For the love of libraries...

I was thinking of the love of books that I have instilled in my sons. Each of us could spend hours in a library or book store. They enjoy it just as much as I do.

There is something quite comforting about books...being surrounded by books, the words in books filling your imagination with endless pictures, the feel of a book in your hands, even the smell, the older the better. If the Beast had given me a library like he gave to his Beauty, he would've won my heart too.

I had a realization that perhaps it wasn't me that provided Colt & Rye with a literary affection. I did read to my children before they could read themselves. I honestly enjoyed it. So, maybe I did encourage them towards it, but my parents never read to me. I never visited a public library until I was out on my own. I don't remember either of my parents ever being wrapped up in a book. My Mom even recently told me that I have too many books. (Is that possible?)

There was a time when money was tight enough for me that I had very little cash to spend on entertainment for the boys. We did have "Library Day". It was a big deal. Every other Saturday, we would go to a public library. During this time, choosing which library to go to was part of the fun. The Ardmore library had "Cinema Saturday". They would show family movies. Since, we didn't have funds to go to the movies, I was very thankful for it. They even served free popcorn and lemonade. After the library, we would choose a park to drop by for the rest of the afternoon to evening. I even mapped out all the parks in Ardmore so we could choose a different one each time. The boys would play & I would dive into my newly, checked-out books. Man, I miss those "Library Days"! They were the epitome of quality, family time.

There are two library systems in Ardmore, the public system and the Chickasaw system. The Ardmore Public Library is bigger & newer with more of the latest...always a good choice. Through the Chickasaw Regional Library you can visit any of seven branches. The headquarters is in Ardmore. It is smaller than the public library, but overall the librarians are more pleasant & helpful. If you want more quiet & time to yourself, this is the better choice.

We started out at the Healdton branch of the Chickasaw system. We outgrew them and moved to Ardmore, frequenting both libraries. Sometimes even visiting both on "Library Day".

When I started working in Duncan, it was logical to get cards for their public library. It is not as updated as either of the Ardmore systems. I have to admit I was slightly disappointed in it. It's still a decent library, just needs some updating. I was thankful for their DVDs...free movie rentals! Great for the family on a tight budget.

When I stopped working in Duncan, we began visiting Ardmore again. After awhile, Colt informed me that he had read all of Ardmore's books. Ha! Well, I had to agree, I think he was rechecking a lot. So, we invested in a membership at the Norman public library which operates as the Pioneer Library System. They have nine branches. We have used the library in Purcell as well as our usual in Norman.

So, seven or eights years later, we still have "Library Day". It's still fun, but not the all-encompassing joy it was when the boys were both little. As a college sophomore, Colt has mostly outgrown the monkey bars. He would rather sit with me & read at the park. He does indulge his little brother from time to time. Riley has graduated to chapter books & just received his medal & other awards for completing his summer reading. We don't go every other Saturday either, but we do still go together.

If you don't have a card to your local library, I would recommend it. They are an abundant resource of all things entertaining...books, movies, music. Each library has their own programs. They run the gamut from babies to seniors. You can find computer classes, book clubs, cinema, arts & crafts time. All kinds of offerings from magicians to scholars, cupcake decorating to wine tasting, writers' groups to gardening. I think you would be surprised if you took a look at your local library's events calendar. Of course, you don't have to limit yourself to just one library. Look at the events from different libraries. You'll find something to suit your tastes.

Anyways, maybe my children love literature and would whether I nurtured that seed or not. I look forward to having "Library Day" with my grandbabies. Maybe it will be three generations of avid readers!