From a very young age I’ve felt a passion for reading and a great reverence for the books that hold the mysteries and wonders of our world – real and imagined. Books have been my loyal companions in times of joy and in times of sorrow. This close relationship evolved through time – as a child, my mother delighted in reading magical fairy tales to me. And instead of candy or toys, she would give me books and children’s magazines as a “surprise” gift. She was really good at stretching a dime when it came to our love for reading. As a teenager, I started choosing my own books. Fantasy, romances, mysteries, detective stories – I would try almost anything I could get my hands on. Reading for pleasure was at the top of my favorite things to do.
My reading habits continued through college and into graduate studies. By then, I was reading mostly the classics of Latin American Literature, as well as some new authors recently added to the literary hall of fame.
Through my children, I started experiencing the classics of English literature (from both sides of the Atlantic). Later on, I taught Literature through the lenses of culture – sometimes in Spanish, other times in Portuguese and in English, and once in a French Caribbean literature course in translation. It still gives me an incredible feeling of joy to talk to others about the books I have come to know and love.
Now, I work at a Public Library. Who would have thought? (chuckles). I help people find great reads, I coordinate the adult collection development, and I feel a deep connection to every book that arrives at CDPL – even those that are not on my current reading list. And in order to honor our collection (as well as my passion for books and libraries), this month we created an adult display on the second floor called “Library Books”. This display contains – obviously – items about libraries and about books and the people who love them (like me). Here are a few highlights of some of my favorite items on the display. But don’t take my word for it; come to the library and check them out!
Two of my favorite items on the display are written in an epistolary format: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff (818.5 Han) and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows (FIC Sha). These stories, told through personal letters, are about books and the friendships that are developed because of them. They are uplifting and heartwarming – their lyricism is sure to make one cry. If you are looking for some family night, with popcorn and a film to go with it, checkout The Librarians (DVD FIC Lib, seasons 1-4). This is a fun, action-packed series about a group of librarians who travel through time in order to protect magical historic artifacts. In the mood for a dark fantasy/horror story? The Library of Mount Char by Scott Hawkins (FIC Haw) is the book for you. Described by the New York Times as “a terrific book, full of dark mystery and genuine beauty”, this story is at once petrifying and heartbreaking – you will never look at a librarian in the same way again. Finally, The Library Book by Susan Orlean (027.4794 Orl) recounts the disastrous fire that destroyed the Los Angeles Public Library in 1986 and its aftermath. This is a love letter to books, libraries, librarians, readers and library users. It’s a story full of soul, wit, compassion and all the things one may find in their local library – from books to friendship, and a wealth of knowledge at people’s fingertips. These books and many more are part of our display for the next couple of weeks.
I truly mean it when I say that the library is a great place to be. Give us a call at 765-362-2242, ext. 117 or stop by the Reference desk on the second floor and let us help you find you next book adventure! We look forward to seeing you at the library.
Ivette de Assis-Wilson is the Head of Reference and Local History Department at CDPL
