Whether you usually read off of your own book pile or from the library shelves NOW, chances are you started off with trips to the library. (There’s no way my parents could otherwise have kept up with my book habit when I was 10.) So … What is your earliest memory of a library? Who took you? Do you have you any funny/odd memories of the library?
Hmmm…yes, certainly started off with the library. The first library I remember was my school library. The librarian was a nice, pretty lady who used to apply lots of make-up with her hair loosely tied behind. Funny how I still remember that.
In my free time I always wanted to go there. It was nice, small, cozy one. But I never did. All my friends always wanted to play or talk or do anything other than reading. Once I went to the library to help this new girl find the last terms question papers. I guess that was the first time I ever stepped into it. I came back later obviously. I remember the first book I picked was one of the Nancy Drew’s. And I loved it. That’s all I did in my school library I think. Read Nancy Drew’s. Or flip though the Guinness world records book.
When I went to college I visited the college library for educational books. Biology, physics, chemistry and stuff. Never literature. My mom used to borrow Marathi books sometimes from a library close to home. That’s when I read a little of Marathi literature. But I was a little slow at reading Marathi. So never really got into it. But I do remember reading quite a few books there. Mostly thrillers.
Now, where I live, I often go a library right behind my house. It’s not that great. I mean all you ever find there is Sidney Sheldon, Nora Roberts, Jeffery Archer. Basically popular authors. And yes, a whole wall of Mills and boon books. I realized I wasn’t satisfied with their collection. That’s when I started buying books. It really broadened my horizon whereas books were concerned. But I still go back occasionally whenever I feel like reading a 2-hour mills and boon book or a nice romantic novel by Nora Roberts.
So yes, my earliest memories are that of my school library. I just wish my school realized the importance of reading and did more to promote it. It could be the turning point in a Childs life.
Book-Shelved 
Enjoyed your blog:)
LikeLike
Agreed, we had no school library but mobile libraries did the trick instead
LikeLike
Thnaks Julie.
John: I have never ever seen a mobile library in my life. Now I feel I have missed out on something really nice.
LikeLike
wow, those were great memories.
LikeLike
I used to have a part time job in a library and I used to love it. But I think it put me off them as a ‘punter’ for a while.
Recently though, I’ve been really keen to go ‘library-ing’ again… (I don’t even have a library membership at the mo ) Our local library is being refurbished, but when it’s done I’m resolved to be a loyal supporter!
Stop and think about libraries. What amazing places! You can pick up a book, free of charge, and take it back when you’re done. Sure, there are some books you’ll want to own. Others, you’ll read once and probably not again… enter the good old library!
LikeLike
I’ve used a mobile library, especially in the summer time.
Nancy Drew did a great deal of good for a great many people.
LikeLike
I enjoyed reading your post. I agree with you. Now a days the kids are required to read all of these books for school and they get awards. They start in the first grade. We never had anything like that when I was growing up.
LikeLike
Ah, yes, Nancy Drew and I spent many happy hours together!
LikeLike
Yeah our library doesn’t have a great selection of books either. Sometime I find a gem but most of the time it book like you said.
LikeLike
Ah, the Guiness book or Records! I’d forgotten that, we used to look at that too! 🙂
LikeLike
I didn’t post about my school library because I don’t think we had one until I was in Junior High. It was a fun place though and I spent a lot of time in there.
LikeLike
Libraries definately feel the economic crunch…so it’s sad to see some of the libraries of today. BUT, there still are some great ones out there, who do library loans, etc.
We live in a very rural community and we have a very active Book-Mobile
LikeLike
I spent much of the time searching for academic reference books: study guides, practice tests, etc. when I was in college. But I made the campus library my second home! A lot of the reading (literature) I did was required of my classes. But I do agree with you that even elementary schools should have good selections in library to plant the seed in a child to be a reader.
LikeLike
Huwey. Yes, you should go back to the library. But I usually don’t borrow huge books from the library. Doesn’t make sense. It like you are spending the entire monthly library fees on one book. You might as well buy it.
You had a job in the library? I always wanted a job where I could be surrounded by books. Someday.
Sally, Linda: Yes, Nancy Drew did a lot of good. If I have to recommend books to young girls who don’t like to read much I always recommend Nancy Drew or the Sweet Valley high series. At least it gets them started on reading.
Thanks Carol. I guess even English teachers are responsible to a certain extend for influencing children to read.
confuzzledbooks: when I think about it, yes, I have read some really good books from the library. I would not have read books like Papillon and Island of blood if not for the library.
Pete: 20six is down again, since 5-6 days. Most probably it’s from my side 😦
Debbie: Now I have to see a book mobile somehow.
Matthew: Yah, me too did the same thing in college. Read academic books and peep at boys 🙂
Why does everybody have a BlogSpot account? BlogSpot’s comment section is blocked in my company. But soon. I’ll be returning home on this 30th and I’ll have access to all the websites in the world. I can’t wait.
LikeLike
Sorry, Violet – I think it must be, it’s been uninterrupted service here. 😦
LikeLike