March 30, 2009

Library Love Story by Kimberley Payne


As a child I loved libraries. I loved the smell that rushed me as I pulled open the double doors at the top of the entrance stairway. I loved the hushed quiet with only muted whispers between book lovers.

I loved the colours. Always seasonally decorated, I could enjoy oranges in autumn and pinks in spring. The book spines were a feast for the eyes with varied print sizes and multiple colours.

I loved being treated with respect. When I produced my Library Card, the librarian would smile with her eyes, acknowledging me as “one of ours”. I was only limited by the number of books my bicycle basket could carry. I did not need to justify my choices – they were all good. Everyone knew they were good, just because they were in the library.

I loved the cozy chairs I could crawl up into and get lost in comfort. I loved the round tables, perfect height for me, with chairs to share my discoveries with another “one-of-ours.”

I felt comfortable. I felt at home.

I still do. I love the library. I feel especially called to the children’s section. I still love the inviting places to sit. I still love the fun colours. I still love the joy of discovery, of learning.

I want to be part of this world still. I want to “Peter Pan” my library past.

Today’s librarians may frown at a full-grown adult sprawled on her belly in the middle of the reading carpet, giggling at a picture book. But if I were the one who wrote that book, that would be another story right? And if I read that book to a group of children on that very same carpet, and we all sprawled together, and we all giggled together, that would then be okay, right?

I want to stretch out on the floor and laugh as I read. I want to share this joy with children. I want to create magical memories for them, just as my memories are kept alive with each visit to the library.

Can anyone relate?

5 comments:

  1. Oh absolutely, Kimberley! I can relate. The library has always been one of my favourite places to visit! Still is.

    Your posting is filled with that sense of wonder and fun! Thanks!!

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  2. Absolutely! Whenever I have moved, the first place I look for (other than churches close to where I live) is the location of the public library.

    I loved it as a kid, surrounding myself with books and the adventures and joy they brought into my life—and still do.

    To be able to share that with today's kids is a wonderful privilege and it's sad that there are so many distractions for today's generation that draw them away from the world of books.

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  3. Wouldn't it be fun to take pictures of our favourite library rooms and post them on the net? Then when we're feeling sad or nostalgic, we could "visit" the library :)
    Kimberley
    www.kimberleypayne.com

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  4. The city just built a new library in my home town. I got a tour of it—all great wooden posts and beams—very native Indian. It just beautiful. I'd move back there just for the library.

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  5. Ah, the smell of a library... or a used book store....

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