Every Story Counts

CLOSED: More to say? Tell us about why the library matters to you. Share your library story here.

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  Love my local library!

  by Lizzy, 3 months ago
  I remember when they first build the Rancho San Diego library, I was in middle school. I was so thrilled when it opened and I got to check out my first book. I have continued to visit all through high school, through college and I now return from time to time to explore various topics as a lifelong learner. When I was experimenting with different cooking styles, I came to see what different cook books they had. Then when I started reading long series, I visited my library to start this journey as well. Having access to books in person... Continue reading

  I remember when they first build the Rancho San Diego library, I was in middle school. I was so thrilled when it opened and I got to check out my first book. I have continued to visit all through high school, through college and I now return from time to time to explore various topics as a lifelong learner. When I was experimenting with different cooking styles, I came to see what different cook books they had. Then when I started reading long series, I visited my library to start this journey as well. Having access to books in person is irreplaceable. Getting the privilege to browse books that I do not need to buy in order to enjoy is why I will always support my local library.
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  Clairemont Library for kids with working parents

  by Josephine Brinkman, 3 months ago
  I will never forget my Clairemont Library on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. I learned how to read there on the linoleum floor with my two older siblings who also babysat me and our younger brother. Pippi Longstocking, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, Charlotte's Web, Little Women, to name a few.

  
  

  My parents worked long hours and the Library in Clairemont where we lived was a safe place to sit and read for hours. I will never forget the lovely ladies who worked there and where my love of reading and writing began. The library was the highlight of my childhood and before there... Continue reading

  I will never forget my Clairemont Library on Clairemont Mesa Blvd. I learned how to read there on the linoleum floor with my two older siblings who also babysat me and our younger brother. Pippi Longstocking, Mrs. Piggle Wiggle, Charlotte's Web, Little Women, to name a few.

  
  

  My parents worked long hours and the Library in Clairemont where we lived was a safe place to sit and read for hours. I will never forget the lovely ladies who worked there and where my love of reading and writing began. The library was the highlight of my childhood and before there were fences in our neighborhood, my younger brother and I could run all the way there with the permission of our mother. What a lovely memory. Thank God for libraries!!!!!
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  They Persisted

  by Cc101, 3 months ago
  My children and I often frequent the public library in El Cajon. My oldest loves to run around and look at all the items the have in the children’s section, she is incredibly curious. My youngest loves their toys and Lego wall. Now to best explain why this moment meant so much to us, I have to first tell you about my oldest child. She is 6 and has moderate autism, which can make everyday things more challenging for her. She is semi-verbal and usually responds with a few words, she’s also a high sensory seeker and will run around... Continue reading

  My children and I often frequent the public library in El Cajon. My oldest loves to run around and look at all the items the have in the children’s section, she is incredibly curious. My youngest loves their toys and Lego wall. Now to best explain why this moment meant so much to us, I have to first tell you about my oldest child. She is 6 and has moderate autism, which can make everyday things more challenging for her. She is semi-verbal and usually responds with a few words, she’s also a high sensory seeker and will run around everywhere and occasionally make noise. She is usually very happy, curious and kind, but can have very difficult moments during meltdowns. I remember 2 individuals that have, not only remembered us despite our visits being sporadic, but were understanding and more than willing to help every time we were there. Now I’m awful with names, so I’ll describe them as best as I can. One was a man, with light brown hair that wore a lanyard with lots of neat pins (violet evergarden, Harry Potter, etc). The other was a woman, with glasses and long curly black hair. We usually saw them at the desk in the children’s section and they’d always say hi to us, we can’t recall their names, but me and my kids can pick them out and recognize them right away. They always took their time if we had questions, and were always willing to help and walk with us to find books. They were patient with my oldest and always tried to interact with her, whether she acknowledged them or not, they always say hi and I greatly appreciate that.

  
  My daughter kept repeatedly saying phrases from a book we read at the library the first time we went there, but I could not remember their names whatsoever. In my attempts to find the book I went up to the children’s desk and told them (they were both there that day) everything I remembered from the book, which turned into all 3 of us trying to find this book for my daughter. It took awhile, but that didn’t deter them, nor did they turn me away at all. Finally, by pure luck I had found it and told them the title. Unfortunately, they didn’t have it, but another library did have it in stocked and they told me it could be delivered to them, I immediately said yes. It took about a week, but I went in and was treated by the woman, who walked me over to where I could find the book. My daughter was SO HAPPY. She had me read that book everyday until we had to return it, it made her day every time. This might not seem like a big deal, but for us, it was huge. Not everyone would be patient and help find a needle in a haystack for the sake of my child, because they wouldn’t see how much it would mean for her. Unfortunately, not everyone in this world is kind, and we have seen firsthand how people will disregard my daughter or forget that she’s just a kid whose trying to enjoy life. This small thing they did for us is a memory we’ll always have, because essentially what they said to my kid is that she matters and they hear her and they are going to try for her. My oldest is very straightforward, if she likes you, she likes you and if she doesn’t, she doesn’t. I can absolutely tell she recognizes who these 2 people are, she’ll look at them and smile or laugh, she’ll go near them a lot and I can tell she’s comfortable, and that is big praise coming from her.
  
  The book was “Two Birthdays” by Tim Hopgood
  
  If they ever read this, they’ll probably remember us, and if they do, THANK YOU! We really appreciate your kindness!

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  
• Share My 3rd place on Facebook Share My 3rd place on Twitter Share My 3rd place on Linkedin Email My 3rd place link

  My 3rd place

  by Nadra, 3 months ago
  I have work, home and my third place.

  my third place is the library, it’s safe and exciting to me. It’s calming and relaxing while thrilling at the same time.

  I have work, home and my third place.

  my third place is the library, it’s safe and exciting to me. It’s calming and relaxing while thrilling at the same time.
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  Baby story time

  by AS, 3 months ago

  one of the first outing I went on independently with my 9 month old was a trip to story time at our local library. 16 years and 4 children later, story time was a constant in all of my children’s baby and toddler years. Love our libraries!

  one of the first outing I went on independently with my 9 month old was a trip to story time at our local library. 16 years and 4 children later, story time was a constant in all of my children’s baby and toddler years. Love our libraries!
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  I rely on the Library

  by Karenski, 3 months ago

  I listen to all my books these days and I couldn’t afford it if I had to buy the books.

  The Library there for us who listen to our books as audiobooks and their loan is free, just like physical books.

  So, I for one am very grateful!

  I listen to all my books these days and I couldn’t afford it if I had to buy the books.

  The Library there for us who listen to our books as audiobooks and their loan is free, just like physical books.

  So, I for one am very grateful!
• Share We couldn’t be more grateful on Facebook Share We couldn’t be more grateful on Twitter Share We couldn’t be more grateful on Linkedin Email We couldn’t be more grateful link

  We couldn’t be more grateful

  by Janely97, 3 months ago
  The La Mesa Library and Libby have been such an inspiration and gift to our family. Our 9 and 6-year-old children love to come to the library to escape into a book We’ve been able to introduce them to different parts of the world and different ways of life.

  I work full time and have not had time in years to sit down with a book like I used to. For the first time ever, I’ve been able to consume a tone of books to and from work. It’s been amazing to have the joy of reading again.

  The La Mesa Library and Libby have been such an inspiration and gift to our family. Our 9 and 6-year-old children love to come to the library to escape into a book We’ve been able to introduce them to different parts of the world and different ways of life.

  I work full time and have not had time in years to sit down with a book like I used to. For the first time ever, I’ve been able to consume a tone of books to and from work. It’s been amazing to have the joy of reading again.
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  Our Country Library

  by Caroline Rogers, 3 months ago
  Descanso Library has always been a warm, welcoming home for our community for every age. When I was teaching first grade, I would walk my students over for "Library Time" with Peggy Machado, head librarian at the time. She would read a story, and then the children were allowed to browse and check out books. Peggy was magical with children.

  My own sons loved the kids' library programs.

  Today, our library still is the "Community Center" of our town. Many clubs meet there, and often classes are taught there. There is a "free" book drop off and exchange funded by... Continue reading

  Descanso Library has always been a warm, welcoming home for our community for every age. When I was teaching first grade, I would walk my students over for "Library Time" with Peggy Machado, head librarian at the time. She would read a story, and then the children were allowed to browse and check out books. Peggy was magical with children.

  My own sons loved the kids' library programs.

  Today, our library still is the "Community Center" of our town. Many clubs meet there, and often classes are taught there. There is a "free" book drop off and exchange funded by Anna Walters estate.

  I am grateful our library is here, and I can't imagine Descanso without it!
• Share Sharing a love of books on Facebook Share Sharing a love of books on Twitter Share Sharing a love of books on Linkedin Email Sharing a love of books link

  Sharing a love of books

  by Sweetheart84, 3 months ago

  I was brought often to the San Diego City libraries by my Grandma. I have fond memories of reading on the front lawn of libraries with my grandma. I became an avid reader reading long chapter books while on family road trips! I had a few years where I was in & out of the hospital, but books were always there for me! I had my 1st daughter in 2010, while I was in living in Rancho San Diego! Wanting to give my daughter a love of books, I took her on weekly trips to the RSD Library for storytime... Continue reading

  I was brought often to the San Diego City libraries by my Grandma. I have fond memories of reading on the front lawn of libraries with my grandma. I became an avid reader reading long chapter books while on family road trips! I had a few years where I was in & out of the hospital, but books were always there for me! I had my 1st daughter in 2010, while I was in living in Rancho San Diego! Wanting to give my daughter a love of books, I took her on weekly trips to the RSD Library for storytime with Mr. Jeremy! When I moved to Casa de Oro in 2015, we started attending the Casa de Oro's storytime with Mr. Dave! We visited the library SO much, cuz there wasn't really anything worthy of walking to with my daughter. I became a well-reknown visitor of the library. You always have fun community events for me to get to know others in my community! And you had friendly) helpful workers! When the pandemic hit in 2020, I'd been taking my 2nd daughter to storytime with Mr. Dave. We visited the library often because it was a safe place for me to bring my girls. When the library gave out free lunches I. 2020/2021, we would visit the library and meet others in the community!

  I've just kept up my love of the library! Volunteering at the Casa de Oro Branch while my girls are school full-time... I've been volunteering for over 2 years now and hope to get hired when the new Casa de Oro library opens up before this coming Summer!
• Share Libraries are Nervous System Care on Facebook Share Libraries are Nervous System Care on Twitter Share Libraries are Nervous System Care on Linkedin Email Libraries are Nervous System Care link

  Libraries are Nervous System Care

  by Melizza, 3 months ago

  The books aren’t looking at me.
  They’re not expecting anything from me.
  They’re not asking me to do or be or prove anything.

  I walk down the aisles, long shelves filled with books, sometimes with my toddler, sometimes alone. We slow down. We soften. And then we land on something that makes us curious, or feel wonder, or want to create.

  It feels like an exhale. Rest. Recharge.
  And then an inhale that feels like fuel for life.

  I love my library.

  It’s one of the few places I can still go where the smells are the same as when... Continue reading

  The books aren’t looking at me.
  They’re not expecting anything from me.
  They’re not asking me to do or be or prove anything.

  I walk down the aisles, long shelves filled with books, sometimes with my toddler, sometimes alone. We slow down. We soften. And then we land on something that makes us curious, or feel wonder, or want to create.

  It feels like an exhale. Rest. Recharge.
  And then an inhale that feels like fuel for life.

  I love my library.

  It’s one of the few places I can still go where the smells are the same as when I was four years old. Books. That sweet scent of pages that can calm me or excite me and always invite me in.

  Libraries don’t ask anything of me.
  And because of that, they give me so much.

  Libraries are nervous system care.