23 Comments

Some of my fondest memories are of going to the library as a child. Thank you for this essay.

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Thank you for reading, LeeAnn! Libraries really can be such special places, and I'm so thankful you've had that experience as well.

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A memoir in libraries! This is wonderful, Kristine, thank you.

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Thank you for reading, Elizabeth!

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Excited for what may come from this library visit. :)

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South Sudan… interesting.

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i think the library has long had her thumb on your unfolding pages. this is beautiful, Kristine, and clearly a connecting thread to so many good and even unexpected chapters. the autumnal shades in that final photo...ahhh. <3

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Thank you, Civil! Love that idea of her thumb on my unfolding pages 🥹 just beautiful!

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OMG! A love letter to past, current and future libraries and all those who create, utilize, defend and sustain them.

My husband bought a 30 year old Volvo station wagon with Colorado plates. It’s bumper sticker said it all:

“I came for the skiing and stayed for the library.“

I am sending this to my sister Ginger who worked at the “assistant library lady” in a Catholic elementary school where her children and now grandchildren attend.

She was named employee of the year. I call her “Mimi of the Universe ”.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for writing this!

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And congrats to your employee of the year librarian sister! Her work means the world!!

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Thanks for sharing Kristine! I'll never forget the Lila D. Bunch Library!!! It changed the course of my life. :) I also remember spending countless hours in the library at West Point studying, and researching. I hadn't thought about the time I spent there in probably 10+ years until I read your post. Thank you for reminding me of those days from years past.

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You know I never got to see the library at West Point! Bet it’s a great one! Love that you have those memories 💙

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This was such an interesting read. Thanks for sharing your library journey. From one bibliophile to another, I appreciate it!

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Thank you! 🧡

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You’re welcome!

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Love this so much! The library is a magical place. I was blessed to work in them for many years, as well as enjoy them.

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I've always thought I might have liked to work in a library! Someday, when the kids have flown the nest and there's more time I hope to volunteer in them lots. Thank you for reading, Penny!

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Thanks for this Kristine. I will be writing a series on libraries sometime in the new year. Wonder if there might be any interest on your part in writing a guest post for that series? We can discuss more if you are interested.

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Thanks for reading, Matthew! I would love to be involved in your series, if you'll have me! Thank you for asking!

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I love libraries!

When I can drive and have a car, I think the library will be a frequent destination.

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Sounds like a great plan, Gloria! Thank you for reading!

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This is so wonderful! I grew up in libraries and they remain a huge importance in my life. I’ve just moved to a new country and my local library doesn’t have any books in English but I’ve already picked up my application to get my library card. It’s a place that brings with a sense of peace to me. So thank you for sharing this. I loved it.

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Thank you for reading, Lani! And for lending your own experience to it.

A new country is a new world, indeed, and I hope your new library brings you so much peace and joy!

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