I’ve been working on writing a children’s picture book (or two). The story happens to have a librarian in it. As various people have read it I’ve heard comments like, “She’s too nice for a Librarian.” “She’s too calm.” These comments have made me to reflect on my lifetime of experiences with Librarians.
We all know the caricature of our childhood Librarians. A stern bespectacled maiden old lady. She looks warningly over the top of her glasses “sh”ing you every time you made the slightest noise.
These were the librarians of my childhood. (Except for the Bookmobile driver. He seemed to be the exception to prove the rule.)
I always spent a lot of time in libraries as a child. Now that I have children of my own, I still spend a lot of time there. Libraries are my son’s favorite places to visit.
Happily, I can say it has been my experience that today’s Librarians are a different breed.
My proof?
Despite having a child who went through an eloping stage (particularly at the library as he never wanted to leave)
A child who has trouble modulating his voice level and can have frequent meltdowns
This child is sure to visit the information desk several times each visit as he looks for that one particular book that he can’t leave without
Rarely has there ever been anything but a smile on their faces as they dealt with us. I don’t remember anyone “sh”ing us, but they asked instead how they could help.
That child who never wanted to leave the library at three? That took me, the Librarian and the Security Guard to get him to the car? He reads non-stop and would be perfectly happy to visit the library every day. I have to attribute at least some of that to the stellar treatment we have received at the hands of our local Librarians.
My kids could definitely live at the library! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
Tina
Thank you for stopping by and reading! I appreciate it.
Reading is so important and I have so many memories of being in my local library. Unfortunately there are so many around closing its horrible!!!
Thank you for sharing this with us at #TriumphantTales. I hope to see you back tomorrow.
My kids are supposed to go to a neighborhood school that got rid of their library. I refused to send them there because of it
Librarians are awesome! I still remember one from my childhood who always had a ‘special’ book set aside for each Friday visit. She would select something new to broaden my reading mind. Now I read everything and anything I can get my hands on! #GlobalBlogging
That’s awesome! Thanks for stopping by and reading!
I really need to take the children to the library, they love books! I do wonder if I would get them out very easily #TriumphantTales
There has been a time or two with mine where getting them to leave has been a huge struggle. But we’ve worked through it during the years.
Even before reading your post the title brought back memories of a school librarian who I have not though of for decades. She was smiley when it seemed that nobody really liked me as I was so keen to learn. You also brought back great memories of how my late Dad would take me to the library every Saturday and then we would buy a pork pie and eat it whilst watching the wrestling at 4pm back in the day. Any individual that is kind and/or encourages learning has my vote and thanks. #GlobalBlogging
That makes me so happy that something I wrote could evoke your beautiful memories!
I was a mean Mom and didn’t let my kids play games on screens until very recently. So that probably helped but screens are VERY tempting to kids.
I tried to pass on to my grandchildren, but I was beat out by these games they play nowadays. When my children were little it was books, books, and coloring books along with puzzles and grade books. I also let them look at generations photo books. They really enjoyed that too! I had four children 2 & 2…
That is so very true. The library saved me as a kid from a life that could have turned out so very bad.
I think the best thing about writing this blog post is hearing how much everyone enjoyed the library as a child.
Lovely post!! We loved going to the library – and I still do!
Thank you. It’s usually on our to do list at least once a week.
The library has been a big part of my life–as a child and a parent. Now my daughter takes her children to the library on a regular basis. The grandchildren always have a book on hand for me to read to them.
That’s where my love of books started. With my Grandmother.
I’m the daughter of a reading teacher! Love books and libraries and love reading to my grands!
A love of reading is such a gift that blesses you for the rest of your life.
Books have always been a special love of mine and the library is a sanctuary. Love post!
Thanks! Books make me happy too!
I just had a conversation with my 9th-grade granddaughter. She still loves the library and can’t wait until she gets her driver’s license so she can go more often!
They truly are wonderful places!
I LOVE THIS. I think I could have enjoyed being a librarian if I had only thought of it earlier in life. Visiting you from the grace and truth link up. laurensparks.net
Thanks Lauren! Libraries and Librarians hold a special place in my heart.
we had the best library growing up. leather chairs, leather floors they seemed to be – so soft. and peacocks across the street. fond memories of Palos Verdes Estates public library. I’ll take my kids someday.
That sounds like a lovely library! I think I want to go!
The library was such an important part of my kids’ lives. I want to take my grandchildren!
I love that idea of passing on that love to yet another generation!