How I Learned To Love Books

What a perfectly lovely story. I too had a library card, but seldom used it except for required reading, preferring outdoor sports with the neighborhood kids in the middle of our street. In my next life I intend to correct that. I wonder if there's a library in heaven? If so, I'll be so happy to meet you there someday, Nancy, because you have thoroughly convinced me how much I've missed all these years. Kath

You have given vivid pictures of your library experiences. A very interesting, well-written story. WMB.

Nancy, I could have written almost what you did, only with different players. There is nothing as fulfilling as a good book, one that stays with you long after the final page has been turned. You have depicted the love or books very well indeed.

Maria

These are the kind of memories that warm the heart of a retired librarian like myself. I love hearing about people's reading experiences. Your love of reading, I'm sure, made you special to Miss Mayes.

Oh, Nancy!
How closely your process of learning to love books mirrors mine. I have loved books all my life and read my first large hardcover book at the age of nine when my hands were hardly strong enough to hold it, and I learned to read lying on my belly then. It was 'Kidnapped-The Lindberg Baby Case'. A big thick book that started me on the road to reading books of that genre as I tried to understand the psychology of human nature and why cruel things happen. Dad still meets us at the door when we visit and it isn't too long before he asks 'What are you reading now?'.
His Library is extensive, his love of books is amazing, and so is Mother's.
Before I finish a book, and I know I am nearing the end, I am scrambling to find another so I won't be stuck without a good read.
Just last week I engineered a book drive to get books for Canadian Soldiers serving in Afghanistan. General Hillier discovered they were reduced to reading cereal boxes as no books or magazines were available. So, through the editor of Canadian Stories, a publication I write for, we bought subscriptions for soldiers and sent lots of books. We plan to keep doing so.
It really put a fire in my belly to do that because I know, like you, that without a book I would be lost.
Great piece of work Mrs.Kopp!!
You spoke for a lot of us in that writing.
Rgs,
Bonnie Jarvis-Lowe.

Wonderful essay on learning to love books, Nancy. Books were my primary source of entertainment when I was a child in Hungary. When we came to America, I discovered the library and felt like Alice in Wonderland!

Loved your story!

Renie

Hi Nancy,
Your beautifully written essay caused me to time-trip back to my own school days when I, too, delighted in reading about Dick, Jane, baby Sally, Spot the dog, then Nancy Drew mysteries, tales about the Bobbsey Twins, and then on to books of every nature...romance, adventure, mystery, biography...thanks to the local library and my very on card. Today, biographies and autobiographies top my list of favorites, but I'm always open to reading what's on the NY Times Best Sellers List, too. I even enjoy reading the numerous recipes in cookbooks! Thanks very much for sharing about your love of books.
Blessings,
Sandi in FL.

Dear Nancy, your telling of this story took me back in time to my introduction of books and the town library. My 1st grade teacher, Mrs.Johns, taught me to read and stirred up my love of books of all sorts. I remember my first library card, and actually still have it tucked among my "life souvenirs". My name is printed in real blue ink on the yellowed cardstock and there's the tiny metal plate in one corner which carries my own library number! Thank you for writing so beautifully and sharing about this love of yours. ~ Susan

I feel so sad for people who are not "readers" Seems you are or you aren't.
Nancy

A delightful tale of your introduction to reading, Nancy! Splendidly written, bringing the reader right along with you on that first trip to the library. Carol

Nancy, I love books as well! This subject brings back many fond memories of library trips, book store adventures, or being enlightened by someone's written word from many, many years ago. Thank you for posting your well written entry. I, and others can certainly connect with you on this fine subject. Mattie

Thank you, Mattie. Glad to meet a fellow book-lover.
Nancy