Share Your Library Story
What are your early memories of using the library? What did the library mean to you then? How would you describe the value of the library in your life today? How did the library affect your academic experience? Your work experience? Your leisure time?
Share your thoughts and library stories with us. Your comments will be posted for others to view on this web site.
Library Stories
Wherever one goes, the library is one's first friend
I have lived in the USA for just two years and when I had barely met anybody, my local library was already a close friend. Not only was it the spot to understand my new surroundings, but a magical place. I guess that not all libraries share the same atmosphere but "mine" welcomed me as an old friend, offering everything and asking nothing in return. With time the structure of the building that appealed me so much in the beginning has become secondary to the marvelous people in it. I am still pleasantly mesmerized every time they give me my wife's movies along with mine or ask me about my dog Othello. I feel much more than a patron or a number; I feel there is a bonding. There is no doubt that our library system is a true treasure that we should nurture and the best vehicle to provide equality to all people. Congratulations and keep up the good work.
Posted by Fernando Reyero Noya on 1/7/2009
me-from then to now
when i was 8yrs old in NYC,a 13 yr old girl brought me to a place full of books..can i read these i asked her? how much are they ?i have only a few coins ..they are free she said..just return them in 2 weeks after you get your library card..i took out a book on magic tricks..since then i have been going to the library for 60 years..at least 2x a month i am not even a jack of trades, much less a master of any ,but thanks to books I can hold my own in any conversation and bs with the best of them."do it yourself" books came in handy..I am not too smart but can get by in any situation thanks to books. thanks to west farms library!
Posted by arthur larkin on 12/16/2008
Rosemary Reading
My earliest memories of the library are intertwined with my Grandmother, Rosemary. When my brother and I were very young and barely able to read ourselves, our Grandmother would take us on "outings" on long hot summer days. Some days we would go to a park or a museum or, the library. My brother and I would get to pick out a book we each liked, then we would picnic with our Grandmother in a nearby park. Later, when the afternoon was at its hottest, Rosemary would read to us. She had a special way of making the characters come alive, holding us entranced with her voice the whole length of the book. The library became a magical place for me. Picking up a book I could go anywhere in the world, see anything, learn about anything, be immersed in a totally different world. A love of reading has continued my whole life. I earned a bachelors degree in literature and still devour nearly three books a week. Today still, nearly thirty years later I get excited when I walk in a library. The endless possibilities- just waiting for me to find them. Thank you Grandma Rosemary for inspiring a life long love of reading!
Posted by Jackie Knedle on 8/27/2008
Going the Extra Mile with a Smile
There is a reference librarian at Madison Central who is extraordinary (and he's up against some mighty tough competition since everybody there is wonderful). I think his name is Jim and I have sort of known him for a long time, too long to ask his name now. Anyhow, I frequently have to select music for a radio show I co-produce and if I have even the smallest inkling about what I want, Jim is always there to help ferret it out. He goes to great, great lengths and is very skillful at using the reference materials to find stuff. It's almost as if each job is his own special mission. I really appreciate it. Jim and all the dedicated public library employees are part of the last bastion of what a civil society looks like in this country. Along with the public schools, there are what a democracy should be. We must defend and protect this valuable public resource. Thanks again.
Posted by Gay Davidson-Zielske on 6/5/2006
Our Library
I love my library. I want to go there everyday but we only get to once or twice a week because I have to go to school. I like to play on the computers, pick out books, see my friends, and play with the toys. I enjoy it alot. I am looking forward to the summer program and reading more books when I don't have to go to school. Maureen, Kathy, and Linda are always nice to us and they help us find the stuff we want. I love my Plain Kraemer Library.
Posted by 6 year old Cecelia Feiner on 6/1/2006