When I was a kid, I was lucky enough to live right across the street from our neighborhood’s public library. It was an incredibly small and cozy place where my brother and I spent hour upon hour after school. I have very fond memories of sitting cross-legged in a random aisle, absorbed in books, unable to put down one after another. I lost track of time on more than one occasion. And I remember feeling greedy about all the knowledge that was at my fingertips. Shelves of books were like gold to me.

And you know what? Nothing has changed. I still feel that sense of awe whenever I enter a library. It’s like I’ve hit the jackpot– all these books, and I can just check them out for free?!!

My boys are exhibiting signs of the love of the public library already. We have a big blue reusable bag that is sturdy enough to accommodate more than 20 books, and it is a struggle to narrow it down to that few sometimes! But the point is, they are becoming lovers of books, and that makes me so happy.

Our local library is not across the street from our house, but it may as well be. In the warmer months, we walk there with a wagon or stroller, and the children’s librarians all know us by name. They know what books Milo and Oliver are into, and make recommendations accordingly. It is one sense of community that I cherish in a world that often seems too big for my little guys.

The children’s area is upstairs, where there are not only rows and rows of books by some pretty awesome authors, but puzzles, games, stuffed animals, a few “reading bathtubs,” and a fish tank! It is a destination for us, especially on cold or rainy days.

We start upstairs in the children’s area. The boys do puzzles and collect books, and if Emil is up for sitting still, we even get to read a few (usually cuddled up on the giant bear’s lap). After that, we go on a “walkabout” around the library, during which the boys practice their best library voices while exploring the mazes of shelves, sculptures, and interesting nooks and crannies.

We end back downstairs, to give the city mascot a smooch or a pat, then check out our books before heading home to devour story after story. The library is a place I hope we always have access to, no matter how internet-based this world becomes.

Do you hang out at your local library? Donate to it? Enjoy it? If not, you should at least check it out. You might be pleasantly surprised!