Grandma's Library
A little room in my grandparent's old house affected my childhood. Although
one might refer to this place as a "room" only, my sister and I
gave it a more appropriate appellation: Grandma's Library. I have very clear
memories of my sister and I rushing up the long, carpeted flight of stairs
to our favorite place in the entire house.
Somehow Grandma's Library felt like a magical kingdom, exceptwe never saw
any unicorns or spotted any fairies. Although, we did experience this sensational
feeling, where we felt so content, safe, and happy. Grandma's Library gave
us comfort and entertainment all at once. About four shiny wooden shelves-which
appeared like giant towers to us- held what seemed like hundreds of books
and a few toys and games. The games and toys were stored towards the bottom
of the shelf, so they werealways accessible to two little girls,
eager to play. There were books of every shape, size,and color; too many too
count. There were thick books, thin books, paper-backs, hard-backs, books
with glossy pages, books with faded pages. Each book we read gave us an opportunity
to travel through our imaginations. Each book I read gave me a wonderful
gift, so precious and special. To be able to get so enthralled by a book,
enjoy it, and never want to take your eyes away from the words which are becoming
alive as you read them , is an indescribable feeling.
My grandmother bought most of the books in her library from garage sales.
She loved garage sales and great bargains. She bought each book out of the
love for her grandchildren. Even though these books that we adored
were hand-me-downs, and most of them had writing that said something like
"To Betty: Happy 6th Birthday! Love, Aunt Pauline and Uncle Joe",
we did not care. We were satisfied with these books, and somehow, felt good
because we knew these books had another home and they were being used and
cherished.
Grandma's Library was a place of our own. Of course an adult or two would
come up there every now and then to "check up" on us, but most of
the time it was for kids only. Since there was a white barred balcony with
a wooden railing, my sister and I could poke our little heads between the
bars to look below and observe what was happening in the rest of the house.
It was usually nothing exciting,for Grandma's Library kept us content
and sometimes caught up in a world of books, games, toys, fun, and laughter.
Unfortunately, my grandparent's house was sold several years ago after my
grandma passed away. My family made sure that all of the books
from Grandma's Library were placed into boxes and sent safely to our house.
They are now stored in our laundry room, and I read many of them to my baby-sitting
clients. I still have memories of that magical kingdom and longings too, to
go back. Longings to be a child again, deeply engaged in a book, in the best
place in the world.
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