Good Libraries Make Good Readers

[michal]

I grew up in a tiny place. In its peak years it had 300 residents and that really is counting people who just dropped by for a visit. We did, however, thanks to a generous budget and smart librarians, had an amazing library. It's still there - hidden and dusty and I have spent some of my greatest childhood hours going through the rows, picking.

It wasn't a big place, but a well-equipped place where all the good writers as well as the ones that were just popular - were standing shoulder to shoulder, waiting to tell me what they know.

This library is a big part of what made me first a reader ad later on a writer and I can only hope that every kid will have one.

[Becks19]

I love my library and find it a sanctuary when my nerves are rattled. I have passed on that love of books/library to my daughters. I agree, every child should explore the wonder of books.

[PatInTheHat]

I'm so sorry, but I could only make the Thank You button thank you the one time, so let me thank you again...
Thank You so very much for that post, I could not have expressed my own childhood love of Libraries better!
I can still smell all those old books and see the stacks...it's one of my most favorite and comforting smells.

I myself often skipped school just to go to the library...the librarians didn't need much of a story and truant officers never thought to look there now did they!
(and I was an notorious member of the infamously dangerous Dewey Decimal Delinquent's Gang...don't make me cut you with my bookmark, just remember them paper cuts are the worse and everything will be Jake...words!!!)

They're what have made the entire world really rock since we found the importance of sharing knowledge, not to mention a good story...pretty freakin' groovy that!

[bugaboosy]

oh yea i totally agree!! my hometown is bigger than yours but we had an awesome library and i think the other thing that makes it great is the staff ..if you have ppl working there that truely loves books and you can tell the ones who do ..then you have a very special place

[GNTLGNT]

I too come from a small burg-"donkey walkin' town", is what we call it...but it has TWO great book places-uhh, yeah them library thingees. No lady behind the counter by the name of Lortz thank goodness. From school trips, to studying to just plain old relaxing and reading-I love them too. Still, you won't catch me deep in the stacks late in the evening-Laws NO!...

[Sigmund]

We had a book mobile in elementary school. Oh how I waited with bated breath for every other Wednesday to come so I could check out books. Eventually the librarian let me check out more than 2 books at a time and I was in heaven.
My son got his first library card at age five when he could print his own name on the card. Yay!
And no one could tell now that my son is dyslexic. He reads SK and other books and falls right into them (the book, the story) as do I.
Great thread!

[Spideyman]

Back in the day, long long time ago- in grade school I was introduced to this wonderful place called a Library. Yes, the school had it's own, but there was a weekly field trip in walking distance. The issuing of your first card- children's sections only. Oh that mysterious upper floor for grown ups. Storytime on weekends. Many good memories and a lifelong interest in books were developed there. Eventually, the card changed to 'full service"' and a whole new world opened up. Many hours were spent in that wonderful world of books.

[Bryan James]

Nice Bob Frost allusion.

I agree.

[fushingfeef]

I loved our local library. It was within walking distance and it had a whole floor devoted to children's books. Also I would go to "story hour" and they had movie nights as well. It was a big part of my childhood.

[Bryan James]

I loved our local library. It was within walking distance and it had a whole floor devoted to children's books. Also I would go to "story hour" and they had movie nights as well. It was a big part of my childhood.

Same. Not walking distance, but I spent a Summer hanging out with an "A-List" babe in my local library.

I don't remember it...and I'm certain that Gwynneth doesn't either.

I went to the massive library at my law school less than I can count on my full-fingered hands.