I cannot begin to tell how the library has changed my life. From the time I checked out my first Curious George book as a child, I knew my life would be forever changed. The library was not just a big quiet building filled with books, but a wealth of adventure, knowledge, mystery, excitement & intrique. I remember when I graduated from Curious George to "The Secret Garden" by Frances Hodgson Burnett and in my teen years reading books about far away places, the angst all adolescents suffer, and steamy romance novels that piqued my curiosity about what I thought love was about.
Every teacher I ever had encouraged me to read and write. "Knowledge is power," they said and if you do not read and learn, you will never have "the power." I read historical novels in high school to further understand what our
country was founded upon, as well as keeping me interested in a particular subject I thought was dry and uninterested. As I read over novels about Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and other historical figures, I decided maybe history wasn't such a dull thing. Had it not been the courage and determination of leaders of the past, maybe I wouldn't be enjoying the freedom I so much took for granted.
I also enjoyed reading over cookbooks in the library. I had a knack for cooking, thanks to my mom and my Danish heritage and in that great building filled with so much information, I could find all kinds of books on cooking and
recipes I'd never seen. I was delighted when I tried a new recipe and my family raved about it.
When I felt sad or alone, the library was a great refuge for quiet, reading and contemplation. It was amazing how a witty novel could bring great joy to my life in a matter of a chapter or so. As I looked around the library
and caught the winks and smiles of those within it walls, I knew they understood how I was feeling and I was at a good place not only geographically, but spiritually.
Even though I am grown up, the library will always have a special place in my heart. I cannot thank my parents and teachers for taking me to such a wonderful place and opening up a whole new world for me. Even with modern technology, you'll see me with a book in my hand enjoying the "power" it possesses.