Next to going to work with my dad, my favorite thing in my young life was when my mother took me to the library. It was a small library, one branch of a larger public library system. But, to me, it seemed to be one of the best places on Earth.
Mom would take me to the library at least once a week. I’d anxiously await each trip, dreaming of the fantastic voyages that awaited me.
The first task upon reaching the library was tallying the returned books. This was very important, as I had to read a certain number to fill out my "library picture". This might be a picture of a dinosaur or a building or an airplane. It was filled with maybe twenty spaces for stickers. Each time a book was turned back in, and I could prove I read the book by answering some questions about it, a new sticker was pasted to the picture. When the picture was filled, I began on a new picture. The old picture was proudly displayed on the wall for everyone to see.
After that ritual, it was time to find some interesting material to read. This was not difficult, as everything was fascinating to me. Everything from books about science to books about history to fiction books and novels.
I’d run through the library, quietly, and make my selections. Then I’d go to a table and read as much as possible while mom did whatever she did. Once mom was ready to leave, I walked with her to the checkout counter.
It was always fun to watch the librarian (always a lady) stamp the dates into the front cover of the books. I’d always smile at her, and she’d smile back.
Then we’d ride home, with me reading my new books in the front seat of the car. Once I got home, I’d spend the next few hours or days (however long it took to finish a book) holed up in my room, off in some new and wonderful world.
Unless otherwise noted, all photos and text is Copyright © Richard G Lowe, Jr.