I love the smell of books!

I am officially a card carrying member of the Curtis Memorial Library here in Brunswick. Frannie will be so pleased! I used to go to the library a lot when I was little. My mom worked at a library in Bradford, PA. While my mom worked there someone dropped a black and white kitten down the night book return. The powers at be decided to keep the cat and name him Dr. Seuss. That cat lived there for 14 years before he passed away. Sorry, I get sidetracked easily…

Anyway, when I walked into the library today I was so excited! I dare say I was like a kid in a candy store! I love to read! So being surrounded by books was very cool! Walking around in awe of everything, all I kept thinking was “how come it has been so long since I have been in a library!?” I couldn’t even think of a decent answer. There are libraries in every town. They are more than accessible and they are free, except of course when you have a fine for being tardy with your returns. I guess I tend to run into Borders when I feel like reading a book where I pay full price. Dumb! I know.

The Curtis Memorial Library is beautiful. The library was founded in 1883 but everything inside was new and high tech. I remember library cards being thick pieces of cardstock. Today, I got a card that I can hang from my car keys! I couldn’t believe all the stuff they have in libraries nowadays. It was two stories of madness. There are rooms for everything: reading room, technology room, morning room, etc… As near as I could tell the morning room is for those who need drinks, snacks or need to talk. There is a station for coffee, mochas, tea, cappuccinos, basically any kind of ‘chino’ you could want to drink.

After exploring all floors, I headed right for the front desk, proudly proclaiming my interest in a library card. When asking the questions needed to obtain a card the librarian acted as though it was the 50^th time she had completed a card application today. And while I am sure that is true, she clearly did not notice the excitement in my eyes or feel the significance of the moment. Today is the day I renew my love of the library!

With card in hand, I headed over to the library catalog they have on-line. I had made a list of some books I have wanted to read before I left the house. I didn’t dare show up with nothing in hand. I would be that person asking questions like “Do you remember the author with flowers on the covers of his books?” I am sure that is every librarian’s nightmare.

I found a few books on-line that peaked my interest and some others I found just snooping around. After about an hour in the library I walked away with 3 books. I picked one non-fiction book and 2 books on digital photography.

I don’t know long it has been since you have visit your local library but I challenge you to go! Take a trip there even if you don’t plan on getting a library card. I guarantee the place will suck you in! How can it not!? It is a place filled with history, imagination, mystery and wonder!