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Books by Mail is a lifeline to rural residents

We live an hour's drive away from the closest SD Library branch. We are deeply grateful for the Books by Mail service, through which we receive library materials on a regular basis. We very much appreciate being able to receive books, DVDs, and CDs without driving an hour each way to the library. It is a happy day indeed whenever a blue canvas Books by Mail pouch arrives at our gate.

When occasional logistical issues have arisen, we have been able to resolve them swiftly and easily with the helpful Books by Mail staff (previously Desirae Helms, now Michael Rodriguez).

My Connection with the Past

My father used to walk my sister and I to the library when we were children to give my mother a break in the evenings. That walk was only about a half mile each way, but over that distance we'd have a chance to run around and get out energy before we entered the hushed space. My sister and I spent time reading in the Children's section and my dad would read on the "adult" side of the library for 30-60 minutes before we'd head back home. I had a library card as soon as I started school, and the…

A place to escape

I have loved going to the library since I was a child because I've always been a 'bookworm'. My Mom read constantly so modeled that for my sisters and me and I used it as an escape, a way to learn about other cultures, people, other countries, etc. I also went to the library to study in high school and college. I still go as a working adult, on my lunch break to have a quiet place to sit and it's also a challenge to see which books are available. I also love the Libby app and use it almost…