What Does My Public Library Mean To Me?
by Natalie Peay
age 11, Readyville

Not many people my age like to read.  They think it’s a waste of time.  Unlike them, I love to read.  I love the thrill of being the hero that just saved the day, or the chained prisoner that just got rescued.  I love it.  But every magical universe needs a pair of nice shiny angelic gates.  My public libraries are those gates.

I grew up at Linebaugh Public Library.  (It takes 6 years of story time to say that!)  If I had to decide which part was my favorite it would be a tie between the craft and the puppet show at the end.  I also participated in the summer reading program for a number of years.  As I grew older I discovered a genre of writing I love to this day: fantasy.  Dragons, trolls, elves, pixies, I love them all.

Even some adults look up at their public library and all they see is a waste of tax dollars.  I feel sorry for that person.  A library can be a portal through time and space or just a quiet place to do your homework.  Whatever yours might be, mine is much more.  My public library is home. 

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