 | 11 Mar 11 |
What’s not to like a place where you can find free books, new magazines, and a cozy chair in which to read them, far removed from the distractions of your daily life?
I’m talking about your local library. I’m very sentimental about mine and have been ever since my kids were little. During the dog days of summer, the library was an oasis for me. I’d bring my bored, restless toddlers in for story time in the fabulously air-conditioned space. We’d peruse the shelves and find some new children’s books and DVDs to take home for the week. And then I’d swing into the fiction section to pick out a few titles for myself so I’d have an excuse not to fold laundry during the kids’ naptimes. For me, the library became a special place that offered me a connection with my community when I was a frazzled new mom.
But for many people, a library is much more than that. For suspense author Karin Slaughter and others who grew up in underprivileged households, libraries were more than a luxury–they were a lifeline. “A library is the beating heart of any community,” Slaughter tells International Thriller Writers webzine, The Big Thrill.
Slaughter and others are spearheading a project called Save The Libraries and they have a startling message to share: For 85 percent of kids living in rural America, the only place to access books or technology outside the classroom is the public library. And meanwhile, libraries today are suffering as municipalities and charities alike tighten their belts.
March 12 marks the kickoff event for the project, which has the backing of many popular suspense authors, including Lee Child, Iris Johansen, and Lisa Scottoline. The first event benefits the DeKalb County Public Library in Georgia and an event in June benefits the Boston Public Library system. The hope is to spread the effort to communities across the country whose libraries are having to layoff staff and shrink collections due to money shortages. International Thriller Writers and other groups are supporting the effort, and the eventual goal is to host events that will raise money for libraries all across America.
If you’d like to help, just leave a comment today on the blog about the library in your life–could be past or present. For every commenter today, I will make a $1 donation to Save The Libraries. So comment! Pass the word! Tweet it from the rooftops! Let’s help those libraries!
In the words of Lisa Scottoline, “A library is the home for the imagination.”
Read more at: www.thebigthrill.org/2011/02/save-the-libraries-a-special-message-from-karin-slaughter
© 2011, Laura Griffin. All rights reserved.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin started her career in journalism before venturing into the world of romantic suspense. Her books have won numerous awards, including a 2010 RITA (WHISPER OF WARNING) and a 2009 Daphne du Maurier Award (UNTRACEABLE). Her debut novel, ONE LAST BREATH, won the Booksellers Best Award for romantic suspense. Laura currently lives in Austin, where she is working on the next novel in her popular Tracers series.
Subscribe to Posts 
When I was on bed rest with blood clots in my leg, only allowed up for necessities and those had to be done quickly, I would have gone crazy without books from my local library. My mother would go to the library to pick up books for me. During that time, I think I read about every James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Lisa Scottoline, and so many other authors books that they had. I was reading them in less than a day so I went through alot!
by June M. March 11th, 2011 at 6:24 amHi June,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:02 amLove that about libraries! You can devour books in mass quantities without breaking the bank.
A library is the home for the imagination .. cool words.
I love libraries but it is hard to find non-technical, fiction based libraries in my part of world.
No issues, I just wish I too have a membership in cool library.
Hey, everyone I am organizing a flash fiction challenge on my blog. Please do participate in the same.
with warm regards
by Abhishek Boinapalli March 11th, 2011 at 7:17 amThank you for commenting! And good luck with your blog.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:03 amI live right across the street from a library and I love it. And my library is a busy, busy place- which is a great thing to see. In these difficult times, I think libraries are more important than ever so thank you and everyone for all their efforts to save these important places.
by MicheleKS March 11th, 2011 at 8:21 amHi Michele,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:04 amWhat a cool place to live! Wish my library was closer. It is a definite venue for community events, though, so worth the trip.
As a kid in the fifties I took a bus to the downtown library in the summer time and hauled a pile of books home to read that week. We also had the book mobile, even more exciting when it came to your neighborhood. Loved the library, haunted the school library too. I’m a sucker for any place where books gather to gossip.
by Carol Shenold March 11th, 2011 at 9:41 amHi Carol,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:04 amI can relate! i forgot about those mobile libraries. I haven’t seen one in years.
I grew up in the library. If I visit my childhood library today (it still exists!) it would look like a montage of my life. I went from the children’s section, to YA, to pre-teen to scary, big adult books.
Save the libraries!
by Scorpio M. March 11th, 2011 at 10:21 amHow cool! A walk down memory lane for you.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:48 amI love the library. I cannot always buy the books I want but I can always find new authors at the library.
by Stephanie McCarthy March 11th, 2011 at 10:39 amHi Stephanie,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:49 amMe, too! It’s a great place to sample something new, and then get hooked.
When I was growing up, I used to bring home armloads of books from the Argie Cooper Library in my Tennessee hometown, devour them in a day or two, and head back for more as soon as I could. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without the library.
by Jane Sevier March 11th, 2011 at 10:45 amWhen my children were younger, they did the same. I hope we never face a world without libraries and wonderful librarians like the staff at my neighborhood branch.
Jane,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:50 amI couldn’t agree more! What would this country be like without so many wonderful libraries to encourage literacy and love of books?
Great post! We grew up with libraries – I went to the local library after school to be picked up later. That kind of day-care won’t work for everyone, but I loved that I had whole roomfuls of books at the ready for when I finished my homework! I still can’t imagine a life without a library – and hope none of us ever has to.
by Emily March 11th, 2011 at 10:55 amI loved the library of my childhood, but we moved and the library here never quite measured up. Now it’s been beautifully revamped
by Lori Armstrong March 11th, 2011 at 10:57 amHow wonderful! Love it when libraries get a facelift.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:01 amI was at the library so much that I got kicked out of the children’s area (read it all) and was given The Hobbit at the age of 9. I think my librarian thought it might keep me busy. LOL
by Arwen March 11th, 2011 at 11:19 amArwen,
Wow, so impressed that you read THE HOBBIT at age 9! I tried to read THE SILMARILLION just a few years ago and coudn’t hack it.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:48 amWhat a great story! Wish more American kids were having this problem.
One of the first things I’d get after I moved was my library card. I have them from Connecticut to Florida.
I still volunteer at my children’s elementary school library every week. They are in college and high school now!
by Sandy Green March 11th, 2011 at 11:30 amGood for you, Sandy! I especially love children’s libraries. What magical places.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:49 amThis is a great cause! I love my library. I’m there almost every day picking up books, movies, Cds. I could never read, watch or listen to 90% of what I do if I didn’t have my library. And the staff are great people. I always look forward to talking with them about books, movies, and life in general!
by Amy March 11th, 2011 at 11:51 amYes! Libraries are a great alternative to TV.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:29 pmThe library in my home town was in a small building and by the time I was 11, I’d read everything in the children’s section. My dad took me to see the head librarian, asked her to put my name on his card and explained I should be allowed to check out any books I wanted to read.
When he died, he had some books checked out. I took them back to the library, a new, larger building now. My name was still on his library card.
My dad and libraries–that’s why I read. And write. Thanks for doing this, Laura!
by Silver James March 11th, 2011 at 12:11 pmthat is so sweet. What a great dad.
by Lisa B March 11th, 2011 at 2:26 pmWhat a wonderful history you have with libraries, Silver! I hope the next generation will learn to love them, too.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:30 pmI got my library card as soon as I could scrawl my name and with the help of my mother, made bi-monthly pilgrimmages to load up on books to last me til the next visit. The place was my refuge and the contents were my treasure.
by Little Lamb Lost March 11th, 2011 at 12:11 pmWhat a great memory with your mother. I hope my kids remember me taking them.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:30 pmI have to confess, I’ve never really been to a library in my life. It’s a completely social-economical thing. Here in Brazil, libraries just… aren’t. It’s hard to explain, but, basically, in a country where most people have barely money enough to eat, reading isn’t a priority. The population doesn’t have the habit of reading; the reading audience is associated to the consumer audience, so, people who read buy their books instead of borrowing them. Libraries have no funding, and, honestly, no point. It would take a huge social restructuring for libraries to have a place in society. Nowadays, libraries mostly have old, literary or textbooks (even university libraries), which makes it become a vicious cycle. People don’t attend libraries, libraries have nothing to attract people, people won’t attend libraries.
I just want to say I admire the US and how it’s given Libraries a value.
by Barbie March 11th, 2011 at 12:12 pmHi Barbie,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:33 pmWell, if you have an opportunity to see a library while your visiting another place, I hope you will! The Library of Congress here in America is just amazing.
I love my library. I couldn’t afford a reading habit like mine without it.
I donate used books for the book sale and plan to leave them something in my will.
We have seen cuts because of the economy.
by Anne March 11th, 2011 at 12:24 pmHi Anne,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:33 pmI have quite an expensive reading habit, too! Aren’t libraries great for that?
What a wonderful idea and thank you.
by Kwana March 11th, 2011 at 12:39 pmI love my local library and the fact that it has helped me pass my love of reading and books onto my children.
Hi Kwana,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:34 pmi love the concept of passing on the love of books. Libraries are so critical for that.
I used to go to our public library every day after high school…to do homework, to read novel after novel, but also to check out the boy I had a crush on. I would make terribly awkward teen small talk, but eventually it paid off…reader, I married him
.
by Abby March 11th, 2011 at 12:55 pmThat is awesome, Abby. Your own romance in the library!
by Gwen Hernandez March 11th, 2011 at 1:22 pmHi Abby,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:35 pmWhat a great love story! “Love in the Stacks”. Or maybe an Aerosmith song.
This is a great idea!
I have quite fond memories of long summer days spent at the Boise Public Library. I love libraries!
by Ana Farrish March 11th, 2011 at 1:01 pmI agree, Ana! Hope this organization can help the libraries in Idaho, too.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:35 pmLaura, what a great idea. I’m going to go donate as well. My father was a librarian for over 20 years and my local library in Huntington Beach, CA was (and is) an oasis of calm, beauty and best of all BOOKS. I only wish every kid had such a fantastic place to escape and enjoy. Thank you for this post and your generosity!!
by Michelle McGinnis March 11th, 2011 at 1:07 pmHi Michelle,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:36 pmAn oasis is right! In so many different communities, the library is a wonderful refuge, especially for kids.
Libraries were a staple of my tween and teen years, especially during the long, hot summers. I’d go through out about 10-14 books a week.
I wasn’t poor, but my wallet never could have kept up with my reading appetite! I’ve tried to share my love of reading with my boys, and since they’re now a tween and teen and still reading for fun, I think it worked. =)
Thanks for supporting such a great cause.
by Gwen Hernandez March 11th, 2011 at 1:21 pmHi Gwen,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:37 pmSo many writers have libraries as a big part of their pasts! This is wonderful to hear about.
the smell , ahh i just love library smell , musky books with BOOKS and stories and more books, i can stay just wandering arouind for hours, lol lucky the got comps now, so my kids goes do that and dont complain about how long i juust wlak around
by tamibates March 11th, 2011 at 2:03 pmHi,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:37 pmi know what you mean about that special library smell. musty books. Love it!
What an awesome and generous idea, Laura!!! I love libraries!!! I want to give a shout out to my hometown Satellite Beach Library for their awesome staff, a great selection, and a terrific atmosphere. Like you, I took my little ones for hours of fun (Miss Mary’s Reading Circle!!) and have spent days doing research and writing in SBL.
I also want to say that few accusations pain me as much as those from bloggers and so-called publishing experts who make the outrageous claim that “authors hate libraries” because our books are given away. This couldn’t be further from the truth; I’ve never met an author who didn’t embrace and adore the library system and recommend it HIGHLY as a free alternative and the most economical way to enjoy beaucoup books.
Thanks for this!!! xo
by Roxanne St. Claire March 11th, 2011 at 2:07 pmRocki i have had a few authors donate books to the two libraries i use and i know of one who every now and then does a giveaway for libraries on her Facebook page. When i started reading your books i had to get all of them at first from the interloaning system Michigan has or i wouldn’t have gotten to read them. I donate books i win sometimes or have bought one i loved and donated to my library because i want someone else to read what I’ve loved. I have seen all those books get checked out over and over again too. I have found many new authors at the library then went out and bought their books in the store. Good place to try before you buy. lol
Lisa B
by Lisa B March 11th, 2011 at 2:25 pmHi Rocki,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:39 pmThanks for your support! I agree… as an author I just LOVE libraries. They are a wonderful place for readers to discover new books and new authors to fall in love with.
I loved taking my kids to the toddler storytime at our library.
by Sharon S. March 11th, 2011 at 2:09 pmHi Sharon,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:39 pmYes, it’s wonderful for toddlers! And it helped us keep our book collection from getting boring.
m,y mother took at a young aghe , i did my children . i still got pics of first kid at story time
by tamibates March 11th, 2011 at 2:10 pmThose pictures sound like great keepsakes.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:40 pmI love my library. It reopened this week after a major renovation. It is beautiful.
by runner10 March 11th, 2011 at 2:18 pmThe only thing better than a good library is a good, freshly rennovated library!
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:42 pmLove the libraries – I visit every week and get a bag for the kids – great post!
by Jennifer Probst March 11th, 2011 at 2:18 pmThanks for your support, Jennifer!
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:42 pmI’m a big fan of the library – the one in my community just got a makeover and expanded the computer area and the kids section. It turned out great. I have to credit the library with helping me discover my love of romance books – the first romance book I ever read I checked out of my hometown library – Man of my Dream by Johanna Lindsey. I haven’t stopped reading since.
by Jennifer D. March 11th, 2011 at 2:18 pmHi Jennifer,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:43 pmI discovered romance books in the library, too! The first one I ever read was by (surprise!) Nora Roberts.
I happent o live in a very rural part of Michigan. I use the library every week. I don’t actually buy alot of books new. I get them from the library and if mine doesn’t have what i need then Mi at least had a program that allows you to interloan them from other libraries in MI. Even something as simple and you would think cheap as going to the library is no longer free. Libraries are struggling. The interloaning program used to be free but now it’s $1 a book. Adds up fast if you like to read. I was told that some people were interloaning as many as 50 books at ones time. ouch. can’t do that anymore. Rural libraries are small too. You have to use the one in your district or you have to pay to use the ones outside your district. I donate used and sometimes new book to my local library as funds are always tight. One of the best things i get out of the local library is finding new authors i haven’t read or after finding one elsewhere going there and finding their books to read. I’m always spreading the word about helping local libraries. There are some wonderful authors that have helped me with that as well. Makes you feel good to help. Thank so much for putting something like this together.
Lisa B
by Lisa B March 11th, 2011 at 2:20 pmHi Lisa,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:44 pmThe rural library users across America are one of the main motivations behind Karin Slaughter’s initiative. Thank you for showing your support!
I love this idea. I wouldn’t be a writer today if it hadn’t been for my local library (when I was a kid) where my mom took us every week during the summer and I would get the maximum number of books allowed… nor would I be if not for my high school teacher/librarian, Mrs. Ross, who insisted that I start submitting articles for sale for the newspaper (where I had my first sale). Libraries sustained me, and there was no way we had the money to plow through the shear volume of books I devoured–I’d have been lost without mine.
by Toni McGee Causey March 11th, 2011 at 2:20 pmHi Toni,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:45 pmThat applies to me, too. I don’t know if I would have become a fiction writer if I hadn’t been such a frequent visitor to my library’s fiction shelves.
I love libraries, which is why I went into librarianship. Although I work in a corporate library, I’m at my local library at least once a week. We’re lucky enough to be home to 2 of RWA’s Librarians of the Year.
by Heather Greye March 11th, 2011 at 2:21 pmHi Heather,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:46 pmThank you for the job that you do! Wow, two RWA Librarians of the Year. I really enjoy that part of the awards ceremony at Nationals… hearing about the wonderful librarians out ther putting books in the hands of readers.
When I was a tween, at that awful age where you’re restless to go somewhere but are too young to drive, one of my joys was being able to walk to the library two blocks from my grandparents house. It was bliss to have the kind of autonomy that would let me choose and get books on my own. Loved it so much I became a librarian:) And a writer!
by Manda Collins March 11th, 2011 at 2:24 pmHi Manda,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:47 pmSeveral people have mentioned loving libraries during their tween years. Yet another reason to support them for those kids.
I LOVE my library. LOVE it. I’ve moved around a lot in my life, and the very first thing I always check out about a new place is the library- the size, its hours, if they have the books on my TBR list, its programs. I would honestly go crazy (even more so than I am now) without a good library nearby.
Thanks for supporting libraries!
by Stephanie March 11th, 2011 at 2:28 pmHi Stephanie,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:48 pmyes, it’s a great first stop when you’re new in town! Thanks for supporting libraries.
When I was a child there was a library bus that stopped in the church parking lot, next to our house. It was a magical place. Smelled just like the library and always had a new assortment of treasures to search through.
by Laurel N March 11th, 2011 at 2:33 pmNow I live in a community which seriously supports the library and has actually built a new and wonderful building. It is not as well stocked as I would like, but does have a larger service base to draw from. I can order a book on line and have it waiting for me within a few days.
Laurel N
Hi Laurel,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:48 pmI love hearing about these book buses! Fun. Thank you for commenting today and helping us raise $$$.
Growing up I owned few books, and the books I read came from the library. I had the children’s section of the library memorized, knew what kinds of books to find on which aisles and shelves, and spent hours browsing, musing, choosing.
Then when I got ready to try to write my first book, again, the local library was my lifeline. It not only provided the research I needed, but the calm escape from the real world.
We need our libraries, children and adults. What a wonderful thing you’re doing.
by pooks March 11th, 2011 at 2:46 pmI agree! We need those libraries. I practically lived at mine while writing my first book as well. Thanks for your support.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:52 pmI’m commenting for the library!
thanks for doing this.
by Toni March 11th, 2011 at 2:50 pmThank you Toni! More $$$ for our libraries!
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 2:53 pmI would not be the person that I am today if not for my local library. I feel like that was my escape as a child. I still love to feel swept away in books. Who doesn’t like to become someone new for a little while?
by Danielle Franklin March 11th, 2011 at 2:54 pmHi Danielle,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 3:18 pmThat is great! And thank you for your support of this cause.
Outstanding post, Laura. When I was a kid, my fav library was the one at Scottsboro Junior High School. That’s where I fell in love with books!
by Debra Webb March 11th, 2011 at 3:21 pmHi Deb,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:47 pmI love hearing about people falling in love with books at their library.
Libraries are a wonderful. wonderful thing! Thank you for what you are doing!
by Tiffany D. March 11th, 2011 at 3:34 pmThanks for your support on this, Tiffany!
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:48 pmGrowing up i the South without air conditioning, the library was a great place to chill out and read. I think I spent more time there than at home.
by Kitty March 11th, 2011 at 3:39 pmHi Kitty,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:49 pmYes, the air-conditioning really is key! During those hot summer days, we’re always looking for places to cool off.
I have always loved libraries! The first time my mom took me to the local library, i was awed. All those books! From then on, while other little girls were playing house or even teacher, I was playing Library with me as the Librarian. I also have to brag a little. My college, Southern Illinois University, has one of the largest libraries. It was always the best place to study!
by Kelli Jo Calvert March 11th, 2011 at 3:41 pmHi Kelli,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:50 pmThey say kids end up being the thing they want to be when they’re in elementary school. Maybe this is true. I wanted to be an “arthur”. Good luck in your library career!
ps – I really want to get my Master’s in Library Science.
by Kelli Jo Calvert March 11th, 2011 at 3:44 pmI worked in a library for eight years, loved it. Now I go to the library at least once a week to check out books. Don’t know what I would do without it.
by Wilma Frana March 11th, 2011 at 3:58 pmThanks for commenting, Wilma
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:51 pmFor a lonely kid, the library in each new town was always there for me. Just the thought of books unread was enough to make the move a little easier. New places always introduced me to new authors; sometimes being forced to read something that wasn’t my first choice and then enjoying it tremendously made me think I had discovered something new. Now, I’ve had a chance to serve as a trustee for our local library board, and am dismayed whenever I meet someone who says libraries are dinosaurs. I know, first-hand, how many people still use our small-town library. I always hope that the children are seeing into other worlds the way I did, and looking at other POV’s. Long live our public library system!
by di March 11th, 2011 at 4:06 pmThat is a wonderful life lesson… learning to like something new although it wasn’t your first choice.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:51 pmYou should see the line at our library on Tuesdays when the new movies are available to borrow on DVD!
In college, the library was my haven–I commuted from home and home life was awful. The library was a safe zone.
I love the summer reading program our libraries and schools do in the summer. It keeps the kids reading!
by denise March 11th, 2011 at 4:09 pmHi Denise,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:52 pmThe DVD new releases are popular at our library, too.
Laura, what a great post. I tried to comment earlier, but I was on my phone and it got lost. I retweeted the link to this post as well.
I love the library – I have great memories of going there as a kid, and checking out all the books I could. (I think it’s a 10 or 15 book limit for kids?) I always finished each one and waited impatiently for the next trip. And as you said, the blissful air conditioning, which is almost like a fridge once you’re there for any period of time.
I still utilize my local library for things like movies, and recently, went and used a typewriter for an application. Who’d've thunk, right? Libraries are a wonderful thing and integral to each and every community.
by Limecello March 11th, 2011 at 4:12 pmWow, I have not used a typewriter in YEARS. A lot of the patrons at my library are there for the computers.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:53 pmI started going to the library when I was little and made sure my own children went there when they were little too. There summer reading programs are a fun way to encourage children to read throughout the summer.
by Maureen March 11th, 2011 at 4:23 pmI agree, Maureen. Great place for kids to hang out in the summer.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:53 pmThank you, thank you, thank you! I am a librarian and the director of our library in Ubly, Michigan. We have been struggling for years and with the financial mess our state is in it seems that all libraries are an easy target. I hope this wonderful idea to help us catches on and we get support from everyone who has a love of reading.
by Barbara March 11th, 2011 at 4:42 pmI hope so, too, Barbara! What would we do without libraries?
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:54 pmI rememberthe first time i was ever in one i was like 7 i think and i was at awe was awesome i wante dto check out eveyr book lol now i love he lib i loveto visit and just sit sometimes check out other times i just r ead while in there
by Sinn March 11th, 2011 at 4:43 pmHi Sinn, I like to hang out in the magazine area and try new magazines I’ve never read. And then check out a few books…
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:54 pmLibraries are awesome! I worked at one during grad school.
by Nicole March 11th, 2011 at 5:23 pmHi Nicole, Thanks for commenting and showing your support!
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:57 pmLaura, I have many fond memories of libraries! After my dad died and my mom went back to work, I’d walk to the library and read…just to take a break from the grimness of life.
Later, I took my kids to story time too! They loved it.
And thank you for supporting libraries!
by Jen Lyon March 11th, 2011 at 5:33 pmHi Jen,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:58 pmSo many people are talking about libraries being a refuge of sorts. What a wonderful place to spend time for kids.
I love libraries and am usually at ours in town a couple times a month. Generally when I go I check out like 25 books so it takes me a bit to read them all and get back to get more.
by Leagh Christensen March 11th, 2011 at 5:46 pmHi Leagh,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 10:59 pmThat is a lot of books! But that’s the great thing about libraries… you can really have a voracious appetite.
I grew up in a small town and walked to the library in the summer. My parents encouraged reading and I loved going to the library.
by Andrea I March 11th, 2011 at 6:11 pmHi Andrea,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:00 pmHow cool that your library was in walking distance.
As a kid I lived at my local library. (had my first kiss there too
) I loved being surrounded by all of the books! We need to keep libraries alive. Thank you for posting, Laura!
by Karin* aka Harlow! March 11th, 2011 at 6:16 pmI am loving all these library romances! Love in the stacks!
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:01 pmnow being the adult i tend to bring my neices who start anew generation of love of books
by Sinn March 11th, 2011 at 8:26 pmGood for you, Sinn! Get em hooked on books early!
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:02 pmI love my library . . . it’s the place where they know my name, and they share all their best books with me! Libraries are a civilizing influence, helping us to find our better selves.
by Mary March 11th, 2011 at 8:40 pmThank you, Mary. I agree.
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:03 pmWhat a wonderful idea, and a very worthy cause. I started visiting the library as a child, and as soon as I was old enough for my mother to trust me to go alone, I rode my bicycle several times a week to get my quota of books to read. I brought my son up to love the library as well, and we can spend hours there. We especially love the great big one we have in downtown Orlando, 4 stories of wonderful books and everything else you can think of (graphic novels, audio books, etc.)
by Barbara Elness March 11th, 2011 at 8:42 pmHi Barbara,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:03 pmA four story library sounds like a dream!
I love going to libraries. I haven’t been in several years though. What I remember about libraries the most is going to them when I was in school. They amazed me then. All the books, places you could go and visit in books. You could take the books home and I really thought that was something when I was a kid.
by Quilt Lady March 11th, 2011 at 9:26 pmThanks for supporting libraries today!
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:50 pmMy friend and I were discussing the loss of libraries. I think many people aren’t seeing the big picture. We are really not being fair to our kids and protecting their future. Thanks for helping out this way.
by Jen B. March 11th, 2011 at 9:37 pmHi Jen,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:51 pmI think it’s so important that our kids have access to libraries.
I was young and we couldn’t afford to buy books, so I haunted the school library and the public library.
by Diane Sadler March 11th, 2011 at 11:49 pmHi Diane,
by Laura Griffin March 11th, 2011 at 11:52 pmYep, great place for free books. A never-ending supply.
My love of reading is a direct result of visiting my local library every week. I started at a very young age and went every week. Now my personal library has over 2000 books. I still visit my local library, though i’m finding it difficult to find books that I haven’t already read or own. My favorite authors I immediately buy when a new book comes out. At the library, I look for authors I haven’t yet read , if I love them they go on my to buy list of authors.
by Claudia Turner March 12th, 2011 at 3:00 amI still remember our elementary school class walking a few blocks to the library so that we can sign up for a library card. I also remember the children’s reading hour.
by Jane March 12th, 2011 at 5:38 amLove my library! it’s invaluable to the community. Keep writing your great books and I’ll keep requesting them at the library!
by Karen Schatsiek March 13th, 2011 at 11:53 am