As a writer, I am obviously and unapologetically drawn to libraries. Although I had already spent hundreds of hours in libraries by the age of thirteen, my true love affair with these institutions began when my Uncle Wayne asked if I’d like to help him during summer school. That was the first instance when I thought about the magic of a library in every city.
Unc was a remedial reading teacher, well-loved by his students, probably due to his unconventional personality. He was, at all times, both instructor and prankster. His popularity with his students, was evident to me, even then.
Although the North Brunswick high school library wasn’t particularly beautiful, my time spent there was memorable. It sparked my passion for finding a library in every city. Thanks, Unc, because it was there that I became addicted to research.https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2001/02/13/obituaries/
I wish I had thought to document my thoughts about every library I’ve visited over the last many decades, but here are a few of my favorites to date:
- Butler Library at Columbia University (I took my son, Nick on a college visit. I’ve never felt smarter than when I stood in these halls)
- Trinity College library in Dublin, Ireland
- Nantucket Atheneum
- Morgan Library in New York, NY
- La Petite Bibliothèque Municipale in Gorbio, France (a treasure in one of my absolute favorite villages) https://www.gorbio.fr/loisirs/culture-animations/bibliotheque/
As of today, I am committed to visiting a library in every new city or town that I visit, starting in Italy next week. Sono così felice di iniziare! Si heureuse de commencer! I’m so happy to begin. Ciao.