Library Adventure

Library Adventure

I have always been an avid read, so much so that when we were kids and sent to bed, I’d pull out a flashlight and continue reading under the covers until caught.

People in Muskegon know Hackley Public Library. I have fond memories of the Hackley Public Library in Muskegon, MI. I used to spend hours there. For those that don’t know it, it’s an 1800s era building financed by Charles Hackley, a lumber baron of the era. As you enter the building, one would turn right and go into the main library. The ‘youth’ library was upstairs at the end of a winding staircase.

Trying not to sound like I am bragging, but my mom had me reading tested in 5th grade and was told I had an 11th grade reading aptitude. I was almost enrolled in a speed reading class at the local community college until the school decide to not allow me to take the class. This was in 1970.

In any event, I had pretty much maxed out my use of the ‘youth’ section of the library. One day I went to the library and as I entered the foyer, I opted to turn right and go into the main library rather than climb the stairs to the kid’s section. I was a bit nervous.

The elderly librarian was standing at the counter as I walked by. In hindsight, it was a bit like Frodo and Sam entering Mordor and having the gargoyle scream as they passed. I thought for sure she was going to stop me and make me go upstairs. But she didn’t and a whole new world of more advanced literature opened up. Intricate science fiction, Henry Miller as I got into high school, philosophy, and yes, Tolkien in junior high.

I only rarely read fiction now. I mostly read non-fiction, but the right fiction will catch my eye. I read Game of Thrones first five books on my mobile device while living in Shenzhen China in 2015- kind of like an adult Lord of the Rings for me at that point and quite fun! Last year I read “The Secret Guests” — a sort of light thriller in which, fictionally, the British Royal Family send princesses Elizabeth and Margaret to a country estate in Ireland to avoid the German bombing and the IRA catch a wiff and plot to kidnap them. I didn’t see the ending coming, which I really like- when it isn’t predictable.

Anyway- Hoping YOU enjoy reading as much as I do.