A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life. (Henry Ward Beecher)
When I was growing up, a trip to the library was the high point of my week. Dropped off in front of the Civic Center where the library was located, my heart would start to thump as I moved quickly up the stairs to the door. As I stepped into the quiet building, I stared around me for a moment. Taking a deep breath, I savoured the smell of books. Then I would plunge into the racks to fill my arms with anything that took my fancy.
The other day my four-year-old granddaughter took a special trip to her local library. She signed up for her first library card and checked out two books. Brit proudly showed me the card and explained how she had written her own name on the front. She held up her two books and told me in a serious voice that she had to bring them back in two weeks.
In this fast-paced world of iPads, apps and e-readers, I often wonder if the public library has outlived its usefulness. The look on Britney’s face as she waved her newly acquired library card in the air tells me we are in no danger of losing such a valuable resource.
disappearinginplainsight 
So cute. I love the proud smile 🙂
Yes indeed – Brit is one of those kids who can win you over to just about anything with that smile – LOL.
I still love visiting the library! And so nice to see that your granddaughter is continuing the tradition!
Her excitement sure made my day.
Aw…that face! What a sweetheart she is, Fran. I’d never get any writing done with her around. It’s great to see a child so excited about books.
Serious writing while with either of my granddaughters is impossible. I’m way too engrossed in their world. When I come up for air in the quiet of my woodland home and have a chance to sift all the impressions, those two definitely work their way into my stories.
I remember my first library so fondly … The best was that second row of books at the end of the room (Edgar Rice Burroughs). Your granddaughter can look forward to years of enjoyment!
Ah … Edgar Rice Burroughs! That author’s name brings back fond memories of my mother’s love for the Tarzan series and the Mars Chronicles. She often read them aloud to all of us kids. When I first got my Kindle, I downloaded some Tarzan books – nostalgia. Couldn’t get through them. Times have certainly changed.
Just wonderful! I remember when I got MY library card. Special day.
I certainly treasured mine and the first thing I would ever do in a new town or place is check out the library. Old habits die hard.
Her smile says it all, Fran! She is started on a life-long journey of wonderful reading adventures. 😊
Thanks, Mark. I sure hope so.