Nicola here! On Saturday I went to Shoreham-by-Sea to give a talk in celebration of National Libraries Day. It was a wonderful occasion to be surrounded by fellow library fans, have afternoon tea and cake and talk about books, writing and history. Public libraries are so hugely important. The library has always played a big part in my life and in the development of my love of reading and writing. I can remember as a teenager taking the bus a few miles down the road to our closest local library at Oakwood in Leeds where I scoured the shelves to feed my appetite for historical fiction. Our school library was in a grand old building that looked as though it came straight out of a historical novel itself.
Libraries in the UK are under threat as never before from cuts to local government spending. Some have closed down, others have cut back their opening hours and some have had to make cuts in their stock and the facilities they provide. None of this feels like a good thing. These days, libraries provide so much to the communities they serve. It’s not just about the books – though if it was that would still be good enough! Libraries have so many different purposes, contributing to culture and the community. To lose them would be a tragedy.
The Circulating Library
Whilst there were public libraries centuries ago in societies such as ancient Greece, the public library in the UK sprang out of 
Victorian ideals. Prior to the Victorian era there were monastery libraries, private collections and University libraries. The circulating libraries that feature in many historical novels sprang up in the eighteenth century. Allan Ramsay opened the first circulating library in Edinburgh in 1725 quickly followed by the first one in England in 1728. These were also known as lending libraries or rental libraries and as the name implies, they were not free. The intention of the owner of a circulating library was to profit from letting the public borrow books for a fee.
By the early nineteenth century the growing literacy of the population meant that there were large numbers of readers who wanted to read new material but could not necessarily afford the price of new books. Many circulating libraries were castigated for providing sensationalist novels to a female readership. This was part of the prejudice against romance novels and “women’s fiction” that started centuries ago and still persists today. Aspects of novels were realistic, which made them appealing and relatable. The elements of novels that made them sensational and alluring were the parts that deviated from what would usually happen in reality. Georgian and Victorian society feared that people – mainly women and the comparatively ill-educated – would not be able to differentiate between fiction and reality. The argument against novels was that it would cause people to have unrealistic expectations of life. Unfortunately this argument is depressingly familiar to those of us who read and write romance today. This simplistic criticism was far from the truth. For a start, many circulating libraries were created for scientific and literary purposes as well as to provide all kinds of fiction, and those not necessarily “sensationalist” at all. Where there were "sensationalist" novels, these were popular across a variety of genres – Gothic novels, crime novels, Western fiction, and many others.
The subscription fee to a circulating library could be high but was cheaper than buying new books. One of the great benefits of the circulating library was that it rented out bestsellers in large numbers, which enabled publishers to increase both readership and earnings. There were circulating libraries in many communities across the UK and US by the nineteenth century. Often they would be situated within a bookshop or newsagent although sometimes they could be found within a shop that had no connection to books, such as a haberdashers shop. Madhatter Bookshop in Burford is a modern day example of this and it’s a great idea and a great shop! Books could be borrowed on long tem loan from the circulating library although eventually the borrowing period was shortened to encourage people to visit more often and spend more money.
Mudie’s Circulating Library, founded in 1842, sent boxes of books all over the country to its subscribers. Other borrowing facilities were found at railway station bookstalls, which also sold reading matter for consuming on journeys.
Reading Rooms
The nineteenth century was also the era of the village Reading Room. Practically every village in England had one where villagers 
could go to read the daily and local newspapers they provided or, if they were illiterate, hear them read aloud. From these modest beginnings the reading rooms started to provide other entertainment: a Bagatelle table, card tables, dominoes, billiards, concerts and even dances. Alcohol was strictly prohibited. Whilst circulating libraries had had a large female readership the reading rooms were usually the preserve of the working man, and women were only invited for special occasions. The reading room also provided a small selection of books and frequently became an alternative hub for village social life alongside the pub.
The Public Library
In 1850 the Public Libraries Act was brought in. This gave local boroughs the power to establish free public libraries. This was a reflection of the moral, social and educative concerns of the era. The middle classes wanted to ensure that workers’ free time was well spent; reformers felt that encouraging the lower classes to spend their free time on morally approved activities such as reading would promote social benefits. And so we come to 1852 and the first public library, when a man became the first person in England to borrow a book. The library, in Campfield, Manchester was the first library funded by public rates. It was opened by Charles Dickens and William Thackeray! From that day to this, the public library has been vibrant and developing part of the community, now open to everyone, male or female, whatever their background and choice of reading material. This is worth celebrating every day, not just on National Libraries Day, and surely worth saving.
How do you feel about libraries? What are your memories of them? Do you have a favourite one?
What a wonderful history, Nicola! Aome I knew, but not about the village reading rooms, or soe of the other variations. In the US, the tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie-NOT accidentally was he Scottish-born!–was famous for building libraries in the US in the late 19th century. The library at my university was a Carnegie library.
Like you, I hate seeing the funding cuts to libraries. My home system, Baltimore Couty in Maryland, is thriving with many branches and activities and lots of services like computer access, but other systems are really hurting. Libraries are a vital part of a healthy civic culture. I often read two books a day from the school library, and patronized the town library in the nearby county seat when I could get there. We need more libraries, not fewer!
What a wonderful history, Nicola! Aome I knew, but not about the village reading rooms, or soe of the other variations. In the US, the tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie-NOT accidentally was he Scottish-born!–was famous for building libraries in the US in the late 19th century. The library at my university was a Carnegie library.
Like you, I hate seeing the funding cuts to libraries. My home system, Baltimore Couty in Maryland, is thriving with many branches and activities and lots of services like computer access, but other systems are really hurting. Libraries are a vital part of a healthy civic culture. I often read two books a day from the school library, and patronized the town library in the nearby county seat when I could get there. We need more libraries, not fewer!
What a wonderful history, Nicola! Aome I knew, but not about the village reading rooms, or soe of the other variations. In the US, the tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie-NOT accidentally was he Scottish-born!–was famous for building libraries in the US in the late 19th century. The library at my university was a Carnegie library.
Like you, I hate seeing the funding cuts to libraries. My home system, Baltimore Couty in Maryland, is thriving with many branches and activities and lots of services like computer access, but other systems are really hurting. Libraries are a vital part of a healthy civic culture. I often read two books a day from the school library, and patronized the town library in the nearby county seat when I could get there. We need more libraries, not fewer!
What a wonderful history, Nicola! Aome I knew, but not about the village reading rooms, or soe of the other variations. In the US, the tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie-NOT accidentally was he Scottish-born!–was famous for building libraries in the US in the late 19th century. The library at my university was a Carnegie library.
Like you, I hate seeing the funding cuts to libraries. My home system, Baltimore Couty in Maryland, is thriving with many branches and activities and lots of services like computer access, but other systems are really hurting. Libraries are a vital part of a healthy civic culture. I often read two books a day from the school library, and patronized the town library in the nearby county seat when I could get there. We need more libraries, not fewer!
What a wonderful history, Nicola! Aome I knew, but not about the village reading rooms, or soe of the other variations. In the US, the tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie-NOT accidentally was he Scottish-born!–was famous for building libraries in the US in the late 19th century. The library at my university was a Carnegie library.
Like you, I hate seeing the funding cuts to libraries. My home system, Baltimore Couty in Maryland, is thriving with many branches and activities and lots of services like computer access, but other systems are really hurting. Libraries are a vital part of a healthy civic culture. I often read two books a day from the school library, and patronized the town library in the nearby county seat when I could get there. We need more libraries, not fewer!
The cuts to the funding of libraries is such a fundamental hit to ordinary people who don’t have the money that MPs do. Taken together with cuts in bus services it means that some people cannot get to a library at all. It is bad enough that this results in fewer people having access to books, whether for pleasure or study. But these days libraries are used more and more for their computers, providing an opportunity for people who can’t afford a computer or an Internet connection to produce typed letters and essays but mainly to use the Internet. That is vital these days for job searching, quite apart from just (!) keeping in touch with people and having fun.
I’d far rather my taxes were spent on libraries and bus services than on foisting fracking on people who don’t want it.
The cuts to the funding of libraries is such a fundamental hit to ordinary people who don’t have the money that MPs do. Taken together with cuts in bus services it means that some people cannot get to a library at all. It is bad enough that this results in fewer people having access to books, whether for pleasure or study. But these days libraries are used more and more for their computers, providing an opportunity for people who can’t afford a computer or an Internet connection to produce typed letters and essays but mainly to use the Internet. That is vital these days for job searching, quite apart from just (!) keeping in touch with people and having fun.
I’d far rather my taxes were spent on libraries and bus services than on foisting fracking on people who don’t want it.
The cuts to the funding of libraries is such a fundamental hit to ordinary people who don’t have the money that MPs do. Taken together with cuts in bus services it means that some people cannot get to a library at all. It is bad enough that this results in fewer people having access to books, whether for pleasure or study. But these days libraries are used more and more for their computers, providing an opportunity for people who can’t afford a computer or an Internet connection to produce typed letters and essays but mainly to use the Internet. That is vital these days for job searching, quite apart from just (!) keeping in touch with people and having fun.
I’d far rather my taxes were spent on libraries and bus services than on foisting fracking on people who don’t want it.
The cuts to the funding of libraries is such a fundamental hit to ordinary people who don’t have the money that MPs do. Taken together with cuts in bus services it means that some people cannot get to a library at all. It is bad enough that this results in fewer people having access to books, whether for pleasure or study. But these days libraries are used more and more for their computers, providing an opportunity for people who can’t afford a computer or an Internet connection to produce typed letters and essays but mainly to use the Internet. That is vital these days for job searching, quite apart from just (!) keeping in touch with people and having fun.
I’d far rather my taxes were spent on libraries and bus services than on foisting fracking on people who don’t want it.
The cuts to the funding of libraries is such a fundamental hit to ordinary people who don’t have the money that MPs do. Taken together with cuts in bus services it means that some people cannot get to a library at all. It is bad enough that this results in fewer people having access to books, whether for pleasure or study. But these days libraries are used more and more for their computers, providing an opportunity for people who can’t afford a computer or an Internet connection to produce typed letters and essays but mainly to use the Internet. That is vital these days for job searching, quite apart from just (!) keeping in touch with people and having fun.
I’d far rather my taxes were spent on libraries and bus services than on foisting fracking on people who don’t want it.
Thank you, Mary Jo. I love the varied history of the library! They have done such a wonderful job for so many years that it’s tragic to see them being run down now. When you lose an element such as this from a community you really feel the loss. I love that so many of us have these wonderful memories of libraries and all the wonders we discovered there.
Thank you, Mary Jo. I love the varied history of the library! They have done such a wonderful job for so many years that it’s tragic to see them being run down now. When you lose an element such as this from a community you really feel the loss. I love that so many of us have these wonderful memories of libraries and all the wonders we discovered there.
Thank you, Mary Jo. I love the varied history of the library! They have done such a wonderful job for so many years that it’s tragic to see them being run down now. When you lose an element such as this from a community you really feel the loss. I love that so many of us have these wonderful memories of libraries and all the wonders we discovered there.
Thank you, Mary Jo. I love the varied history of the library! They have done such a wonderful job for so many years that it’s tragic to see them being run down now. When you lose an element such as this from a community you really feel the loss. I love that so many of us have these wonderful memories of libraries and all the wonders we discovered there.
Thank you, Mary Jo. I love the varied history of the library! They have done such a wonderful job for so many years that it’s tragic to see them being run down now. When you lose an element such as this from a community you really feel the loss. I love that so many of us have these wonderful memories of libraries and all the wonders we discovered there.
Absolutely, HJ. Libraries provide such a range of services these days. Out here in the sticks we don’t have much of a bus service any more. They are now going to cut the mobile library service completely. It is so sad and depressing.
Absolutely, HJ. Libraries provide such a range of services these days. Out here in the sticks we don’t have much of a bus service any more. They are now going to cut the mobile library service completely. It is so sad and depressing.
Absolutely, HJ. Libraries provide such a range of services these days. Out here in the sticks we don’t have much of a bus service any more. They are now going to cut the mobile library service completely. It is so sad and depressing.
Absolutely, HJ. Libraries provide such a range of services these days. Out here in the sticks we don’t have much of a bus service any more. They are now going to cut the mobile library service completely. It is so sad and depressing.
Absolutely, HJ. Libraries provide such a range of services these days. Out here in the sticks we don’t have much of a bus service any more. They are now going to cut the mobile library service completely. It is so sad and depressing.
When I retired I renewed my love of reading. Renewed my love of the library at the same time. I hadn’t been to the library in quite a few years. I had forgotten how much I loved it. Met quite a few new authors on those shelves – including Mary Jo Putney and Anne Gracie.
In the last couple of years back problems have prevented me from walking up and down the aisles and randomly browsing through books (for hours)like I used to, but I am fortunate to live in an age when I can browse on-line. Our county library has a great web site. I can choose books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Also able to borrow ebooks without even leaving home.
Libraries are so much more now. They have computers, fax machines, printers, and Xerox machines available for those who don’t have access to them. They even have classes to teach people to use these things if they don’t know how. They are such great educational resources.
When I retired I renewed my love of reading. Renewed my love of the library at the same time. I hadn’t been to the library in quite a few years. I had forgotten how much I loved it. Met quite a few new authors on those shelves – including Mary Jo Putney and Anne Gracie.
In the last couple of years back problems have prevented me from walking up and down the aisles and randomly browsing through books (for hours)like I used to, but I am fortunate to live in an age when I can browse on-line. Our county library has a great web site. I can choose books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Also able to borrow ebooks without even leaving home.
Libraries are so much more now. They have computers, fax machines, printers, and Xerox machines available for those who don’t have access to them. They even have classes to teach people to use these things if they don’t know how. They are such great educational resources.
When I retired I renewed my love of reading. Renewed my love of the library at the same time. I hadn’t been to the library in quite a few years. I had forgotten how much I loved it. Met quite a few new authors on those shelves – including Mary Jo Putney and Anne Gracie.
In the last couple of years back problems have prevented me from walking up and down the aisles and randomly browsing through books (for hours)like I used to, but I am fortunate to live in an age when I can browse on-line. Our county library has a great web site. I can choose books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Also able to borrow ebooks without even leaving home.
Libraries are so much more now. They have computers, fax machines, printers, and Xerox machines available for those who don’t have access to them. They even have classes to teach people to use these things if they don’t know how. They are such great educational resources.
When I retired I renewed my love of reading. Renewed my love of the library at the same time. I hadn’t been to the library in quite a few years. I had forgotten how much I loved it. Met quite a few new authors on those shelves – including Mary Jo Putney and Anne Gracie.
In the last couple of years back problems have prevented me from walking up and down the aisles and randomly browsing through books (for hours)like I used to, but I am fortunate to live in an age when I can browse on-line. Our county library has a great web site. I can choose books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Also able to borrow ebooks without even leaving home.
Libraries are so much more now. They have computers, fax machines, printers, and Xerox machines available for those who don’t have access to them. They even have classes to teach people to use these things if they don’t know how. They are such great educational resources.
When I retired I renewed my love of reading. Renewed my love of the library at the same time. I hadn’t been to the library in quite a few years. I had forgotten how much I loved it. Met quite a few new authors on those shelves – including Mary Jo Putney and Anne Gracie.
In the last couple of years back problems have prevented me from walking up and down the aisles and randomly browsing through books (for hours)like I used to, but I am fortunate to live in an age when I can browse on-line. Our county library has a great web site. I can choose books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Also able to borrow ebooks without even leaving home.
Libraries are so much more now. They have computers, fax machines, printers, and Xerox machines available for those who don’t have access to them. They even have classes to teach people to use these things if they don’t know how. They are such great educational resources.
Thank you for your comments, Mary. It’s wonderful to hear so many perspectives from people about what libraries mean to them, what books they have discovered there and how the system gives so much.
Thank you for your comments, Mary. It’s wonderful to hear so many perspectives from people about what libraries mean to them, what books they have discovered there and how the system gives so much.
Thank you for your comments, Mary. It’s wonderful to hear so many perspectives from people about what libraries mean to them, what books they have discovered there and how the system gives so much.
Thank you for your comments, Mary. It’s wonderful to hear so many perspectives from people about what libraries mean to them, what books they have discovered there and how the system gives so much.
Thank you for your comments, Mary. It’s wonderful to hear so many perspectives from people about what libraries mean to them, what books they have discovered there and how the system gives so much.
Libraries are like home to me. I feel safe there. Diving into stories frees me up to release tension. The quietness is a great balm to turbulent thoughts.
It’s especially important to children who need to have a place to go after school. If they are in a dysfunctional family, the escape is the stories they read in the library and take home with them.
I’ve heard people say this, some of whom became known to the public through the talent they have, that libraries saved them from family life that might have destroyed them.
Libraries are like home to me. I feel safe there. Diving into stories frees me up to release tension. The quietness is a great balm to turbulent thoughts.
It’s especially important to children who need to have a place to go after school. If they are in a dysfunctional family, the escape is the stories they read in the library and take home with them.
I’ve heard people say this, some of whom became known to the public through the talent they have, that libraries saved them from family life that might have destroyed them.
Libraries are like home to me. I feel safe there. Diving into stories frees me up to release tension. The quietness is a great balm to turbulent thoughts.
It’s especially important to children who need to have a place to go after school. If they are in a dysfunctional family, the escape is the stories they read in the library and take home with them.
I’ve heard people say this, some of whom became known to the public through the talent they have, that libraries saved them from family life that might have destroyed them.
Libraries are like home to me. I feel safe there. Diving into stories frees me up to release tension. The quietness is a great balm to turbulent thoughts.
It’s especially important to children who need to have a place to go after school. If they are in a dysfunctional family, the escape is the stories they read in the library and take home with them.
I’ve heard people say this, some of whom became known to the public through the talent they have, that libraries saved them from family life that might have destroyed them.
Libraries are like home to me. I feel safe there. Diving into stories frees me up to release tension. The quietness is a great balm to turbulent thoughts.
It’s especially important to children who need to have a place to go after school. If they are in a dysfunctional family, the escape is the stories they read in the library and take home with them.
I’ve heard people say this, some of whom became known to the public through the talent they have, that libraries saved them from family life that might have destroyed them.
I have always adored libraries. As I get older, I don’t go as often but I still depend on my library. Luckily, out local system is thriving. (Perhaps it’s the educational climate? My home town, Columbia, is the largest city involved in the regional system. It supports the University of Missouri, and two well know colleges. The second largest town in the area supplied by our regional library is Fulton in the next county. It has two well-know colleges. I would guess that with so much support of higher education in this area, we have a large library usage.)
In the 30’s and 40’s in St. Louis, there was a circulating library (Mercantile Library). My mother had a subscription to that library. She got books from it every week. I met Dorothy Sayers , and Rex Stout through the books she ordered. I also at a look at “Forever Amber” after it was banned in Boston. This alarmed my mother, until I said that it bored me (true) and that I put it down after the first chapter (also true). I guess she was lucky that I wasn’t two years older when than book was published! I believe that she ordered some of the Oz books for my sister and me to read from the Mercantile.
Besides the books from the Mercantile, out family went to the local branch library every other Friday. The local branch introduced us to Laura Ingalls Wilder when the “Little House” books began to be published. Library boxes were also delivered to the public schools. The children orders books from a book list, and books were delivered on a biweekly basis, to be returned when the next box arrived.
I have always adored libraries. As I get older, I don’t go as often but I still depend on my library. Luckily, out local system is thriving. (Perhaps it’s the educational climate? My home town, Columbia, is the largest city involved in the regional system. It supports the University of Missouri, and two well know colleges. The second largest town in the area supplied by our regional library is Fulton in the next county. It has two well-know colleges. I would guess that with so much support of higher education in this area, we have a large library usage.)
In the 30’s and 40’s in St. Louis, there was a circulating library (Mercantile Library). My mother had a subscription to that library. She got books from it every week. I met Dorothy Sayers , and Rex Stout through the books she ordered. I also at a look at “Forever Amber” after it was banned in Boston. This alarmed my mother, until I said that it bored me (true) and that I put it down after the first chapter (also true). I guess she was lucky that I wasn’t two years older when than book was published! I believe that she ordered some of the Oz books for my sister and me to read from the Mercantile.
Besides the books from the Mercantile, out family went to the local branch library every other Friday. The local branch introduced us to Laura Ingalls Wilder when the “Little House” books began to be published. Library boxes were also delivered to the public schools. The children orders books from a book list, and books were delivered on a biweekly basis, to be returned when the next box arrived.
I have always adored libraries. As I get older, I don’t go as often but I still depend on my library. Luckily, out local system is thriving. (Perhaps it’s the educational climate? My home town, Columbia, is the largest city involved in the regional system. It supports the University of Missouri, and two well know colleges. The second largest town in the area supplied by our regional library is Fulton in the next county. It has two well-know colleges. I would guess that with so much support of higher education in this area, we have a large library usage.)
In the 30’s and 40’s in St. Louis, there was a circulating library (Mercantile Library). My mother had a subscription to that library. She got books from it every week. I met Dorothy Sayers , and Rex Stout through the books she ordered. I also at a look at “Forever Amber” after it was banned in Boston. This alarmed my mother, until I said that it bored me (true) and that I put it down after the first chapter (also true). I guess she was lucky that I wasn’t two years older when than book was published! I believe that she ordered some of the Oz books for my sister and me to read from the Mercantile.
Besides the books from the Mercantile, out family went to the local branch library every other Friday. The local branch introduced us to Laura Ingalls Wilder when the “Little House” books began to be published. Library boxes were also delivered to the public schools. The children orders books from a book list, and books were delivered on a biweekly basis, to be returned when the next box arrived.
I have always adored libraries. As I get older, I don’t go as often but I still depend on my library. Luckily, out local system is thriving. (Perhaps it’s the educational climate? My home town, Columbia, is the largest city involved in the regional system. It supports the University of Missouri, and two well know colleges. The second largest town in the area supplied by our regional library is Fulton in the next county. It has two well-know colleges. I would guess that with so much support of higher education in this area, we have a large library usage.)
In the 30’s and 40’s in St. Louis, there was a circulating library (Mercantile Library). My mother had a subscription to that library. She got books from it every week. I met Dorothy Sayers , and Rex Stout through the books she ordered. I also at a look at “Forever Amber” after it was banned in Boston. This alarmed my mother, until I said that it bored me (true) and that I put it down after the first chapter (also true). I guess she was lucky that I wasn’t two years older when than book was published! I believe that she ordered some of the Oz books for my sister and me to read from the Mercantile.
Besides the books from the Mercantile, out family went to the local branch library every other Friday. The local branch introduced us to Laura Ingalls Wilder when the “Little House” books began to be published. Library boxes were also delivered to the public schools. The children orders books from a book list, and books were delivered on a biweekly basis, to be returned when the next box arrived.
I have always adored libraries. As I get older, I don’t go as often but I still depend on my library. Luckily, out local system is thriving. (Perhaps it’s the educational climate? My home town, Columbia, is the largest city involved in the regional system. It supports the University of Missouri, and two well know colleges. The second largest town in the area supplied by our regional library is Fulton in the next county. It has two well-know colleges. I would guess that with so much support of higher education in this area, we have a large library usage.)
In the 30’s and 40’s in St. Louis, there was a circulating library (Mercantile Library). My mother had a subscription to that library. She got books from it every week. I met Dorothy Sayers , and Rex Stout through the books she ordered. I also at a look at “Forever Amber” after it was banned in Boston. This alarmed my mother, until I said that it bored me (true) and that I put it down after the first chapter (also true). I guess she was lucky that I wasn’t two years older when than book was published! I believe that she ordered some of the Oz books for my sister and me to read from the Mercantile.
Besides the books from the Mercantile, out family went to the local branch library every other Friday. The local branch introduced us to Laura Ingalls Wilder when the “Little House” books began to be published. Library boxes were also delivered to the public schools. The children orders books from a book list, and books were delivered on a biweekly basis, to be returned when the next box arrived.
Happily our local library just got a renovation. Very positive I thought. I love libraries and have happily spent a large part of my life in them. Most bookstores frown upon you reading the book before you buy it…. 😉
Happily our local library just got a renovation. Very positive I thought. I love libraries and have happily spent a large part of my life in them. Most bookstores frown upon you reading the book before you buy it…. 😉
Happily our local library just got a renovation. Very positive I thought. I love libraries and have happily spent a large part of my life in them. Most bookstores frown upon you reading the book before you buy it…. 😉
Happily our local library just got a renovation. Very positive I thought. I love libraries and have happily spent a large part of my life in them. Most bookstores frown upon you reading the book before you buy it…. 😉
Happily our local library just got a renovation. Very positive I thought. I love libraries and have happily spent a large part of my life in them. Most bookstores frown upon you reading the book before you buy it…. 😉
What a lovely way to describe what a library means to you, Patricia, and what it can offer. Thank you!
What a lovely way to describe what a library means to you, Patricia, and what it can offer. Thank you!
What a lovely way to describe what a library means to you, Patricia, and what it can offer. Thank you!
What a lovely way to describe what a library means to you, Patricia, and what it can offer. Thank you!
What a lovely way to describe what a library means to you, Patricia, and what it can offer. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing your memories, Sue. How wonderful that you actually had access to a circulating library! I love the story about Forever Amber!
Thank you so much for sharing your memories, Sue. How wonderful that you actually had access to a circulating library! I love the story about Forever Amber!
Thank you so much for sharing your memories, Sue. How wonderful that you actually had access to a circulating library! I love the story about Forever Amber!
Thank you so much for sharing your memories, Sue. How wonderful that you actually had access to a circulating library! I love the story about Forever Amber!
Thank you so much for sharing your memories, Sue. How wonderful that you actually had access to a circulating library! I love the story about Forever Amber!
That is very positive news about your library, Karen. It would be good to see more of that!
That is very positive news about your library, Karen. It would be good to see more of that!
That is very positive news about your library, Karen. It would be good to see more of that!
That is very positive news about your library, Karen. It would be good to see more of that!
That is very positive news about your library, Karen. It would be good to see more of that!
In the 60s I went to a small village school – 33 pupils. The town 5 miles away used to give us bulk loans. I got to help choose the books. I was the only one allowed to take home 2 books a day. Everyone else only had one a week. I think my love of reading (and buying books) came from that time. It’s certain my family couldn’t have bought enough books to keep me busy.
In the 60s I went to a small village school – 33 pupils. The town 5 miles away used to give us bulk loans. I got to help choose the books. I was the only one allowed to take home 2 books a day. Everyone else only had one a week. I think my love of reading (and buying books) came from that time. It’s certain my family couldn’t have bought enough books to keep me busy.
In the 60s I went to a small village school – 33 pupils. The town 5 miles away used to give us bulk loans. I got to help choose the books. I was the only one allowed to take home 2 books a day. Everyone else only had one a week. I think my love of reading (and buying books) came from that time. It’s certain my family couldn’t have bought enough books to keep me busy.
In the 60s I went to a small village school – 33 pupils. The town 5 miles away used to give us bulk loans. I got to help choose the books. I was the only one allowed to take home 2 books a day. Everyone else only had one a week. I think my love of reading (and buying books) came from that time. It’s certain my family couldn’t have bought enough books to keep me busy.
In the 60s I went to a small village school – 33 pupils. The town 5 miles away used to give us bulk loans. I got to help choose the books. I was the only one allowed to take home 2 books a day. Everyone else only had one a week. I think my love of reading (and buying books) came from that time. It’s certain my family couldn’t have bought enough books to keep me busy.
I have always loved libraries. Fifteen years ago my job was downsized. Which was ok because I loathed it. We were given a nice monetary package, so this time around I took my time finding another job. I did. I found a perfect fit – a library. If you think hanging out at a library is wonderful, you should try working in one. Everyday, I come to work and I am surrounded by books – lots and lots of books. Lots and lots of research stuff. It is truly a wonderful place to work. It is just a different kind of place to work, a different kind of environment. Love it!
I have always loved libraries. Fifteen years ago my job was downsized. Which was ok because I loathed it. We were given a nice monetary package, so this time around I took my time finding another job. I did. I found a perfect fit – a library. If you think hanging out at a library is wonderful, you should try working in one. Everyday, I come to work and I am surrounded by books – lots and lots of books. Lots and lots of research stuff. It is truly a wonderful place to work. It is just a different kind of place to work, a different kind of environment. Love it!
I have always loved libraries. Fifteen years ago my job was downsized. Which was ok because I loathed it. We were given a nice monetary package, so this time around I took my time finding another job. I did. I found a perfect fit – a library. If you think hanging out at a library is wonderful, you should try working in one. Everyday, I come to work and I am surrounded by books – lots and lots of books. Lots and lots of research stuff. It is truly a wonderful place to work. It is just a different kind of place to work, a different kind of environment. Love it!
I have always loved libraries. Fifteen years ago my job was downsized. Which was ok because I loathed it. We were given a nice monetary package, so this time around I took my time finding another job. I did. I found a perfect fit – a library. If you think hanging out at a library is wonderful, you should try working in one. Everyday, I come to work and I am surrounded by books – lots and lots of books. Lots and lots of research stuff. It is truly a wonderful place to work. It is just a different kind of place to work, a different kind of environment. Love it!
I have always loved libraries. Fifteen years ago my job was downsized. Which was ok because I loathed it. We were given a nice monetary package, so this time around I took my time finding another job. I did. I found a perfect fit – a library. If you think hanging out at a library is wonderful, you should try working in one. Everyday, I come to work and I am surrounded by books – lots and lots of books. Lots and lots of research stuff. It is truly a wonderful place to work. It is just a different kind of place to work, a different kind of environment. Love it!
During the recent recession, many metro Atlanta (GA) counties thought cutting the library budget (hours, number of branches, employees, new book/program money) was a great way to save money. We in Cobb County rose up in arms and manage to save more than we lost.
There were so many people showing up at the Commissioners meeting they decided they had better cover that part of the agenda first to get us out of the meeting room. They actually gave an employee breakroom over to us for an entire day while we waited for a vote to finally take place on the issue.
There were reductions in hours and book money, but no branches were permanently closed. They have since expanded the hours a bit and they are continuously upgrading/refreshing the libraries.
My library system has a huge number of programs, classes, and book clubs trying to keep the library as a whole relevant to the changing times.
For some reason, I didn’t like reading until I was in the 3rd grade. Once I got hooked/addicted, I would read anything, anywhere. I’m one of those proverbial cereal box readers.
When I was a child, I remember my mom taking me to the library once a week in Tallahassee (FL). It was in an old, old building next to a toy store. Loved looking in the store windows as we walked by it.
When we moved to Carrollton (GA) my mom was still taking us to the library once a week. My mom only allowed us 5 books at a time – because with her books and 5 kids getting books, she thought 30 library book were enough to keep up with at any one time!
Junior high and high school I biked to the library several times a week.
It is fascinating listening to my sister talk about working at the middle school library as the Media Specialist, ie librarian. Back when I was in middle school, all a librarian did was check books in and out (that is my remembered perspective from 40+ years ago.)Now….they do so much more.
During the recent recession, many metro Atlanta (GA) counties thought cutting the library budget (hours, number of branches, employees, new book/program money) was a great way to save money. We in Cobb County rose up in arms and manage to save more than we lost.
There were so many people showing up at the Commissioners meeting they decided they had better cover that part of the agenda first to get us out of the meeting room. They actually gave an employee breakroom over to us for an entire day while we waited for a vote to finally take place on the issue.
There were reductions in hours and book money, but no branches were permanently closed. They have since expanded the hours a bit and they are continuously upgrading/refreshing the libraries.
My library system has a huge number of programs, classes, and book clubs trying to keep the library as a whole relevant to the changing times.
For some reason, I didn’t like reading until I was in the 3rd grade. Once I got hooked/addicted, I would read anything, anywhere. I’m one of those proverbial cereal box readers.
When I was a child, I remember my mom taking me to the library once a week in Tallahassee (FL). It was in an old, old building next to a toy store. Loved looking in the store windows as we walked by it.
When we moved to Carrollton (GA) my mom was still taking us to the library once a week. My mom only allowed us 5 books at a time – because with her books and 5 kids getting books, she thought 30 library book were enough to keep up with at any one time!
Junior high and high school I biked to the library several times a week.
It is fascinating listening to my sister talk about working at the middle school library as the Media Specialist, ie librarian. Back when I was in middle school, all a librarian did was check books in and out (that is my remembered perspective from 40+ years ago.)Now….they do so much more.
During the recent recession, many metro Atlanta (GA) counties thought cutting the library budget (hours, number of branches, employees, new book/program money) was a great way to save money. We in Cobb County rose up in arms and manage to save more than we lost.
There were so many people showing up at the Commissioners meeting they decided they had better cover that part of the agenda first to get us out of the meeting room. They actually gave an employee breakroom over to us for an entire day while we waited for a vote to finally take place on the issue.
There were reductions in hours and book money, but no branches were permanently closed. They have since expanded the hours a bit and they are continuously upgrading/refreshing the libraries.
My library system has a huge number of programs, classes, and book clubs trying to keep the library as a whole relevant to the changing times.
For some reason, I didn’t like reading until I was in the 3rd grade. Once I got hooked/addicted, I would read anything, anywhere. I’m one of those proverbial cereal box readers.
When I was a child, I remember my mom taking me to the library once a week in Tallahassee (FL). It was in an old, old building next to a toy store. Loved looking in the store windows as we walked by it.
When we moved to Carrollton (GA) my mom was still taking us to the library once a week. My mom only allowed us 5 books at a time – because with her books and 5 kids getting books, she thought 30 library book were enough to keep up with at any one time!
Junior high and high school I biked to the library several times a week.
It is fascinating listening to my sister talk about working at the middle school library as the Media Specialist, ie librarian. Back when I was in middle school, all a librarian did was check books in and out (that is my remembered perspective from 40+ years ago.)Now….they do so much more.
During the recent recession, many metro Atlanta (GA) counties thought cutting the library budget (hours, number of branches, employees, new book/program money) was a great way to save money. We in Cobb County rose up in arms and manage to save more than we lost.
There were so many people showing up at the Commissioners meeting they decided they had better cover that part of the agenda first to get us out of the meeting room. They actually gave an employee breakroom over to us for an entire day while we waited for a vote to finally take place on the issue.
There were reductions in hours and book money, but no branches were permanently closed. They have since expanded the hours a bit and they are continuously upgrading/refreshing the libraries.
My library system has a huge number of programs, classes, and book clubs trying to keep the library as a whole relevant to the changing times.
For some reason, I didn’t like reading until I was in the 3rd grade. Once I got hooked/addicted, I would read anything, anywhere. I’m one of those proverbial cereal box readers.
When I was a child, I remember my mom taking me to the library once a week in Tallahassee (FL). It was in an old, old building next to a toy store. Loved looking in the store windows as we walked by it.
When we moved to Carrollton (GA) my mom was still taking us to the library once a week. My mom only allowed us 5 books at a time – because with her books and 5 kids getting books, she thought 30 library book were enough to keep up with at any one time!
Junior high and high school I biked to the library several times a week.
It is fascinating listening to my sister talk about working at the middle school library as the Media Specialist, ie librarian. Back when I was in middle school, all a librarian did was check books in and out (that is my remembered perspective from 40+ years ago.)Now….they do so much more.
During the recent recession, many metro Atlanta (GA) counties thought cutting the library budget (hours, number of branches, employees, new book/program money) was a great way to save money. We in Cobb County rose up in arms and manage to save more than we lost.
There were so many people showing up at the Commissioners meeting they decided they had better cover that part of the agenda first to get us out of the meeting room. They actually gave an employee breakroom over to us for an entire day while we waited for a vote to finally take place on the issue.
There were reductions in hours and book money, but no branches were permanently closed. They have since expanded the hours a bit and they are continuously upgrading/refreshing the libraries.
My library system has a huge number of programs, classes, and book clubs trying to keep the library as a whole relevant to the changing times.
For some reason, I didn’t like reading until I was in the 3rd grade. Once I got hooked/addicted, I would read anything, anywhere. I’m one of those proverbial cereal box readers.
When I was a child, I remember my mom taking me to the library once a week in Tallahassee (FL). It was in an old, old building next to a toy store. Loved looking in the store windows as we walked by it.
When we moved to Carrollton (GA) my mom was still taking us to the library once a week. My mom only allowed us 5 books at a time – because with her books and 5 kids getting books, she thought 30 library book were enough to keep up with at any one time!
Junior high and high school I biked to the library several times a week.
It is fascinating listening to my sister talk about working at the middle school library as the Media Specialist, ie librarian. Back when I was in middle school, all a librarian did was check books in and out (that is my remembered perspective from 40+ years ago.)Now….they do so much more.
What a fabulous job to have, Elaine! I love that you were allowed to take 2 books home as well, whilst everyone else only got one! It’s so interesting how many of us can trace our love of books and reading back to find it entwined with a library. Also that we could never have had enough books to keep us going otherwise!
What a fabulous job to have, Elaine! I love that you were allowed to take 2 books home as well, whilst everyone else only got one! It’s so interesting how many of us can trace our love of books and reading back to find it entwined with a library. Also that we could never have had enough books to keep us going otherwise!
What a fabulous job to have, Elaine! I love that you were allowed to take 2 books home as well, whilst everyone else only got one! It’s so interesting how many of us can trace our love of books and reading back to find it entwined with a library. Also that we could never have had enough books to keep us going otherwise!
What a fabulous job to have, Elaine! I love that you were allowed to take 2 books home as well, whilst everyone else only got one! It’s so interesting how many of us can trace our love of books and reading back to find it entwined with a library. Also that we could never have had enough books to keep us going otherwise!
What a fabulous job to have, Elaine! I love that you were allowed to take 2 books home as well, whilst everyone else only got one! It’s so interesting how many of us can trace our love of books and reading back to find it entwined with a library. Also that we could never have had enough books to keep us going otherwise!
Oh, kay, I am suffering from library envy now! It sounds like my idea of heaven.
Oh, kay, I am suffering from library envy now! It sounds like my idea of heaven.
Oh, kay, I am suffering from library envy now! It sounds like my idea of heaven.
Oh, kay, I am suffering from library envy now! It sounds like my idea of heaven.
Oh, kay, I am suffering from library envy now! It sounds like my idea of heaven.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Vicki. It’s heartening to know that even with library cuts there are ways to compromise so that the libraries can survive and grow. I think there is so much goodwill from people to do all they can to help libraries, because they have such an important community role.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Vicki. It’s heartening to know that even with library cuts there are ways to compromise so that the libraries can survive and grow. I think there is so much goodwill from people to do all they can to help libraries, because they have such an important community role.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Vicki. It’s heartening to know that even with library cuts there are ways to compromise so that the libraries can survive and grow. I think there is so much goodwill from people to do all they can to help libraries, because they have such an important community role.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Vicki. It’s heartening to know that even with library cuts there are ways to compromise so that the libraries can survive and grow. I think there is so much goodwill from people to do all they can to help libraries, because they have such an important community role.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and experiences, Vicki. It’s heartening to know that even with library cuts there are ways to compromise so that the libraries can survive and grow. I think there is so much goodwill from people to do all they can to help libraries, because they have such an important community role.
Interesting history of libraries–thanks! I love libraries, and my father took my sister and me to our local branch every week, and now I do the same with my sons. We’re lucky to have a large, recently built branch in a vibrant county system. As you say, libraries are an important part of community life, and they’ve been vital to me.
Interesting history of libraries–thanks! I love libraries, and my father took my sister and me to our local branch every week, and now I do the same with my sons. We’re lucky to have a large, recently built branch in a vibrant county system. As you say, libraries are an important part of community life, and they’ve been vital to me.
Interesting history of libraries–thanks! I love libraries, and my father took my sister and me to our local branch every week, and now I do the same with my sons. We’re lucky to have a large, recently built branch in a vibrant county system. As you say, libraries are an important part of community life, and they’ve been vital to me.
Interesting history of libraries–thanks! I love libraries, and my father took my sister and me to our local branch every week, and now I do the same with my sons. We’re lucky to have a large, recently built branch in a vibrant county system. As you say, libraries are an important part of community life, and they’ve been vital to me.
Interesting history of libraries–thanks! I love libraries, and my father took my sister and me to our local branch every week, and now I do the same with my sons. We’re lucky to have a large, recently built branch in a vibrant county system. As you say, libraries are an important part of community life, and they’ve been vital to me.
I love my local library, which is a mother library with several branches in our Shire. Even with the limited budget they manage to get a fabulous load of books, DVDs and multiple other resources. They hold events like author talks, book clubs, HSC (higher school certificate in Australia) events, and other general interest talks like IPads for Seniors. Also special events, eg. a couple of years ago they had a ‘Jane Austen’ bookclub where they read their way through her canon over several weeks, served afternoon tea in pretty china, and gave a prize for whoever won the quiz. They have readings, eg. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol last Christmas. The list goes on. I have made some lovely friends at the library, given my shared interest in reading, and the staff always go the extra mile. Long may it continue.
I love my local library, which is a mother library with several branches in our Shire. Even with the limited budget they manage to get a fabulous load of books, DVDs and multiple other resources. They hold events like author talks, book clubs, HSC (higher school certificate in Australia) events, and other general interest talks like IPads for Seniors. Also special events, eg. a couple of years ago they had a ‘Jane Austen’ bookclub where they read their way through her canon over several weeks, served afternoon tea in pretty china, and gave a prize for whoever won the quiz. They have readings, eg. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol last Christmas. The list goes on. I have made some lovely friends at the library, given my shared interest in reading, and the staff always go the extra mile. Long may it continue.
I love my local library, which is a mother library with several branches in our Shire. Even with the limited budget they manage to get a fabulous load of books, DVDs and multiple other resources. They hold events like author talks, book clubs, HSC (higher school certificate in Australia) events, and other general interest talks like IPads for Seniors. Also special events, eg. a couple of years ago they had a ‘Jane Austen’ bookclub where they read their way through her canon over several weeks, served afternoon tea in pretty china, and gave a prize for whoever won the quiz. They have readings, eg. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol last Christmas. The list goes on. I have made some lovely friends at the library, given my shared interest in reading, and the staff always go the extra mile. Long may it continue.
I love my local library, which is a mother library with several branches in our Shire. Even with the limited budget they manage to get a fabulous load of books, DVDs and multiple other resources. They hold events like author talks, book clubs, HSC (higher school certificate in Australia) events, and other general interest talks like IPads for Seniors. Also special events, eg. a couple of years ago they had a ‘Jane Austen’ bookclub where they read their way through her canon over several weeks, served afternoon tea in pretty china, and gave a prize for whoever won the quiz. They have readings, eg. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol last Christmas. The list goes on. I have made some lovely friends at the library, given my shared interest in reading, and the staff always go the extra mile. Long may it continue.
I love my local library, which is a mother library with several branches in our Shire. Even with the limited budget they manage to get a fabulous load of books, DVDs and multiple other resources. They hold events like author talks, book clubs, HSC (higher school certificate in Australia) events, and other general interest talks like IPads for Seniors. Also special events, eg. a couple of years ago they had a ‘Jane Austen’ bookclub where they read their way through her canon over several weeks, served afternoon tea in pretty china, and gave a prize for whoever won the quiz. They have readings, eg. Dickens’ A Christmas Carol last Christmas. The list goes on. I have made some lovely friends at the library, given my shared interest in reading, and the staff always go the extra mile. Long may it continue.
I grew up out in the countryside in Ireland. There was no such thing as a library near us. I would have been in seventh heaven as I was an avid reader even then. I saved every penny I could to buy books and always asked for books for my birthday and Christmas (which unfortunately for me were only five days apart). So I made sure when my own kids were growing up they spent as much time as they wanted in the library and thankfully it was quite a lot.
I grew up out in the countryside in Ireland. There was no such thing as a library near us. I would have been in seventh heaven as I was an avid reader even then. I saved every penny I could to buy books and always asked for books for my birthday and Christmas (which unfortunately for me were only five days apart). So I made sure when my own kids were growing up they spent as much time as they wanted in the library and thankfully it was quite a lot.
I grew up out in the countryside in Ireland. There was no such thing as a library near us. I would have been in seventh heaven as I was an avid reader even then. I saved every penny I could to buy books and always asked for books for my birthday and Christmas (which unfortunately for me were only five days apart). So I made sure when my own kids were growing up they spent as much time as they wanted in the library and thankfully it was quite a lot.
I grew up out in the countryside in Ireland. There was no such thing as a library near us. I would have been in seventh heaven as I was an avid reader even then. I saved every penny I could to buy books and always asked for books for my birthday and Christmas (which unfortunately for me were only five days apart). So I made sure when my own kids were growing up they spent as much time as they wanted in the library and thankfully it was quite a lot.
I grew up out in the countryside in Ireland. There was no such thing as a library near us. I would have been in seventh heaven as I was an avid reader even then. I saved every penny I could to buy books and always asked for books for my birthday and Christmas (which unfortunately for me were only five days apart). So I made sure when my own kids were growing up they spent as much time as they wanted in the library and thankfully it was quite a lot.
As a child, I was fortunate to have parents who read to me; my first childhood books were Kipling’s “Just So” stories and Hawthorn’s Tanglewood tales. Both gave me a love of language and sonority. Elementary school(an hour away by public transit) was private, and across from a branch library. By grade 6 I had read out both the children’s and adult sections (skipped grade 7) so for my final year, I was given permission to take Friday afternoons off to spend in a brand-new, outstanding children’s library branch – absolute heaven, and award-winning librarians. I transferred to a public high school and again, was so far ahead that I was given permission to take an afternoon each week and travel to the main Reference library downtown. By University, I cannot describe the sense of freedom that access to the main university library gave me – I lived there(double major History and English) and even more so when in 3d year, I had access to the stacks! Eventually, post-grad, I took Library Science and wound up with an MLS, specializing in school libraries. I set up 2 school libraries, and as the only degree-holding librarian in the area, became the unofficial advisor to the local public library staff.
However, the rural public library was not extensive, so I developed the habit of buying books – as many as I could afford. (My problem was that I wanted to read certain historical novels over and over, and they were often de-accessioned, causing me great distress!)
Libraries have become front-line supporters of integrating our immigrants into their communities, and there is now a proposal before our broadcast regulator which would see them supported as a source for community and local tv production. That would be a natural progression from the media services which they are currently providing.
I am sometimes disappointed in myself that I don’t support my local public library more, but I guess that I ws spoiled in my early years!
As a child, I was fortunate to have parents who read to me; my first childhood books were Kipling’s “Just So” stories and Hawthorn’s Tanglewood tales. Both gave me a love of language and sonority. Elementary school(an hour away by public transit) was private, and across from a branch library. By grade 6 I had read out both the children’s and adult sections (skipped grade 7) so for my final year, I was given permission to take Friday afternoons off to spend in a brand-new, outstanding children’s library branch – absolute heaven, and award-winning librarians. I transferred to a public high school and again, was so far ahead that I was given permission to take an afternoon each week and travel to the main Reference library downtown. By University, I cannot describe the sense of freedom that access to the main university library gave me – I lived there(double major History and English) and even more so when in 3d year, I had access to the stacks! Eventually, post-grad, I took Library Science and wound up with an MLS, specializing in school libraries. I set up 2 school libraries, and as the only degree-holding librarian in the area, became the unofficial advisor to the local public library staff.
However, the rural public library was not extensive, so I developed the habit of buying books – as many as I could afford. (My problem was that I wanted to read certain historical novels over and over, and they were often de-accessioned, causing me great distress!)
Libraries have become front-line supporters of integrating our immigrants into their communities, and there is now a proposal before our broadcast regulator which would see them supported as a source for community and local tv production. That would be a natural progression from the media services which they are currently providing.
I am sometimes disappointed in myself that I don’t support my local public library more, but I guess that I ws spoiled in my early years!
As a child, I was fortunate to have parents who read to me; my first childhood books were Kipling’s “Just So” stories and Hawthorn’s Tanglewood tales. Both gave me a love of language and sonority. Elementary school(an hour away by public transit) was private, and across from a branch library. By grade 6 I had read out both the children’s and adult sections (skipped grade 7) so for my final year, I was given permission to take Friday afternoons off to spend in a brand-new, outstanding children’s library branch – absolute heaven, and award-winning librarians. I transferred to a public high school and again, was so far ahead that I was given permission to take an afternoon each week and travel to the main Reference library downtown. By University, I cannot describe the sense of freedom that access to the main university library gave me – I lived there(double major History and English) and even more so when in 3d year, I had access to the stacks! Eventually, post-grad, I took Library Science and wound up with an MLS, specializing in school libraries. I set up 2 school libraries, and as the only degree-holding librarian in the area, became the unofficial advisor to the local public library staff.
However, the rural public library was not extensive, so I developed the habit of buying books – as many as I could afford. (My problem was that I wanted to read certain historical novels over and over, and they were often de-accessioned, causing me great distress!)
Libraries have become front-line supporters of integrating our immigrants into their communities, and there is now a proposal before our broadcast regulator which would see them supported as a source for community and local tv production. That would be a natural progression from the media services which they are currently providing.
I am sometimes disappointed in myself that I don’t support my local public library more, but I guess that I ws spoiled in my early years!
As a child, I was fortunate to have parents who read to me; my first childhood books were Kipling’s “Just So” stories and Hawthorn’s Tanglewood tales. Both gave me a love of language and sonority. Elementary school(an hour away by public transit) was private, and across from a branch library. By grade 6 I had read out both the children’s and adult sections (skipped grade 7) so for my final year, I was given permission to take Friday afternoons off to spend in a brand-new, outstanding children’s library branch – absolute heaven, and award-winning librarians. I transferred to a public high school and again, was so far ahead that I was given permission to take an afternoon each week and travel to the main Reference library downtown. By University, I cannot describe the sense of freedom that access to the main university library gave me – I lived there(double major History and English) and even more so when in 3d year, I had access to the stacks! Eventually, post-grad, I took Library Science and wound up with an MLS, specializing in school libraries. I set up 2 school libraries, and as the only degree-holding librarian in the area, became the unofficial advisor to the local public library staff.
However, the rural public library was not extensive, so I developed the habit of buying books – as many as I could afford. (My problem was that I wanted to read certain historical novels over and over, and they were often de-accessioned, causing me great distress!)
Libraries have become front-line supporters of integrating our immigrants into their communities, and there is now a proposal before our broadcast regulator which would see them supported as a source for community and local tv production. That would be a natural progression from the media services which they are currently providing.
I am sometimes disappointed in myself that I don’t support my local public library more, but I guess that I ws spoiled in my early years!
As a child, I was fortunate to have parents who read to me; my first childhood books were Kipling’s “Just So” stories and Hawthorn’s Tanglewood tales. Both gave me a love of language and sonority. Elementary school(an hour away by public transit) was private, and across from a branch library. By grade 6 I had read out both the children’s and adult sections (skipped grade 7) so for my final year, I was given permission to take Friday afternoons off to spend in a brand-new, outstanding children’s library branch – absolute heaven, and award-winning librarians. I transferred to a public high school and again, was so far ahead that I was given permission to take an afternoon each week and travel to the main Reference library downtown. By University, I cannot describe the sense of freedom that access to the main university library gave me – I lived there(double major History and English) and even more so when in 3d year, I had access to the stacks! Eventually, post-grad, I took Library Science and wound up with an MLS, specializing in school libraries. I set up 2 school libraries, and as the only degree-holding librarian in the area, became the unofficial advisor to the local public library staff.
However, the rural public library was not extensive, so I developed the habit of buying books – as many as I could afford. (My problem was that I wanted to read certain historical novels over and over, and they were often de-accessioned, causing me great distress!)
Libraries have become front-line supporters of integrating our immigrants into their communities, and there is now a proposal before our broadcast regulator which would see them supported as a source for community and local tv production. That would be a natural progression from the media services which they are currently providing.
I am sometimes disappointed in myself that I don’t support my local public library more, but I guess that I ws spoiled in my early years!
Lovely post, Nicola. Libraries have always been hugely important to me. I was the sort of child who was always in need of something to read — I was a voracious reader and even though each school I attended (and there were quite a few because we moved often) had libraries, I powered through them quite quickly and the local public libraries were my true source of never ending book supply.
Libraries have has a powerful influence on my life. I borrowed my first Georgette Heyer novel from a public library when I was 11, and never looked back. My sister worked in a large municipal library and used to bring home to me some of the books what were discarded, books by Mary Stewart and Catherine Gaskin, Jean Plaidy, and children’s books by Henry Treece and Rosemary Sutcliff, titles such as Finn the Wolfhound, Kim, the Billabong books and many more. I still have them. Having libraries like this made me a writer, I’m convinced of it.
Lovely post, Nicola. Libraries have always been hugely important to me. I was the sort of child who was always in need of something to read — I was a voracious reader and even though each school I attended (and there were quite a few because we moved often) had libraries, I powered through them quite quickly and the local public libraries were my true source of never ending book supply.
Libraries have has a powerful influence on my life. I borrowed my first Georgette Heyer novel from a public library when I was 11, and never looked back. My sister worked in a large municipal library and used to bring home to me some of the books what were discarded, books by Mary Stewart and Catherine Gaskin, Jean Plaidy, and children’s books by Henry Treece and Rosemary Sutcliff, titles such as Finn the Wolfhound, Kim, the Billabong books and many more. I still have them. Having libraries like this made me a writer, I’m convinced of it.
Lovely post, Nicola. Libraries have always been hugely important to me. I was the sort of child who was always in need of something to read — I was a voracious reader and even though each school I attended (and there were quite a few because we moved often) had libraries, I powered through them quite quickly and the local public libraries were my true source of never ending book supply.
Libraries have has a powerful influence on my life. I borrowed my first Georgette Heyer novel from a public library when I was 11, and never looked back. My sister worked in a large municipal library and used to bring home to me some of the books what were discarded, books by Mary Stewart and Catherine Gaskin, Jean Plaidy, and children’s books by Henry Treece and Rosemary Sutcliff, titles such as Finn the Wolfhound, Kim, the Billabong books and many more. I still have them. Having libraries like this made me a writer, I’m convinced of it.
Lovely post, Nicola. Libraries have always been hugely important to me. I was the sort of child who was always in need of something to read — I was a voracious reader and even though each school I attended (and there were quite a few because we moved often) had libraries, I powered through them quite quickly and the local public libraries were my true source of never ending book supply.
Libraries have has a powerful influence on my life. I borrowed my first Georgette Heyer novel from a public library when I was 11, and never looked back. My sister worked in a large municipal library and used to bring home to me some of the books what were discarded, books by Mary Stewart and Catherine Gaskin, Jean Plaidy, and children’s books by Henry Treece and Rosemary Sutcliff, titles such as Finn the Wolfhound, Kim, the Billabong books and many more. I still have them. Having libraries like this made me a writer, I’m convinced of it.
Lovely post, Nicola. Libraries have always been hugely important to me. I was the sort of child who was always in need of something to read — I was a voracious reader and even though each school I attended (and there were quite a few because we moved often) had libraries, I powered through them quite quickly and the local public libraries were my true source of never ending book supply.
Libraries have has a powerful influence on my life. I borrowed my first Georgette Heyer novel from a public library when I was 11, and never looked back. My sister worked in a large municipal library and used to bring home to me some of the books what were discarded, books by Mary Stewart and Catherine Gaskin, Jean Plaidy, and children’s books by Henry Treece and Rosemary Sutcliff, titles such as Finn the Wolfhound, Kim, the Billabong books and many more. I still have them. Having libraries like this made me a writer, I’m convinced of it.
Thank you so much, Reina. I love that you are continuing the tradition of library visiting that is in your family. It feels so important.
Thank you so much, Reina. I love that you are continuing the tradition of library visiting that is in your family. It feels so important.
Thank you so much, Reina. I love that you are continuing the tradition of library visiting that is in your family. It feels so important.
Thank you so much, Reina. I love that you are continuing the tradition of library visiting that is in your family. It feels so important.
Thank you so much, Reina. I love that you are continuing the tradition of library visiting that is in your family. It feels so important.
Hi Malivna! What a lot of fabulous events your library hosts! I love that there are so many different things we can do at the library and that they are so vibrant. Also that it is a great way to meet new friends with a shared interest.
Hi Malivna! What a lot of fabulous events your library hosts! I love that there are so many different things we can do at the library and that they are so vibrant. Also that it is a great way to meet new friends with a shared interest.
Hi Malivna! What a lot of fabulous events your library hosts! I love that there are so many different things we can do at the library and that they are so vibrant. Also that it is a great way to meet new friends with a shared interest.
Hi Malivna! What a lot of fabulous events your library hosts! I love that there are so many different things we can do at the library and that they are so vibrant. Also that it is a great way to meet new friends with a shared interest.
Hi Malivna! What a lot of fabulous events your library hosts! I love that there are so many different things we can do at the library and that they are so vibrant. Also that it is a great way to meet new friends with a shared interest.
Hi Teresa. I’m sorry to hear of your library-deprived childhood, although it sounds as though you made the very best you could of your reading opportunities! it also made me realise all over again how fortunate we are when we have these facilities convenient to us.
Hi Teresa. I’m sorry to hear of your library-deprived childhood, although it sounds as though you made the very best you could of your reading opportunities! it also made me realise all over again how fortunate we are when we have these facilities convenient to us.
Hi Teresa. I’m sorry to hear of your library-deprived childhood, although it sounds as though you made the very best you could of your reading opportunities! it also made me realise all over again how fortunate we are when we have these facilities convenient to us.
Hi Teresa. I’m sorry to hear of your library-deprived childhood, although it sounds as though you made the very best you could of your reading opportunities! it also made me realise all over again how fortunate we are when we have these facilities convenient to us.
Hi Teresa. I’m sorry to hear of your library-deprived childhood, although it sounds as though you made the very best you could of your reading opportunities! it also made me realise all over again how fortunate we are when we have these facilities convenient to us.
Wow, Mary Jane! it’s a huge pleasure to hear about your library career from elementary school to setting up school libraries. Absolutely fantastic! It would be a very interesting progression to see libraries become involved in community and local tv production. I do hope that rather than being cut back, libraries can continue to develop in new and exciting directions.
Wow, Mary Jane! it’s a huge pleasure to hear about your library career from elementary school to setting up school libraries. Absolutely fantastic! It would be a very interesting progression to see libraries become involved in community and local tv production. I do hope that rather than being cut back, libraries can continue to develop in new and exciting directions.
Wow, Mary Jane! it’s a huge pleasure to hear about your library career from elementary school to setting up school libraries. Absolutely fantastic! It would be a very interesting progression to see libraries become involved in community and local tv production. I do hope that rather than being cut back, libraries can continue to develop in new and exciting directions.
Wow, Mary Jane! it’s a huge pleasure to hear about your library career from elementary school to setting up school libraries. Absolutely fantastic! It would be a very interesting progression to see libraries become involved in community and local tv production. I do hope that rather than being cut back, libraries can continue to develop in new and exciting directions.
Wow, Mary Jane! it’s a huge pleasure to hear about your library career from elementary school to setting up school libraries. Absolutely fantastic! It would be a very interesting progression to see libraries become involved in community and local tv production. I do hope that rather than being cut back, libraries can continue to develop in new and exciting directions.
Thank you so much, Anne. It’s fascinating to see how our relationship with libraries from a young age influences our development as writers. I love looking back on all those influential books from Heyer to Rosemary Sutcliff. And lucky you having a sister working at the library!
Thank you so much, Anne. It’s fascinating to see how our relationship with libraries from a young age influences our development as writers. I love looking back on all those influential books from Heyer to Rosemary Sutcliff. And lucky you having a sister working at the library!
Thank you so much, Anne. It’s fascinating to see how our relationship with libraries from a young age influences our development as writers. I love looking back on all those influential books from Heyer to Rosemary Sutcliff. And lucky you having a sister working at the library!
Thank you so much, Anne. It’s fascinating to see how our relationship with libraries from a young age influences our development as writers. I love looking back on all those influential books from Heyer to Rosemary Sutcliff. And lucky you having a sister working at the library!
Thank you so much, Anne. It’s fascinating to see how our relationship with libraries from a young age influences our development as writers. I love looking back on all those influential books from Heyer to Rosemary Sutcliff. And lucky you having a sister working at the library!