The Possibilities of a Handwritten Name My sister was born almost three years ahead of me. When we were children, that age difference meant my sister enjoyed many privileges before I did. And then the day came when my sister was handed her first library card. She took her pile of books, wrapped in her arms, up to the library desk. She could check them out in her own name. It was exciting and important. I had to experience that for myself! Seeing the yearning in my eyes, I sti

Who hasn’t dreamed of reading in a lighthouse tower? With the world looking so different right now, lighthouses are a reminder of what abides and endures—faith, generosity, illumination and caring. It's a poignant theme for National Library Week this year. And, it sounds wonderful to climb the stairs to read in a lighthouse tower—a place surrounded by the freedom of sky and ocean. A way to enjoy traveling to a different place. With most library doors closed, the updated NLW

My husband and I can never resist a sign that says “library book sale.” On an autumn afternoon filled with brilliant colors and summer-like temperatures, we followed the sign, wondering what books we might find this time. Peter and I walked into a small library in Burlington, Washington. Recently built, it is graced with high ceilings and sunlight streaming in through large windows. We had a good feeling as we headed to the book sale area. After the volunteers greeted us, we

What can the height of a table tell you? Walking into a special children's library of long ago, a small table could tell you a surprising story. At the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893, the Children's Building housed a garden playground on the roof, a wondrous collection of toys from different lands, and a library filled with treasures. And, in that welcoming library, low tables stood at the best height for children to use. Scattered across the tables were bright, current

Dawn streaked the sky with gold and lavender as Assistant Lightkeeper Bel Sinclair opened the tower door. After finishing her watch at the lighthouse, Bel drew the folds of a cloak tighter around her shoulders. The first hint of autumn nipped along the edges of a new day. A little weary after the demands of the watch, she still felt too restless for sleep. She headed to the lighthouse quarters and went up the narrow stairs. A traveling lighthouse library waited for her on the