Good Question

By Laura B.  So…I have seen a million specialists in 2 years and I am still unsure of what is causing my strange health ailments. I am yelled at weekly by my husband not to go to the open web to do random health research on my symptoms as I always exaggerate the worst case … Read more

First to Graduate

By Debra K. 

I first discovered the world was much larger and more exciting and exotic than I had ever imagined thanks to my local public and school libraries. Though I loved school as a child, it was mostly due to the social aspects rather than the learning, that is until I read my first young adult novel in early middle school, which sparked a serious (some would say obsessive) love of reading. By the end of middle school I was reading a book a day — sometimes hidden behind my textbook in the back of class. I took my current book with me everywhere — often bumping into furniture and walls at home as I walked and read. This earned me the nickname of Mrs. Magoo after a beloved myopic cartoon character popular at the time.

Read moreFirst to Graduate

Promoting Success for My Son’s Future

By Rory R. 

As a child I would go to the library on a daily basis with my brothers, sister and grandma who is an avid reader. Going with her to the library was always fun and exciting as we got to read books that grabbed our imaginations, interest and took us to another level of learning. The library was also a great spot to find new friends as there were always planned events that brought community children together to see that day’s event. I remember authors coming in and reading to us and having games that incorporated math, science, social studies etc. These experiences may not have seemed important to me while as a child but I can say it was important because I was learning and it was fun.

Read morePromoting Success for My Son’s Future

More Than Just Books

By Cristina M.  Several years ago, I was asked to babysit my friend’s 2-year-old for a few days. My friend told me a good place to “distract him” might be the library, so I decided to take a chance and catch the bus downtown. It had been years since I had stepped foot there – … Read more

Happy 125th Birthday to the Osterhout Free Library

By Robert A. 

The Osterhout Free Library in my hometown of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, celebrated its 125th birthday on January 29, 2014. The Osterhout is the first public library that I ever visited and memories of my experiences at this venerable institution are rich and plentiful.

Read moreHappy 125th Birthday to the Osterhout Free Library

Libraries and Life-Long Learning

By Diane G. 

I’ve loved libraries for as long as I can remember. I learned to read at a very early age (my mom still wonders if I taught myself!), and I don’t think my parents’ bank account could have kept up with how fast I went through books. I know they were thankful for the library just around the corner. New books, story-telling groups, book clubs and summer reading challenges; all are some of my favorite childhood memories.

And could I have made it through high school and college without great libraries, and librarians? It would have been a lot tougher…

Read moreLibraries and Life-Long Learning