I was at the library the same day he was.
It was his birthday, six years old at last,
which means he can get his very own library card.
He did!
Look at his enormous smile.
I was his preschool teacher.
I loved him, he loved me.
He was a napper, and often fell asleep during chapter reading.
And then it happened.
He sat up straight as an arrow when I read aloud
Little House on the Prairie.
The words connected, his brain was wired,
and he couldn’t get enough.
Words and stories, Jennie Stories, picture books,
and of course chapter reading became his #1.
This is why I read aloud, every day, with passion.
And, at the moment he got his library card.
I was there!
A Teacher's Reflections 
I’m thrilled to know getting one’s library card is still a thrill for these young newbies!
What fun to ‘be there’! Congrats to the new card carrying library user!
Yes, isn’t that just the best?
So lovely 😁
🥰
Lovely!
Thank you, FR!
This is a lovely story, Jennie. There’s no telling where this child will go, and his journey started in the Aqua Room!
Thank you, Dan. This will be a child I’ll keep in touch with, and I agree with you- there’s no telling how far he’ll go. I’m so glad, and this is why I teach.
I love this.
Thank you!
Hurrah for one’s own library card!!! And HURRAH for all that you have done — and continue to do — to plant seeds of curiosity about reading!
Thank you, Will. Yes, that’s what I love to do. Getting your library card exactly on your birthday- terrific!
Thank you, Will!
Getting a young mind interested in reading at such a young age has so many positive benefits – ones that will enrich their future in so many ways…bravo!
Yes, yes! You are spot on, John. My goodness, I’ve been reading aloud for so many years, and it’s always a thrill- for me and for the children. This ‘accidental’ moment of being there seems meant to be. Thank you!
Thank you, John!
Hurray for this uplifting post! I’d forgotten what a big deal it is to get one’s first library card.
Thank you, Liz. The moment was uplifting for me, too! When I walked into the children’s room, there was such a fuss. I’m so glad getting a library card is a big deal!
You’re welcome, Jennie. 😀
It is a big deal. I never had my own library card as a child. I’m so glad this made you smile!
Having my own library card was very empowering.
I bet it was!
My choice of four books a week!
Nice!
How exciting! I hope it’s the beginning of life long library cards.
I have no doubt it’s the beginning of life long library cards. That makes my heart swell! Thank you, Deborah!
I hope so, too!
No greater gift than a lifetime of reading, starting with Little House on the Prairie. Home run, Jennie!
Yes, indeed! Thank you, Jacqui! 🙂
You are so right, Jacqui! Thank you!
I had to print my name to get my first card. I could read way before I could print my name, so it was a real challenge. I remember it still. I had to fit my name on a little line!
What a wonderful memory! This made me smile (a big smile). Thank you, Elizabeth.
I love that story! Thank you, Elizabeth.
Good to hear he wanted that library card so badly. And a huge bonus that you were there when he went to collect it.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete.
Such a smile of joy. Sweet post, Jennie
Thank you, Don.
I love those faces! We are two peas in a pod, Jennie. One of my regular field trips when I taught 2nd and 3rd grade was to take the kids on a field trip to the library. I got applications for library cards for those who didn’t have one yet. It was a magical moment when the librarian passed those out, and the kids realized, I can check out any book here! Who couldn’t love those looks of wonder?
Yes we are, Pete! I bet you remember those library trips like it was yesterday. Wonderful!
Hooray!! Jennie, because of you and your love of reading this young man has learnt the precious joy of books. His smile and pure happiness of receiving his first library card says it all! So glad you could be there too!
I felt like the heavens opened up at that moment. I am so glad I was there! Thank you, Annika.
How special. That card is the key to learning about the world and its people. How special that you were there to see it happen. Love those smiles!
Special is the perfect word! I was so excited and surprised. It felt ‘meant to be’. The smiles are the best!! 😀
😊
It felt very special, Darlene, almost a ‘meant to be’ moment. Thank you.
Sweet post, Jennie
Thank you, John.
😊
He looks so happy
He was!
Yes, he was beaming!
I LOVE this post! What a magnificent moment in time, your smiles say everything that needs to be said!
But, of course, I feel the need to add some thoughts anyway. I also feel that I should begin with this warning : “Not that the story need be long, but it will take a long while to make it short.” – Henry David Thoreau in an 1857 letter to Harrison Blake.
“It happened like this” : Way back in late 1966 or early 1967 (when I was a young nursing school student) my dear Gram sent a book with my usual weekly roll of quarters. The book was the very first novel by Lilian Jackson Braun, “The Cat Who Could Read Backwards”, that had been gifted to Gram by my cousin (another long story). Several decades later that very same worn book became a favorite of my cat loving daughter which eventually led to our library of “The Cat Who” series of 29 books! But more importantly, in 2005 the Polk County Public Library in Columbus, NC hosted a tribute to Ms. Braun. She was the Honorary Chairperson of their “Library Card Sign-up Campaign” and added these memorable words : “A library card is the beginning of a lifelong adventure.” Thank-YOU!
Thank you, Ellen. Your story is just wonderful! What a journey for the book, and what a wise Gram you had. Thank you for telling me. Of course Ms. Braun was absolutely right- love her quote.
Fabulous. A moment to remember – for both of you.
Thank you, Norah!
You are welcome, Jennie.
🙂
Wow fantastic and wonderful to have a new library card. Lovely post Jennie 😊
Thank you, Kamal!
Welcome Jennie 😊
such luck and timing, it was meant to be!
Yes! It really was!
Hi Jennie, this is wonderful!
How wonderful
Thank you, Robbie. It was!
What a wonderful moment… And what a fabulous photo:)).
Thank you, Sarah!
What a cute kid and happy smile. A library card is a big deal, like being all grown up! I’m glad you were there, Jennie.
I was thrilled to be there at his ‘big deal’. It really is like being all grown up! What a smile! Thank you, Diana.
Precious moments. New possibilities. ❤
Yes, and yes! And thank you! ❤️
❤
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Thank you, Stevie!