LIBRARY MEMORIES

After reading about the Haltom City Public Library’s 50^th birthday this year, my thoughts traveled back in time to the first day I went to the library as a child.  I was seven.  I remember thinking that I had walked into a magical place made out of books of all sizes and all colors.   There had to be thousands of them!  I felt so overwhelmed and scared.   How would I ever be able to read all of them?  Of course there weren’t really thousands of books.  But there were enough that I wanted to run away at first. I didn’t though. Instead I decided that I was going to read as many as I could.  One problem that I hadn't counted on was that this magical place called a public library was truly magical.  New books kept showing up on the shelves.  Still, I think I managed to read all of the children’s books.

Then I graduated to the section that held the adult books.  I knew then that I would never be able to read all of them.  But that made me feel happy and safe.  It meant there would always be enough books to offer me solace, entertainment, tears, travel, experiences, laughter and knowledge.

I also remember how grownup and special I felt when I was given my very own library card.  The only other card that made me feel as grown up was when I got my driver’s license.  I still never leave home without my driver’s license and my library card.

How did you feel the first time you went to the library?  I’m sure you have fond memories too so why not share a few of them with us? You can e-mail your written memories, no more than 200 words please, to: libraryblogmistress@gmail.com.   Be sure to include your name and phone number.  We might want to publish your piece in the Library blog! Plus, it will be good practice for all of you who are going to enter the Library’s 11^th Annual Writing Contest!  Remember, the deadline for submissions for the writing contest is May 31, 2011.  You can find more information about the contest on the Library’s website.

Don’t forget to sign the Library’s Memory Book the next time you visit! 
Happy Reading!