When I was a kid I pretty much lived at the main branch of the Brookline Public Library. I had a favorite librarian, named Doris, and I knew every nook and cranny of the children’s department (which is different now.) I made little forts for myself under tables and chairs and read all day, every … More Library Story: pronunciation is arbitrary
I grew up in Belchertown Ma, near the Quabbin Reservoir. My street, Old Enfield Road ends in the water of the reservoir, and you can see the pavement trail off under the water. That’s because the town of Enfield Ma (along with 4 other towns) were demolished in the 1930s to build the Quabbin Reservoir (which … More Library Story: Wash
When I was writing my first novel, more than 20 years ago, the Brookline Library had a secret stash of books, the stacks. They took up all of what’s now downstairs. If you were very nice to the librarians, they’d let you explore the stacks. It was a magic world for me, full of shelves … More Library Story: a rarity recovered
All the good books are on just one shelf. — C. Blanding Children’s Graphic Novels Lower Level, Main Library
It is almost eleven and a mere two hours since I have washed the breakfast dishes and emptied the drainer, replacing my coffee mug, (Guilford College Mom) and Mark’s (Smithsonian Bug Mug, memento of a playful trip to DC) in the crowded cabinet that holds our tenderly mismatched assortment. Like us, they are a bit … More Library Story: Swoon, a domestic reprieve
My library story involves my mom and dad. Years ago when i was was 2 or so, mom suspected dad was cheating on her. When she finally had proof and knew the truth, she confronted him in the library and threw her wedding ring at him. She always talked about how it ping, ping, pinged … More Library Story: Ping, ping, pinged
An older man once embarrassed me in front of a group of people when he announced I was a sculptor, asked what the monument outside was about and by whom, and then shamed me when I didn’t know. I still don’t. — anonymous Sculpture, large print Fine Arts Reading Room Main Branch
While a student at Runkle School, in the late 50’s, our music teacher, Ursula Feychek, inspired us with the love of music. One of the ways she had us really pay attention to a piece was to introduce the sound of an instrument and then have us listen to it within a composition. We … More Library Stories: Feeling the Music
In 1989 if you wanted to do research you had to go to a library. The internet was unimaginable though only a few years later it appeared as if out of no where. So in 1989 with the intention of researching graduate schools, I headed to the main branch of the Boston Public Library. In … More Library Stories: Everything That Rises Must Converge
The Public Library of Brookline 