One of the fond memories I have of my childhood is of a summer reading program at the local library. The rewards were never ostentatious, but they seemed that way to my young brain. For every book I checked out of the library and read, I got another tally mark on the leaderboard, plus every 5-10 books resulted in a small prize. For me, it was a steal! Free ice-cream, bookmarks, other baubles… all were available for the inconsequential act of doing something I loved. It was amazing.
At the end of the summer, a raffle was held for larger prizes. Every book you had read equaled one ticket to be entered into a drawing. I never won, but my sister did. Funnily enough, I have no idea what she won anymore. 😉
For the first time in over a decade, I own something that I haven’t had since those summers: a library card. Biking down to the library, I spent more time than I probably should have simply browsing the stacks and stacks of books, all of whom were politely sitting and waiting for the next adventurer to come and pick them up.
There was even a poster for a summer reading program for kids!
Until today, I never realized how much I missed having free literature at my fingertips, just itching to be explored. At university, I had the vast halls of books from the many campus libraries, but when I left I never seemed to find the time to get connected to another library system and everything that entails. No more.
Let the record stand. I love to read. ❤
The delight I experienced today in something as simple and inconsequential as checking out a book astounded me. It was worth the minimal effort it took to get a library card, and I hope this serves as a reminder to me to get one the next time I move as well.
Access to free books in my native language is a privilege many people don’t have.
I’m grateful that I do.
Musings of a Resident 