a thesis in the music library. I explored and learned the bibliography of the subject. Which stood me in good stead when I took music bibliography in grad school: instead of becoming an opera singer (oh, well) I became a reference librarian and worked in an academic library for 11 years. Loved it, especially helping faculty and students find what they needed. (Who knew that you could extract DNA from the chloroplast of a tobacco leaf, huh?) Solving their Q was like following the clues and finding out who did it in a mystery. And IMHO, there is no substitute for browsing a actual physical reference collection or open stacks with real books and finding things on the shelves by the magic of serendipity.
Mary, what a lovely memory of the weekly walks for books and an ice-cold Coke!
I’m so sorry your arthritis keeps you from browsing, but as library websites get more robust, and feature easy searches and highlights of new books, I hope you are still able to keep reading full steam ahead!
Mary, what a lovely memory of the weekly walks for books and an ice-cold Coke!
I’m so sorry your arthritis keeps you from browsing, but as library websites get more robust, and feature easy searches and highlights of new books, I hope you are still able to keep reading full steam ahead!
Mary, what a lovely memory of the weekly walks for books and an ice-cold Coke!
I’m so sorry your arthritis keeps you from browsing, but as library websites get more robust, and feature easy searches and highlights of new books, I hope you are still able to keep reading full steam ahead!
Mary, what a lovely memory of the weekly walks for books and an ice-cold Coke!
I’m so sorry your arthritis keeps you from browsing, but as library websites get more robust, and feature easy searches and highlights of new books, I hope you are still able to keep reading full steam ahead!
Mary, what a lovely memory of the weekly walks for books and an ice-cold Coke!
I’m so sorry your arthritis keeps you from browsing, but as library websites get more robust, and feature easy searches and highlights of new books, I hope you are still able to keep reading full steam ahead!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Keira. That sense of wonder and joy when you get a get a new book and settle down to read never gets old, does it!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Keira. That sense of wonder and joy when you get a get a new book and settle down to read never gets old, does it!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Keira. That sense of wonder and joy when you get a get a new book and settle down to read never gets old, does it!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Keira. That sense of wonder and joy when you get a get a new book and settle down to read never gets old, does it!
So glad you enjoyed the post, Keira. That sense of wonder and joy when you get a get a new book and settle down to read never gets old, does it!
What a fabulous story of becoming a research librarian (thank you to another Wenchly librarian!) I can imagine how helping student and professors track down material would be a whole education in itself! How exciting.
Like you, I often just browse library shelves, looking for an unexpected treasure to catch my idea. I miss physical bookstores for the same reason. I love browsing the new releases table on history. I’ve spotted so many arcane and interesting research books that way.
What a fabulous story of becoming a research librarian (thank you to another Wenchly librarian!) I can imagine how helping student and professors track down material would be a whole education in itself! How exciting.
Like you, I often just browse library shelves, looking for an unexpected treasure to catch my idea. I miss physical bookstores for the same reason. I love browsing the new releases table on history. I’ve spotted so many arcane and interesting research books that way.
What a fabulous story of becoming a research librarian (thank you to another Wenchly librarian!) I can imagine how helping student and professors track down material would be a whole education in itself! How exciting.
Like you, I often just browse library shelves, looking for an unexpected treasure to catch my idea. I miss physical bookstores for the same reason. I love browsing the new releases table on history. I’ve spotted so many arcane and interesting research books that way.
What a fabulous story of becoming a research librarian (thank you to another Wenchly librarian!) I can imagine how helping student and professors track down material would be a whole education in itself! How exciting.
Like you, I often just browse library shelves, looking for an unexpected treasure to catch my idea. I miss physical bookstores for the same reason. I love browsing the new releases table on history. I’ve spotted so many arcane and interesting research books that way.
What a fabulous story of becoming a research librarian (thank you to another Wenchly librarian!) I can imagine how helping student and professors track down material would be a whole education in itself! How exciting.
Like you, I often just browse library shelves, looking for an unexpected treasure to catch my idea. I miss physical bookstores for the same reason. I love browsing the new releases table on history. I’ve spotted so many arcane and interesting research books that way.
Don’t worry, my reading has not slowed down. I just miss the physical aspect of going to the library. I know that I am fortunate to live in the age that I do. I do so much using my computer.
Don’t worry, my reading has not slowed down. I just miss the physical aspect of going to the library. I know that I am fortunate to live in the age that I do. I do so much using my computer.
Don’t worry, my reading has not slowed down. I just miss the physical aspect of going to the library. I know that I am fortunate to live in the age that I do. I do so much using my computer.
Don’t worry, my reading has not slowed down. I just miss the physical aspect of going to the library. I know that I am fortunate to live in the age that I do. I do so much using my computer.
Don’t worry, my reading has not slowed down. I just miss the physical aspect of going to the library. I know that I am fortunate to live in the age that I do. I do so much using my computer.
I love libraries – despite being a slow reader. My father was a bookbinder and printer and he bound our childhood stories for us. I learned to love a book because he loved putting them together and fixed the old ones. We did not have many books at home so going to a library was wonderful.
When in nursing school I worked in the medical libraries for spending money and was able to look at many that were not for everyone to use. I had wonderful librarians to work with.
Our local libraries have re-opened slowly. First just pickups outside then limited time inside, age limits – keeping the teens from gathering and talking, books are not returned to circulation till 24-48 hours upon return Masks are required and frequent cleaning of computers etc., as well as moving furniture around and popular aisles distanced (videos). It required much planning and seems to be well done. Makes for happy visitors. We have no bookstores in our area so the library is a big resource. In my past I also worked in bookshops and enjoyed keeping things tidy and help folk find what they were looking for.
I love libraries – despite being a slow reader. My father was a bookbinder and printer and he bound our childhood stories for us. I learned to love a book because he loved putting them together and fixed the old ones. We did not have many books at home so going to a library was wonderful.
When in nursing school I worked in the medical libraries for spending money and was able to look at many that were not for everyone to use. I had wonderful librarians to work with.
Our local libraries have re-opened slowly. First just pickups outside then limited time inside, age limits – keeping the teens from gathering and talking, books are not returned to circulation till 24-48 hours upon return Masks are required and frequent cleaning of computers etc., as well as moving furniture around and popular aisles distanced (videos). It required much planning and seems to be well done. Makes for happy visitors. We have no bookstores in our area so the library is a big resource. In my past I also worked in bookshops and enjoyed keeping things tidy and help folk find what they were looking for.
I love libraries – despite being a slow reader. My father was a bookbinder and printer and he bound our childhood stories for us. I learned to love a book because he loved putting them together and fixed the old ones. We did not have many books at home so going to a library was wonderful.
When in nursing school I worked in the medical libraries for spending money and was able to look at many that were not for everyone to use. I had wonderful librarians to work with.
Our local libraries have re-opened slowly. First just pickups outside then limited time inside, age limits – keeping the teens from gathering and talking, books are not returned to circulation till 24-48 hours upon return Masks are required and frequent cleaning of computers etc., as well as moving furniture around and popular aisles distanced (videos). It required much planning and seems to be well done. Makes for happy visitors. We have no bookstores in our area so the library is a big resource. In my past I also worked in bookshops and enjoyed keeping things tidy and help folk find what they were looking for.
I love libraries – despite being a slow reader. My father was a bookbinder and printer and he bound our childhood stories for us. I learned to love a book because he loved putting them together and fixed the old ones. We did not have many books at home so going to a library was wonderful.
When in nursing school I worked in the medical libraries for spending money and was able to look at many that were not for everyone to use. I had wonderful librarians to work with.
Our local libraries have re-opened slowly. First just pickups outside then limited time inside, age limits – keeping the teens from gathering and talking, books are not returned to circulation till 24-48 hours upon return Masks are required and frequent cleaning of computers etc., as well as moving furniture around and popular aisles distanced (videos). It required much planning and seems to be well done. Makes for happy visitors. We have no bookstores in our area so the library is a big resource. In my past I also worked in bookshops and enjoyed keeping things tidy and help folk find what they were looking for.
I love libraries – despite being a slow reader. My father was a bookbinder and printer and he bound our childhood stories for us. I learned to love a book because he loved putting them together and fixed the old ones. We did not have many books at home so going to a library was wonderful.
When in nursing school I worked in the medical libraries for spending money and was able to look at many that were not for everyone to use. I had wonderful librarians to work with.
Our local libraries have re-opened slowly. First just pickups outside then limited time inside, age limits – keeping the teens from gathering and talking, books are not returned to circulation till 24-48 hours upon return Masks are required and frequent cleaning of computers etc., as well as moving furniture around and popular aisles distanced (videos). It required much planning and seems to be well done. Makes for happy visitors. We have no bookstores in our area so the library is a big resource. In my past I also worked in bookshops and enjoyed keeping things tidy and help folk find what they were looking for.
When I was a child, we lived out in the country and the library was a bookmobile and I loved it. I loved the women who worked there, because they helped me find every book I was allowed to take out at one time. And they would bring me new books next time they came.
Later in life, I worked in a large big city library in Dallas. Beautiful building and very modern for its time.
Finally, I lived in a small town. A group of us had an idea. Fom beginning to end, we raised money, rented a space and got donated books. I got to be the librarian. I got to catalog and shelve and generally had a lovely time. We finally got certification from the state.
We moved away from that town. They eventually built a beautiful building and it is the pride and joy of the small town.
Libraries are the doorway to the entire world. What’s not to love?
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
When I was a child, we lived out in the country and the library was a bookmobile and I loved it. I loved the women who worked there, because they helped me find every book I was allowed to take out at one time. And they would bring me new books next time they came.
Later in life, I worked in a large big city library in Dallas. Beautiful building and very modern for its time.
Finally, I lived in a small town. A group of us had an idea. Fom beginning to end, we raised money, rented a space and got donated books. I got to be the librarian. I got to catalog and shelve and generally had a lovely time. We finally got certification from the state.
We moved away from that town. They eventually built a beautiful building and it is the pride and joy of the small town.
Libraries are the doorway to the entire world. What’s not to love?
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
When I was a child, we lived out in the country and the library was a bookmobile and I loved it. I loved the women who worked there, because they helped me find every book I was allowed to take out at one time. And they would bring me new books next time they came.
Later in life, I worked in a large big city library in Dallas. Beautiful building and very modern for its time.
Finally, I lived in a small town. A group of us had an idea. Fom beginning to end, we raised money, rented a space and got donated books. I got to be the librarian. I got to catalog and shelve and generally had a lovely time. We finally got certification from the state.
We moved away from that town. They eventually built a beautiful building and it is the pride and joy of the small town.
Libraries are the doorway to the entire world. What’s not to love?
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
When I was a child, we lived out in the country and the library was a bookmobile and I loved it. I loved the women who worked there, because they helped me find every book I was allowed to take out at one time. And they would bring me new books next time they came.
Later in life, I worked in a large big city library in Dallas. Beautiful building and very modern for its time.
Finally, I lived in a small town. A group of us had an idea. Fom beginning to end, we raised money, rented a space and got donated books. I got to be the librarian. I got to catalog and shelve and generally had a lovely time. We finally got certification from the state.
We moved away from that town. They eventually built a beautiful building and it is the pride and joy of the small town.
Libraries are the doorway to the entire world. What’s not to love?
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
When I was a child, we lived out in the country and the library was a bookmobile and I loved it. I loved the women who worked there, because they helped me find every book I was allowed to take out at one time. And they would bring me new books next time they came.
Later in life, I worked in a large big city library in Dallas. Beautiful building and very modern for its time.
Finally, I lived in a small town. A group of us had an idea. Fom beginning to end, we raised money, rented a space and got donated books. I got to be the librarian. I got to catalog and shelve and generally had a lovely time. We finally got certification from the state.
We moved away from that town. They eventually built a beautiful building and it is the pride and joy of the small town.
Libraries are the doorway to the entire world. What’s not to love?
I hope everyone is taking care and staying well.
I grew up out in the countryside and the nearest village to me only got a library about fifteen years ago. So I had no access to free books. I read anything I could beg or borrow.
The only famous library I’ve been to is the one in Trinity College in Dublin. When my daughter was a student there she took me in to it on one of my visits to her. It’s stunning!! The hush hits you the minute you walk in. I also got to see the Book of Kells which is on display there.
I could have spent hours in the place.
Lovely post Andrea.
I grew up out in the countryside and the nearest village to me only got a library about fifteen years ago. So I had no access to free books. I read anything I could beg or borrow.
The only famous library I’ve been to is the one in Trinity College in Dublin. When my daughter was a student there she took me in to it on one of my visits to her. It’s stunning!! The hush hits you the minute you walk in. I also got to see the Book of Kells which is on display there.
I could have spent hours in the place.
Lovely post Andrea.
I grew up out in the countryside and the nearest village to me only got a library about fifteen years ago. So I had no access to free books. I read anything I could beg or borrow.
The only famous library I’ve been to is the one in Trinity College in Dublin. When my daughter was a student there she took me in to it on one of my visits to her. It’s stunning!! The hush hits you the minute you walk in. I also got to see the Book of Kells which is on display there.
I could have spent hours in the place.
Lovely post Andrea.
I grew up out in the countryside and the nearest village to me only got a library about fifteen years ago. So I had no access to free books. I read anything I could beg or borrow.
The only famous library I’ve been to is the one in Trinity College in Dublin. When my daughter was a student there she took me in to it on one of my visits to her. It’s stunning!! The hush hits you the minute you walk in. I also got to see the Book of Kells which is on display there.
I could have spent hours in the place.
Lovely post Andrea.
I grew up out in the countryside and the nearest village to me only got a library about fifteen years ago. So I had no access to free books. I read anything I could beg or borrow.
The only famous library I’ve been to is the one in Trinity College in Dublin. When my daughter was a student there she took me in to it on one of my visits to her. It’s stunning!! The hush hits you the minute you walk in. I also got to see the Book of Kells which is on display there.
I could have spent hours in the place.
Lovely post Andrea.
So glad to hear that, Mary! One of the ways technology is a very positive force in our lives.
So glad to hear that, Mary! One of the ways technology is a very positive force in our lives.
So glad to hear that, Mary! One of the ways technology is a very positive force in our lives.
So glad to hear that, Mary! One of the ways technology is a very positive force in our lives.
So glad to hear that, Mary! One of the ways technology is a very positive force in our lives.
Margot, what wonderful story, and memory of your father making books for you. No wonder you have a love of them, and libraries.
My local libraries have done a great job in the very very complex job of opening safely. Books are quarantined between check-outs, etc. The community is grateful for all the hard work of our librarians and volunteers are doing to keep reading a part of our lives. In my books, they are all heroes!
Margot, what wonderful story, and memory of your father making books for you. No wonder you have a love of them, and libraries.
My local libraries have done a great job in the very very complex job of opening safely. Books are quarantined between check-outs, etc. The community is grateful for all the hard work of our librarians and volunteers are doing to keep reading a part of our lives. In my books, they are all heroes!
Margot, what wonderful story, and memory of your father making books for you. No wonder you have a love of them, and libraries.
My local libraries have done a great job in the very very complex job of opening safely. Books are quarantined between check-outs, etc. The community is grateful for all the hard work of our librarians and volunteers are doing to keep reading a part of our lives. In my books, they are all heroes!
Margot, what wonderful story, and memory of your father making books for you. No wonder you have a love of them, and libraries.
My local libraries have done a great job in the very very complex job of opening safely. Books are quarantined between check-outs, etc. The community is grateful for all the hard work of our librarians and volunteers are doing to keep reading a part of our lives. In my books, they are all heroes!
Margot, what wonderful story, and memory of your father making books for you. No wonder you have a love of them, and libraries.
My local libraries have done a great job in the very very complex job of opening safely. Books are quarantined between check-outs, etc. The community is grateful for all the hard work of our librarians and volunteers are doing to keep reading a part of our lives. In my books, they are all heroes!
What a treat to see the trinity College library, and the Book of Kells, Teresa. I’ve seen photos, and it’s spectacular. I hope to visit it some time.
So glad you enjoyed the post!
What a treat to see the trinity College library, and the Book of Kells, Teresa. I’ve seen photos, and it’s spectacular. I hope to visit it some time.
So glad you enjoyed the post!
What a treat to see the trinity College library, and the Book of Kells, Teresa. I’ve seen photos, and it’s spectacular. I hope to visit it some time.
So glad you enjoyed the post!
What a treat to see the trinity College library, and the Book of Kells, Teresa. I’ve seen photos, and it’s spectacular. I hope to visit it some time.
So glad you enjoyed the post!
What a treat to see the trinity College library, and the Book of Kells, Teresa. I’ve seen photos, and it’s spectacular. I hope to visit it some time.
So glad you enjoyed the post!
I love libraries. To this day, I could still tell you just how my small local library (now replaced by a much larger one) was arranged. It was then, and is still a treat to visit a library, though these days (even before the pandemic closed it) I rarely browsed the stacks, instead relying on recommendations for my always too-long list of books to order.
When I was a young teenager, I remember that once a week my father would stop at one of the city branches on his way home, and check out 20 books — the limit — that would include choices for my parents, my older brother, my younger sisters, and me. Sometimes some of us read the same books. And sometimes he’d choose something unusual, but I’d read it anyway, since he thought I might like it.
I cannot say enough good things about libraries and librarians.
I love libraries. To this day, I could still tell you just how my small local library (now replaced by a much larger one) was arranged. It was then, and is still a treat to visit a library, though these days (even before the pandemic closed it) I rarely browsed the stacks, instead relying on recommendations for my always too-long list of books to order.
When I was a young teenager, I remember that once a week my father would stop at one of the city branches on his way home, and check out 20 books — the limit — that would include choices for my parents, my older brother, my younger sisters, and me. Sometimes some of us read the same books. And sometimes he’d choose something unusual, but I’d read it anyway, since he thought I might like it.
I cannot say enough good things about libraries and librarians.
I love libraries. To this day, I could still tell you just how my small local library (now replaced by a much larger one) was arranged. It was then, and is still a treat to visit a library, though these days (even before the pandemic closed it) I rarely browsed the stacks, instead relying on recommendations for my always too-long list of books to order.
When I was a young teenager, I remember that once a week my father would stop at one of the city branches on his way home, and check out 20 books — the limit — that would include choices for my parents, my older brother, my younger sisters, and me. Sometimes some of us read the same books. And sometimes he’d choose something unusual, but I’d read it anyway, since he thought I might like it.
I cannot say enough good things about libraries and librarians.
I love libraries. To this day, I could still tell you just how my small local library (now replaced by a much larger one) was arranged. It was then, and is still a treat to visit a library, though these days (even before the pandemic closed it) I rarely browsed the stacks, instead relying on recommendations for my always too-long list of books to order.
When I was a young teenager, I remember that once a week my father would stop at one of the city branches on his way home, and check out 20 books — the limit — that would include choices for my parents, my older brother, my younger sisters, and me. Sometimes some of us read the same books. And sometimes he’d choose something unusual, but I’d read it anyway, since he thought I might like it.
I cannot say enough good things about libraries and librarians.
I love libraries. To this day, I could still tell you just how my small local library (now replaced by a much larger one) was arranged. It was then, and is still a treat to visit a library, though these days (even before the pandemic closed it) I rarely browsed the stacks, instead relying on recommendations for my always too-long list of books to order.
When I was a young teenager, I remember that once a week my father would stop at one of the city branches on his way home, and check out 20 books — the limit — that would include choices for my parents, my older brother, my younger sisters, and me. Sometimes some of us read the same books. And sometimes he’d choose something unusual, but I’d read it anyway, since he thought I might like it.
I cannot say enough good things about libraries and librarians.
That’s a really wonderful story of your lifelong love of libraries, Annette. Thank you so much for bringing reading to so many people’s lives! What a difference you’ve made in their lives!
And you’re so right about libraries being doorways to the world. They open up a whole universe of wonder and possibilities.
That’s a really wonderful story of your lifelong love of libraries, Annette. Thank you so much for bringing reading to so many people’s lives! What a difference you’ve made in their lives!
And you’re so right about libraries being doorways to the world. They open up a whole universe of wonder and possibilities.
That’s a really wonderful story of your lifelong love of libraries, Annette. Thank you so much for bringing reading to so many people’s lives! What a difference you’ve made in their lives!
And you’re so right about libraries being doorways to the world. They open up a whole universe of wonder and possibilities.
That’s a really wonderful story of your lifelong love of libraries, Annette. Thank you so much for bringing reading to so many people’s lives! What a difference you’ve made in their lives!
And you’re so right about libraries being doorways to the world. They open up a whole universe of wonder and possibilities.
That’s a really wonderful story of your lifelong love of libraries, Annette. Thank you so much for bringing reading to so many people’s lives! What a difference you’ve made in their lives!
And you’re so right about libraries being doorways to the world. They open up a whole universe of wonder and possibilities.
That’s a great story about your father bringing home books he chose for you. Really, really special.
It’s funny, I ,too, can visualize the library I went to as a kid. I can see the table in the children’s section where I used to sit . . . Nice memories!
That’s a great story about your father bringing home books he chose for you. Really, really special.
It’s funny, I ,too, can visualize the library I went to as a kid. I can see the table in the children’s section where I used to sit . . . Nice memories!
That’s a great story about your father bringing home books he chose for you. Really, really special.
It’s funny, I ,too, can visualize the library I went to as a kid. I can see the table in the children’s section where I used to sit . . . Nice memories!
That’s a great story about your father bringing home books he chose for you. Really, really special.
It’s funny, I ,too, can visualize the library I went to as a kid. I can see the table in the children’s section where I used to sit . . . Nice memories!
That’s a great story about your father bringing home books he chose for you. Really, really special.
It’s funny, I ,too, can visualize the library I went to as a kid. I can see the table in the children’s section where I used to sit . . . Nice memories!
Like Andrea, I grew up reading and visiting the library every week. Also like Andrea, I wasn’t interested in “girly” things, except dancing ballet, knitting, and sewing (when I was a little older). Many of the books Andrea listed were favorites of mine, although I did not read Jacques Cousteau until I was older.
I’m still a regular and dedicated library patron, although mostly online so far this year. I miss browsing the books on the shelves and finding unexpected treasures, but those days will return. Hopefully soon.
Like Andrea, I grew up reading and visiting the library every week. Also like Andrea, I wasn’t interested in “girly” things, except dancing ballet, knitting, and sewing (when I was a little older). Many of the books Andrea listed were favorites of mine, although I did not read Jacques Cousteau until I was older.
I’m still a regular and dedicated library patron, although mostly online so far this year. I miss browsing the books on the shelves and finding unexpected treasures, but those days will return. Hopefully soon.
Like Andrea, I grew up reading and visiting the library every week. Also like Andrea, I wasn’t interested in “girly” things, except dancing ballet, knitting, and sewing (when I was a little older). Many of the books Andrea listed were favorites of mine, although I did not read Jacques Cousteau until I was older.
I’m still a regular and dedicated library patron, although mostly online so far this year. I miss browsing the books on the shelves and finding unexpected treasures, but those days will return. Hopefully soon.
Like Andrea, I grew up reading and visiting the library every week. Also like Andrea, I wasn’t interested in “girly” things, except dancing ballet, knitting, and sewing (when I was a little older). Many of the books Andrea listed were favorites of mine, although I did not read Jacques Cousteau until I was older.
I’m still a regular and dedicated library patron, although mostly online so far this year. I miss browsing the books on the shelves and finding unexpected treasures, but those days will return. Hopefully soon.
Like Andrea, I grew up reading and visiting the library every week. Also like Andrea, I wasn’t interested in “girly” things, except dancing ballet, knitting, and sewing (when I was a little older). Many of the books Andrea listed were favorites of mine, although I did not read Jacques Cousteau until I was older.
I’m still a regular and dedicated library patron, although mostly online so far this year. I miss browsing the books on the shelves and finding unexpected treasures, but those days will return. Hopefully soon.
Susan (waving hi madly!) thanks for sharing your library experiences. I’m not surprised we enjoyed so many of the same things. I agree that browsing the bookshelves of libraries is something I really, really miss. I will cherish it even more when we are able to so again!
Susan (waving hi madly!) thanks for sharing your library experiences. I’m not surprised we enjoyed so many of the same things. I agree that browsing the bookshelves of libraries is something I really, really miss. I will cherish it even more when we are able to so again!
Susan (waving hi madly!) thanks for sharing your library experiences. I’m not surprised we enjoyed so many of the same things. I agree that browsing the bookshelves of libraries is something I really, really miss. I will cherish it even more when we are able to so again!
Susan (waving hi madly!) thanks for sharing your library experiences. I’m not surprised we enjoyed so many of the same things. I agree that browsing the bookshelves of libraries is something I really, really miss. I will cherish it even more when we are able to so again!
Susan (waving hi madly!) thanks for sharing your library experiences. I’m not surprised we enjoyed so many of the same things. I agree that browsing the bookshelves of libraries is something I really, really miss. I will cherish it even more when we are able to so again!