Picture Book Wednesday: I'm So Happy You're Here

This book is perfect.

The illustrations are charming, bright, and delightful. The joy surrounding libraries comes through. The beginning of the book reminds me of a Todd Parr book (whom I also adore). I love the part about library cards being hte best thing ever and the fact the libraries are NOT just about books. We do lot of programs too. 

This is a magical read that everyone should read and every library should own.

Mychal with Sam (my co-worker) and I at a library conference in CT

Library Joy (3)

As summer reading approaches, I'm reminded of my younger self.

I loved the summer reading program. But one of my best memories was when I worked at the library. 

I started working there as a teenager.

Because it was a small library, I was exposed to lots of different jobs. One of my favorites was being allowed to go to the store for the annual end of summer reading ice cream sundae party. 

I could get any toppings and I got them all. It was so much fun. I don't remember how many people were there or what toppings I purchased. I just remember how it felt to be responsible for the party. 

What are your favorite ice cream toppings?

Library Joy (2)

I have always been a great and terrible library patron.

I have memories of taking home stacks of books in high school. I lived across the street from our local library. In middle school, the books in the library jumped from children's books to adult books. I went through Mary Higgins Clark, Victoria Holt, and Phyllis Whitney. Those three authors kept me reading for ages. I walked home with as many books as I could carry.

And I haven't stopped taking out library books. I take out too many and never have time to read them all. 

Do you take out more books that you can read?

Library Joy

 

Last week, I met Mychal the super librarian who spoke about library joy.

And it got me thinking of early library memories.

When I was five, we lived in a different place for a year. I remember getting my library card there, tickled that my last name was the name of the library. It was no relation to me, but I thought it was the coolest thing ever. 

I also remember loving this one book and taking it out over and over again. I have no recollection of the book itself. I think it might have been sad. I just remember how important I felt having the same last name. 

I'll be sharing more of these stories over the next few weeks, but what is your earliest library memory?