Rekindling the Love of Reading: A Journey Through the Library

A Childhood Memory of the Library

Do you remember going to the library as a young child? The excitement of selecting a stack of books to take home is unforgettable. I do. My mother would take my brother, my sister, and me to the public library in our hometown of Wichita Falls, Texas, about once a week during the summers. It was one of the highlights of our week.

One summer, our library hosted a "Painting the Fence" summer reading program. This program was inspired by the famous chapter from Tom Sawyer, where Tom cleverly convinces his friends to paint the fence for him. He makes it seem like the most fun activity ever. In fact, he only allows them to help if they pay him for the privilege! While Tom relaxes in the shade, collecting treasures like an old doorknob and an apple core, boys from all over the neighborhood eagerly line up for their turn at the work he was assigned. What a great story!

A white picket fence

The Library's Creative Program

To carry out this theme, the library created stiff paper "pickets." These pickets were brown on one side and white on the other. As children read books and turned in their reading logs, there were two levels of accomplishment. Once a child read ten books, their name would be printed in large letters on the brown side of one of the pickets. This picket would then be placed on the library wall above the bookshelves.

As the summer progressed, the library began to fill with a rapidly growing fence that ran around the walls. When the next ten books were read, the picket would be turned over to reveal the white side, showcasing the child's name now on a white picket.

I remember going into the library one week during the early part of that summer to check out books. There, to my delight, was my name on one of the pickets! I felt so proud. A few weeks later, after reading even more, my picket became white. Again, I beamed with pride over this accomplishment. By the end of the summer, the white picket fence encircled every room of the library. To me, this seemed almost miraculous.

The True Reward of Reading

One amazing aspect of this whole process is that I don't recall any prizes, such as candy, gift certificates, or chances at a drawing. The reward for me was seeing my name in big letters at the library. I knew I had helped build and paint this amazing fence. Even more, there was the intrinsic reward of reading a lot of good books.

At El Progreso Memorial Library in Uvalde, TX

A New Generation at the Library

Recently, I took five of my granddaughters to the public library here in Uvalde, Texas. During this visit, I snapped a picture of three of them. Evelyn entertained Ellia by helping her put a puzzle together. Meanwhile, Hannah had selected some books and was enjoying them quietly. Lucy and Abigail busied themselves selecting other books to check out. I thought this spontaneous photo was so sweet. It tells the story of a great trip to the library—no frills, just a peaceful time of learning.

All of my grandchildren frequent the public library and look forward to their visits, perhaps as much as I did as a child. However, I fear this is becoming a thing of the past. Many parents think they are too busy to take their children to the library. Meanwhile, children are often entertained by electronic devices.

Encouraging a Love for Books

If your child hasn't fallen in love with reading, I encourage you to rekindle that passion. It can begin with a simple visit to the library.

In addition to visiting the library, I believe there is value in adding to your child's home library. Carefully select books that encourage your Christian values. May I suggest that you begin with some of mine? Check out my website by clicking on the button below to see what is available.

Check out my website

The Lasting Impact of Libraries

Libraries are more than just buildings filled with books. They are places where imaginations are sparked, knowledge is gained, and memories are created. The experiences we have in libraries shape our understanding of the world. They provide a safe space for exploration and discovery.

Encouraging children to read not only helps them academically but also enriches their lives. Reading opens doors to new ideas and perspectives. It fosters empathy and understanding. In a world filled with distractions, the library remains a sanctuary for learning and growth.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

As we navigate through our busy lives, let’s not forget the importance of nurturing a love for reading in our children. Take the time to visit your local library. Explore the shelves together, discover new stories, and create lasting memories. The joy of reading can transform lives, and it all begins with that first visit to the library.

Let’s make a commitment to keep the love of books alive for future generations. After all, every great adventure starts with a story waiting to be discovered.