Why do we need libraries? I think we need libraries because that is where we moms and dads start our children’s education. And everyone agrees that a good education is the way to prepare our children for the adult world that requires many kinds of knowledge, thought, skill and ambition.
As the Buckland librarian I had the opportunity to read weekly to children, at the Buckland Recreation summer camp, folk tales, bugs, stories of heroes, bugs and sharks. A third-grade girl gave us our motto: “Read Until Your Heart Stops!” Shouted after each reading.
Now retired, I read weekly to a first grade at Four Corners School. I’ve read books about how plants spread, ”Planting the Wild Garden;” about art, ”Magritte’s Marvelous Hat;” about great men of our country, ”Henry Builds a Cabin;” about the great women of our area who provided education for women, ”Tea With an Old Dragon;” about math, ”One Grain of Rice,” and much more.
These books teach, but they also provide food for thought, how we want to live our lives. Think of the fairy tales, tales of kindness, bravery, and persistence. Think of the books about other countries that introduce us to different places, different ways of living and celebrating like the whole Magic Tree House Series.
Libraries are where children learn to love books and learn to love learning. As they learn they are eager to keep learning, and keep seeing the possibilities that life holds for them.
Generations of children, teenagers, adults, and the physically challenged need this new library which provides knowledge, inspiration and fun throughout their lives.
Pat Leuchtman
Greenfield