Call me old-fashioned, but I still love going to the bookstore or the local library and picking out my next book.
I know a lot of people who have opted to read their books digitally, whether it’s for ease of transportation and ability to have multiple books at the ready, but for me nothing compares to the smell of a library of bookstore, the feeling of holding a new book in my hands, the sound of the paper as I flip to the next page, and the look of a bookmark keeping my spot until I can return back to whatever adventure the words are taking me on.
As more and more of our lives become digital, I admit I relish the look of my overflowing bookshelves or nightstand — holding adventures and tales I have yet to embark on. Most books get passed along after I’ve read them, or swapped with friends for others, but a few do maintain a permanent spot on my shelf in the hopes of being revisited one day.
In my house, you will likely find a half-dozen books scattered around on various surfaces, waiting to be picked up by either myself or my kids — who, thankfully, seem to be following in my footsteps and becoming voracious readers. Their bookshelves are also busting at the seams, as they get new books as gifts or as I add books that my mum kept from my childhood that I now get to read with them.
We have luckily never had to fight our kids to do story time before bed. In fact, the battle we do have is that they want to read too many books each night. Given my oldest is named after the author of my favourite book, it’s safe to say that I have become one proud mama as I have watched their love for reading grow each year, and, just last week while away with my kids on holiday, for the first time ever they sat and read silently beside me!
I can recall when I was small, my mum would take us to the small library branch in the Scarborough Bluffs area, where we lived until 1985, to take advantage of the great (and free) programming and to fill our little book bags with whatever we could carry. When I was older, I recall going to the local library to research school projects — or if I was having trouble with friends — to simply have a safe place to think.
When my kids were babies, I took them weekly to our local library for story time and to participate in the wonderful programming they offer regularly. This summer, my girls have even signed up for the local Summer Reading Program — and both have already surpassed the halfway mark to the “grand prize”! The best part? They didn’t even know there were prizes involved until last week — they read because they love to.
With news of the new 4,500-square-foot Holly Community Library branch being close to opening its doors this month, it’s comforting to know despite all the technology that is available to us, that community libraries are still being built. Described on the city’s website as a “boutique-style” space, the new branch is expected to include 40,000 titles that will appeal to pretty much anyone who walks through the doors, along with study and work spaces, computer access, free wifi, and “beautiful and flexible shelving and furniture.”
Speaking from personal experience, libraries are about more than just books. They help build strong neighbourhoods, serve as a meeting place for friends and offer safe spaces for those who need it.
I have a sneaking suspicion that with all the time we’ve spent staring at a screen over the last few years, this new branch will quickly become a popular destination spot for the community — and I for one can’t wait to come check it out.
Nikki Cole is a staff reporter at BarrieToday.
