Libraries Through Life

I wish to give thanks for libraries. I know that school and public libraries have enriched my entire life.

I have loved reading since I was a child. The book collections in my  classrooms were a blessing, especially Mrs. Arnold’s wide variety of  titles in eighth grade. The nonfiction books in my high school library helped me prepare for  SAT, ACT, and provided vital college information plus the many classics that I enjoyed. The Missouri State Library actually mailed me books one brief summer. Ellis Library at the University of Missouri was a little overwhelming, but Dr. Fitzgerald’s children’s literature class introduced me to the Newberry and Caldecott winners. A Wrinkle in Time and The Witch of Blackbird Pond remain favorite titles.

When one loves to read and do research, what could be better than being a high school librarian? Helping teens find good books introduced me to teen authors such as Judy Blume, Richard Peck, Chris Crutcher, Roland Smith and countless others.

The Harrisonville library has provided me with books my entire adult life. Access to the entire collections of metro libraries is a fantastic benefit. The audio book collection helped me endure the “no reading” period after my eye surgery. Now the DVDs entertain me with the television series and movies I have missed. I anticipate that the  large print collection and Bookmobile service to senior citizen housing will continue to provide me enjoyment in my older years.

I greatly appreciate the many librarian staff members and the tax payers that have made public and school libraries available to me.

– Marie Vallee, Youth Services Coordinator