When NIGHTSHADE is released this fall, I'll have fingers and toes crossed that lots of readers are able to access it through their local libraries.
My own reading life developed under the wing of amazing, kind, intelligent librarians at the Vaughn Public Library in Ashland, Wisconsin. I have no doubt the my success as a writer is greatly indebted to the hours spent curled up among the stacks of this beautiful 19th century building.
The Vaughn Library was like a second home to me. Nearly all of my books came from the library, from picture books, to young readers, to YA and then to adult (though of course YA never went away!) I have fond memories of summer reading programs, story hour with Grandma Goose, and always knowing where my favorite books would be shelved.
My first job was at the Vaughn Library. I was a library "page" from the summer after my sophomore year of high school until I graduated.
The library always felt like a second home to me. When I do a reading there this fall it will be one of the happiest moments of my life.
Thanks to the Vaughn Public Library and to librarians everywhere for bringing the gift of reading to so many!!!
How have libraries shaped your love of books and reading?
First it was the bookmobile for me. Once a month it would come to our country school, heaven on wheels. Then the library when I was old enough to get my own card. (A first taste of freedom!)Libraries are the backbone of the American literary experience, the cultural center of every community. Thank God for libraries. Thank you for this post honoring them.
ReplyDeleteLibraries gives us the never-ending pleasure of finding something new. It can open your mind to a book that you probably would never have read if it weren't there. I love my libraries! I love being able to read a book without having to worry about not having money and if it's a book that I fall in love with, I can always look to buy it later.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting:)
Great post! Our libraries need our support.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the library love you guys :)
ReplyDeleteLove your library story. I have vivid memories of my childhood library too. :-)
ReplyDeleteGail
(new follower)
Love this story Andrea - thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Gail *waves* Thanks for following :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Shelli and for organizing this great blog event!!