Hubbard (Ohio) Public Library’s oldest patron, Lily Walter, who celebrates her 105th birthday in May, stopped by the library last month to renew her library card. She told the library she has loved reading and libraries for 101 years—as long as she can remember.
WKBN News Youngstown sat down with Lily, who came to the United States from Latvia in 1949, to discuss her passion for books and reading.
“In hard times, [reading] can transport you to a better place,” she said. “You learn things by reading, I think. Or you should.”
Lily got her first library card at age four, and it began a lifelong love of the library. She volunteered at Hubbard Public Library during her 80s and 90s and said she was fascinated by learning about library circulation and what people did—and didn’t—read. She doesn’t like to make book recommendations, though; she’d rather have readers discover their own favorites instead.
It’s an inspiring story about the power of literacy and learning. Watch it below, and visit WKBN’s website for Lily’s reading list.
Photo: Lily Walter renewing her library card, courtesy of Hubbard Public Library
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