Not too long after I learned to read, my mother took me to the children’s library in Anaheim, California, where we lived, to get my first library card. That was the start of weekly trips to the library for armfuls of books, a routine we kept for years.

I loved that place! Shelf after shelf filled with books to explore. I walked the aisles, scanning titles and covers. Every visit felt like discovering a new friend.

I took my girls to the library too. And now one goes to the library with her young son, and one reads to her students, and both are looking forward to reading to the babies who will be joining their families soon.

My five-year-old grandson loves the library. And why not? Whatever he sees that looks interesting, he can check out and take home (with mom’s approval).

Solomon walked with his grandpa to a small neighborhood library when we were visiting Savannah in July. They came home with a bag full of books he’d picked out–beginning readers and a huge picture book about alligators. Solomon sat right down and showed me every book. He’d had a great time. Later in the trip, I took Solomon to a bookstore to spend some of his birthday money. The choices there overwhelmed him. But not at the library.

Most libraries have concluded their summer reading programs for this year. But a new school year awaits … and so does your public library!

Besides a parent’s lap, the library is the best place for children to develop a love of books, reading, and learning. Even in our high-tech world.

Does your child have a library card? If not, go get one soon!

The more that you read,

the more things you will know.

The more that you learn,

the more places you’ll go.

–Dr. Seuss

DIANE