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
My life line
Life long learning, a chance to explore the things you actually want to know about, and doing it all for free, Now that's what I call, a rich rewarding opportunity. That's what my library offers me. I love going to the library if I have a question. I get to explore books, tapes, and videos on whatever topic I may want to find out about. A wise man once said,"In all thy getting, get understanding". Some may have heard of that saying before but never took the time to take heed. When I experience the library, I get to understand topics throughly indeed. I have been going to the library for business and pleasure for years. In my opinion it is fun! I have learned how to play the piano and the drums better, knit, and crochet. I learned at my own pace. I have had the chance to share what I have learned with others. How do you put a price on learning marketable activities that not only enrich the life of an individual but also the lives of others? I consider it a real honor and privilege to be able to visit and utilize the library. I consider my library card more valuable than a credit card anyday!!!! Knowlege is truly power! I encourage all others to share the opportunity. P.S. the staff at my local library are the best. Thank's Onalaska!
Posted by Anjie Shores on 11/17/2010
Graham Public Library
When I was five my family moved into a home to rent on Main St. in Union Grove while my mom and dad built a new house. We lived there over the summer of that year and every morning I would go to help the librarian bring in the books for the book drop and would spend my mornings in the kids section of the library and hanging out with the librarians. I loved the library! The librarians were always helping me to find new books with crafts and fun stories to read. Ever since then, I have always loved spending my time in libraries and reading. I great way to save money on books and help the environment by reusing books over and over again! Thanks WI libraries! (By the way, this was 25 years ago before computers exsisted in libraries!)
Posted by Tina Puro-Douglas on 5/19/2010
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