One of my favorite memories is my grandmother taking my brother and I to the library. Whether it was a day off, the weekend, or we complained about being bored, she would take us without hesitation.

My dad would take me and my two siblings to Kempsville Library every Sunday to play in the kids area and pick up new books. It was a big deal when I could move from the kids section to peruse the adult section! I also have very fond memories of picking up my free personal pan pizza coupon as a Summer Reading prize.

As a high schooler I got to work with professionals who work at, with, or simply support the library. As a group we read and submitted books to be considered for programming for the entire town. I felt respected and welcomed despite my age and I have continued into a field where I will be continuing to use what I learned in that experience.

Also I read some of my favorite book series for the first time in that library!

Every other week during the summer school break, my dad would take my older sister and I to the library. We could check out as many books as we could carry.

The joy of checking out my OWN books from the BIG downstairs children’s area in the 1970’s. Having puppets, and the big windows and Freeman books like “Dandelion” and books like “Harry the Dirty Dog” by Zion and progressing to “All of a Kind Family” by Sydney Taylor and Carolyn Keene’s Nancy Drew series and the Hardy Boys series…. Westover Library changed my life, opened my mind and sent me soaring.

As a young girl in elementary school, I wandered out of the children’s section of the library and found myself in the adult section’s medical area. I became fascinated with the names, descriptions and photos of different ailments and diseases in the books I found there. I went back to that area every time I went to the library even though I felt like I wasn’t supposed to be there. Though I didn’t choose a medical career, I’ve maintained a fascination with the body and science in general.

Before my neighborhood in LA became more developed and gentrified, it wasn't always safe to venture out places as a kid, especially without my parents. The library was my refuge and whenever I visit home, I always love sitting on the same oak chair I sat cross-legged on 20 years ago to read until the sun set.

I used to ride my bike to the library to attend the summer teen programs with my brother and best friends. The librarians were so kind to our little group of awkward middle-schoolers—they gave us a place to feel important and valued! Other very fond memories include Shakespeare for Kids, the incredible stained glass windows depicting fairy tales, and so many hours wandering through the stacks and walking out with a stack of books. Libraries have always been my safe place.

I made my goal to visit every library in the Arlington County Library system ... and each held a special place in my heart. I ended up renting an apartment across from the Arlington Central Library specifically so I could be close. Each day, I would slip over after work. It could be to participate in a class, browse the shelves or simply read the bulletin board by the door. This brought me peace and connection. Whether I talked to someone or simply explored quietly, I felt connected.

When I went to the library as a child and teenager, I would go to the beginning of the fiction section and scan each shelf for books that were on my radar or that caught my interest. I would go through from A to Z and end up with a stack of various titles. Sometimes I would finish them all, sometimes I'd finish a few, but I always cherished the time that I got to spend with all of them. I loved taking my time in the stacks and enjoying the slow, quiet, welcoming atmosphere.

My very first library card came with a simple but meaningful responsibility. I had to sign the back to show it was truly mine. I was a kid and spent weeks practicing my signature. I still remember how proud I felt finally signing it and holding that card in my hands. It felt like a door opening to so many stories, ideas, and possibilities. Years later, I came full circle and got my first public library job at that same library, which ultimately led me to become a librarian myself.

I grew up in a very small town in central Massachusetts. During the 1960’s, as a young girl, I became an avid reader. I felt so grown up, walking on my own to the small library in the center of town, spending time browsing the books on the shelves, and checking out an armload to carry back home. I couldn’t wait to start reading them!
Richards Memorial Library was a welcoming, peaceful place. Since then, I have always loved libraries, and the treasures they hold.

"It's nice right? The peace in here."

I never in a million years thought that my late father would point such a thing out to me. My dad never chased peace as a hustling immigrant man struggling to keep up with bills, but there we were. Sitting in the Shirlington Public Library in Arlington, just a few blocks away from the street we lived in for close to 30 years, soaking up the peace only a quiet, yet busy library provides.

I grew up in a poor, crowded apartment in the 1960s. Seven people sharing two bedrooms and one bathroom above a candy store. I often escaped to the Avenue J library (as it was called), long before I knew the word “sanctuary.” The librarians were so kind that I wanted to be one when I grew up. I treasured my library card—it meant I could borrow books FOR FREE, when very little was free at the time. I’d settle myself into a quiet corner, listen to my own thoughts, and lose myself in the books.

Going on summer trips to the library on a hot summer July afternoon. My elementary school was a host school for these trips. We would get onto the library trolley buses, letting the wind hit our faces, cooling us off from the muggy weather outside. When we got there, we would do read-alongs and tour the library afterwards. I recall that on this one specific trip, I got my first ever library card, and I remember how excited I was to use it! I felt so grown up and I still own the card to this day!

I scraped together some money to travel to New York and see some shows, but neglected to plan for the time I had to spend in record-breaking cold between them! The library came to my rescue as a warm place to charge my devices (and myself) as I navigated a totally new experience.

On Tuesday nights, when I was 11 years old, my mom's boyfriend would take me out to pizza and then to the library. I'd do homework and he's read the periodicals. Rob would become by stepdad the follow year--we still love pizza and library dates 40 years later!

When the magical doors to Kids Storytime opened, I felt the world change. Arizona summers blazed outside, but inside, calm and magical stories waited. In that little library corner, everything was a wonder. Those moments shaped me, sparking my forever love of reading.

Printing a best man speech at a Des Moines public library on our way to the wedding!

Once I went to a library in Owatonna, Minnesota and found a ton of good books and it was the library that my mom used to go to.

At the library in Missoula, MT I experienced fun kids areas and fun books and I played pin ball.

The Marion Public Library in Marion, IN has the best local history museum of any library I've seen. James Dean, Garfield, Cole Porter—who knew they all got their start in such a wonderful town.

Making every excuse to avoid reading. Now, making up for lost time.

The Wheaton Public Library in Wheaton, IL was the first library where I got my own card in 6th grade. I was allowed to ride my bike there by myself to check out books. ❤️

BEAT NAVY! "May our Power grow with each passing year, and may we remember, that the less we use our power, the greater it shall be"—Thomas Jefferson quote at the Thomas Jefferson Library United States Military Academy

KALAMAZOO, MI! Their public library building is GORGEOUS! And they have a really sweet and inviting children's room. (yes, it's a real place, not a Dr. Seuss made-up one!)

The first library I visited as a child was in Skaneateles, NY. It is housed in a beautiful old stone building (a former bank if I remember correctly) with a giant front door. My love of reading began here and I try to go back and visit it every time I'm in town.

I grew up in Glencarlyn when the old library was there. I would walk up there, go to the kids section, sit down & read book after book to find just the right one. Eventually, the librarian would come up (this was a house) & say my mom had called and to please come home. Dinner was ready.

I had fun playing with legos at the Stockbridge Library in Massachusetts

You know why I like VA a lot? IT'S CAUSE OF SPECIFICALLY THIS LIBRARY!! (Arlington Public Library.) The books, the games... the ENDLESS FUN! Totally 5-star! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!!