Growing up swimming lessons were always in the evenings at the local comp. Waiting for my brother and sister to finish their lessons was always a joy as there was a library on site which it meant I got to return library books and take new ones out. As an eleven year old I would hide away trying not to get caught by the librarian as I read Judy Blume’s ‘Forever’. If librarian Anne was on shift I’d have no chance as she’d take it off the shelf before I arrived.
My son who’s three is going through a phase of protesting about going to the library. Eek! I wasn’t prepared for this. I love that story time never gets dull as there are always new books to discover at no cost and without taking up anymore space on his book shelf x
Libraries are a particular passion of mine. I've been using libraries for 40+ years and always enjoy them. I've been a member of my local library board for years and I'm fortunate to be on two provincial boards (I live in New Brunswick CANADA) for our provincial library system. Just the ability to browse and potentially take anything out for free is always a wonderful experience. I hope you and your young family make the most of your library opportunities.
I have so so many lovely memories of visiting the library as a child and now it's also the first thing I do when I move somewhere new. You've summed this up so perfectly - they're such special hubs for the community and need to be protected. Also great to hear the public lending scheme in the UK - I knew there was one in Australia, but I never knew about the UK.
I have fond memories of my local libraries whilst growing up. It offered a safe space after school, a welcoming place where to spend some time before catching the school bus home. This love affair carried on whenever is move. Signing up to a library has always been one of the first necessities when I've moved.
I've now worked at a local library for quite a few years and live the access to all the books, especially the ones hidden away in our basement reserves. Pottering around the shelves full of archival stuff is pure magic. As is talking to colleagues and library users about books. More often though, these days we are a pit stop for computer users and printing services. But it feels good to be that last bit of free public space where everyone and anyone is welcome, where people come to as last resort at times to get the help they need as budgets get more and more cut.
P S. I had no idea writers get a bit of financial support from each loan here in the UK. Thanks for that info. :)
I love libraries too, Libby. Those hushed tones and that thrill of choosing from all the wonderful books on display. I have an app called Borrow Box which is my local library online. It’s brilliant!
Growing up swimming lessons were always in the evenings at the local comp. Waiting for my brother and sister to finish their lessons was always a joy as there was a library on site which it meant I got to return library books and take new ones out. As an eleven year old I would hide away trying not to get caught by the librarian as I read Judy Blume’s ‘Forever’. If librarian Anne was on shift I’d have no chance as she’d take it off the shelf before I arrived.
My son who’s three is going through a phase of protesting about going to the library. Eek! I wasn’t prepared for this. I love that story time never gets dull as there are always new books to discover at no cost and without taking up anymore space on his book shelf x
Libraries are a particular passion of mine. I've been using libraries for 40+ years and always enjoy them. I've been a member of my local library board for years and I'm fortunate to be on two provincial boards (I live in New Brunswick CANADA) for our provincial library system. Just the ability to browse and potentially take anything out for free is always a wonderful experience. I hope you and your young family make the most of your library opportunities.
I have so so many lovely memories of visiting the library as a child and now it's also the first thing I do when I move somewhere new. You've summed this up so perfectly - they're such special hubs for the community and need to be protected. Also great to hear the public lending scheme in the UK - I knew there was one in Australia, but I never knew about the UK.
I love libraries. I always have about 6 books out. Every time I see a book I want to buy I check my library app first to see if it is available there.
And I LOVE the book The Paris Library. One of my all time favourite reads
I have fond memories of my local libraries whilst growing up. It offered a safe space after school, a welcoming place where to spend some time before catching the school bus home. This love affair carried on whenever is move. Signing up to a library has always been one of the first necessities when I've moved.
I've now worked at a local library for quite a few years and live the access to all the books, especially the ones hidden away in our basement reserves. Pottering around the shelves full of archival stuff is pure magic. As is talking to colleagues and library users about books. More often though, these days we are a pit stop for computer users and printing services. But it feels good to be that last bit of free public space where everyone and anyone is welcome, where people come to as last resort at times to get the help they need as budgets get more and more cut.
P S. I had no idea writers get a bit of financial support from each loan here in the UK. Thanks for that info. :)
Great blog Libby, used to work in a library and one of my favourite jobs!
I love libraries too, Libby. Those hushed tones and that thrill of choosing from all the wonderful books on display. I have an app called Borrow Box which is my local library online. It’s brilliant!