Dear Reader

Dear Reader Column 04-16-18

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Have a question? Ask a librarian. They know where to find the answers. But to my amazement, sometimes even librarians get stumped. So it was an unusual twist when Liz, a librarian who reads at the book club, sent an email to me during last week's National Library Celebration.

Reminiscing about books she read as a kid, Liz remembered the titles, all except one. Hoping to connect with a favorite book she read as a kid, Liz wrote...

'The book I read, but can't remember, was a disturbing middle school title with 'Rat' maybe in the title about a boy in juvenile hall, I think. Wish I could find that book. Thanks for the [library week] prompt! It's always nice to hear from patrons.' --Liz C., Penguin Random House, Library Marketing, BOT

So I asked librarians and book club readers to help find the book. And boy-oh-boy, I received boatloads of emails--suggested book titles from readers. I really underestimated the dedication of librarians and book club readers have when it comes to solving a book mystery. And I really, really, underestimated how many books there are with RAT in the title!

Did Liz find the book?

'Hi Suzanne, just checking in with you that I saw the column--thank you again for including my query! I don't think any of the ones [titles] you sent are the book I am looking for. I am going to check with the Malibu Public Library!' -- Liz

So no luck in finding Liz's missing 'RAT' title, but not for lack of trying. I had promised a free book and an apron to the person who located the correct title. But even though none of the book club readers' suggestions was the right title, as a thank you, I decided to do a drawing including everyone's name who took the time to research and send in a suggestion.

Congratulations, the winner is...Cynthia T., Newport News Public Library System.

And kudos to the winners of last week's library giveaways. Your prizes are on the way.

"Just One More Chapter" throw pillow -- Patsy P., The Roddenbery Memorial Library

"I declare there is no enjoyment like reading --Jane Austen" Tote Bag -- Frankie H., Bellevue Public Library, Debbie T., Windmill Library, and Jeannine C., Salina Library

Blue Library Card Coffee Mug -- Leah K., St. Mary Catholic School Library

"What Happens At Book Club Stays at Book Club" Stainless Water Bottle -- Jade V., La Quinta Public Library

Yellow Library Card Zippered Carrying Pouch -- Veronica Z., McAllen Public Library

Thank you to everyone who helped celebrate NLW. Feel free to keep the party going. I've heard through the grapevine a librarian will never turn down a homemade chocolate chip cookie.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 04-13-18

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

It's been a fun week celebrating National Library Week. I hope you have enjoyed our online celebration, but the party's not over yet, I have one more prize to offer.

If you work at a library (or retired from library service), enter to win today's drawing for a Yellow Library Card Zippered Carrying Pouch. To enter the giveaway, click here.

"Growing up we lived in a farming community. Our library was housed in a little storefront next door to the main grocery store, which was close to two miles away from our house. I saved my allowance to buy a basket for my bike. That allowed me to be able to bike to the library, borrow more than one book at a time. Reading from an early age allowed me to have adventures and to become aware of a world outside the small community I lived in. " -- Jan K.

"When I was 20, I went to France with a group from my university to study for six months. On our first weekend, my girlfriend du jour and I headed off to Paris to see the sites. After visiting the magnificent cathedral Sacre Coeur we wandered along a nearby street and came across a small parish church. Mass had ended, but the parish library had a table set up near the entrance. A book caught my girlfriend's eye just as the volunteer librarian was starting to pack up. When she asked if we would like to borrow it, we replied that we were studying some distance from Paris and might not be back soon. "Take it," she insisted. "You will return it someday. And would you like to come for a cup of tea? I live nearby." We gladly accepted both offers and thoroughly enjoyed our conversation in our halting French. I am not sure if my girlfriend ever read the book, but we did return it, and we never forgot how a librarian made us feel welcome in a new land." -- Tom G.

"So many memories, beginning with my then 4-year-old son (now 27!) walking to the local library with me to find a Red Cross Bloodmobile out front. It was sponsored by a motorcycle club, bearded, dressed in leather, whose members had to watch him while I donated inside. More recent, a scavenger hunt held throughout our county-wide library system that took me and my girls, who are in their 20's, on a journey to several neighboring libraries, historical sights, and creative events--what a great way to spend a weekend and learn about all the cool things our local libraries and community have to offer! Thank you for the opportunity to share these great memories!" -- Christy C.

"I don't have a specific, favorite library memory, but I do have a favorite library ritual. I'm a member of twelve library systems in Northern California (it's a long story), and each library has introduced a summer reading program for adults. So for the past couple of years, I've tried to participate in all of them! The activities keep me entertained, I can whittle down the TBR pile, and once in a blue moon I'll win a prize. Of course, my eyes resemble Kermit the Frog's once September rolls around, but somehow that feels like a small price to pay..." -- Elizabeth I.

"I absolutely cherish this time of year in which we get to celebrate our libraries. I still belong to the library district that I did as a child, and in fact, still use the library card with my childish attempt of a signature on the back. What better token history is there than my old, faded library card? Like a passport, it has stamps and stickers from nearly 30 years of reading challenges and author events. I always joke that I know two numbers by heart: my mother's phone number, and my library card account number. Thank you for your book club." -- Kelley S.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

P. S. In Monday's column, we'll hear back from Liz, the librarian, who's been trying to remember a favorite [Rat] book from childhood. Did readers' suggestions help her find the name of the book? We'll also post all this week's library giveaway winners.

Dear Reader Column 04-12-18

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Every day this week in honor of hard working librarians everywhere, and to celebrate National Library Week, librarians (or retired folks from library service) can enter to win fun giveaways. Today's drawing is a "What Happens At Book Club Stays at Book Club" Stainless Water Bottle.

To enter the giveaway click here.

Please send an email to the hard working librarians at your to your local library. Or drop by with a card, a box of donuts, muffins or homemade chocolate chip cookies, shake someone's hand and say a simple, "Thanks for all you do." It will make their day!

Never-Forget Moments From the Library...

"Working in a library that provides the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped... One day I took a book order for a patron. She mentioned that she loved the books and that they had 'saved her life.' I replied with my normal response. There was a long pause, then she said, 'No, you don't understand. I was seriously considering suicide but then the books started coming.' I receive daily validation that the work I do is very important to readers who use their ears or finders to read. What a great job!" -- Sharon R., Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service

"I was a Navy kid and we moved many times. One of the first places I would go in any new town was the library. I would check out the maximum number of books allowed and be back for more before the week was through. When I was eight, my father had been home from Vietnam for a short time. I didn't know it then but he had been doused in Agent Orange and had already begun to die. It took two more years and hundreds more books--books that comforted me in the midst of confusion and anguish--before he passed. To this day, books remain one of the things that sustain me through difficult times, providing escape, of course, but also safe ways to help process emotions that are too big or overwhelming in the moment. A library is a refuge. It has certainly been mine." -- Ray C.

"Reading your mail today got me thinking about some of the wonderful things that happened over the years to me. I work at Robeson County Public Library in Lumberton NC, as the Audiovisual Specialist. I remember this encounter happened on a Friday near closing time. It had been a busy week and my coworkers and I were looking forward to the weekend. Around 5:50 p.m. I was locking up while my coworkers checked out the last patrons. A mother was getting her son ready to leave. He started crying because he didn't want to leave. His mother explained to him that the library was closing and she would bring him back another day. As only a three year old can, he put on a serious face and said I'm staying here. His mom asked what would he do in the library all night. He grabbed my hand, and said I'm staying with her, we can read before we go to sleep. He thought my coworkers and I lived in the library. Suzanne, that is one memory I will never forget! Thank You," -- Lolita M.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

AUTHORBUZZ: With so many new books out every week, we promise these titles deserve your attention:

(Fiction)
DAWN OF SURRENDER by Liliana Hart

(Fiction)
MY DEAR HAMILTON by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

(Fiction)
NOT THAT I COULD TELL by Jessica Strawser

(Fiction)
ECSTASY by Mary Sharratt

Go to: http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader

Dear Reader Column 04-11-18

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

It's a National Library Week party every day this week--lots of fun giveaways for librarians. If you work at a library (or retired from library service), enter to win a blue Library Card Coffee Mug.

To enter the giveaway click here.

A simple "Thank you" means a lot, especially these days. Take a minute to thank the librarians in your city. Drop off a handwritten note to any librarian and ask him/her to share it with everyone. Send an email, bake chocolate chip cookies, deliver a balloon along with a thank you note, or simply walk into the library, shake a librarian's hand and say, "Thank You. Happy National Library Week!"

Readers Love Their Libraries...

"Suzanne, thank you for your great column and all of the sneak peeks. I have very vivid memories of being little and my mom taking me to the library. I loved them then and even now, at 45 years old. It's such fun to discover a book you want to read on the shelf OR even more fun when you get a call or notification saying the book you placed on hold is now in! I am fortunate enough to be able to walk to my local library. My husband talks about moving and when he looks at listings, I say, 'See if the local library is close!'" -- Deana A.

"I started using the library when I was just two years old. I can remember the book mobile driving to our little town on Pine City, WA and my mom and I would walk up and explore the new books, and have a wonderful story time with the librarian. What fun it was to see our library come to us. Now that I am older, I love going to my local library in Cheney, WA and talking to all the librarians. My favorite thing about the library is the librarians, they are so helpful. Many times when I have come in to ask for a book, they know right where it is, or can order it for me." --Lisa W.

"We love our little local library! I have two kids, ages four and two. We walk most of the year to our library for storytime. We love Miss Tammy, who does storytime each week. My kids have grown up there and this year she retired. When I told my four year old that Miss Tammy would no longer be doing storytime she teared up. Libraries have a special place in our hearts." -- Julie L.

"I was probably about 10 or 11... Our old Motorola went on the fritz one day and I was left with nothing to do in the evening. In those days, it was weeks to wait for a replacement part. I rode my bike to the local library to scrounge around. I was never much of a reader but I figured I might find something to entertain me. In my rummagings, I picked up a Nancy Drew book. I was hooked after page two and the rest is history. I was at the library every week dropping off books in the series and picking up the next ones. I gave up play time for Nancy Drew, and so many more authors that followed. To this day, I am so grateful that TV bit the dust! I so enjoy your column and first chapters. Thanks for being a part of my morning ritual." -- Linda M.

Celebrate National Library Week. Say thanks to a librarian in your city.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

** AUTHORBUZZ **

NOT THAT I COULD TELL (Fiction) by Jessica Strawser

Kristin Kirkland's neighbors wish they'd been better witnesses. They were the last people to see her, but now that she's vanished, it's becoming clear they never really saw the truth at all. Not on that last night, when she joined them for too many drinks around the fire, and not before, either--when her days as a working mom and soon-to-be divorcee didn't seem so different from theirs. What begins as a fast-paced romp through a quirky small town leads to deeper questions about friendship, family, and secrets kept behind closed doors--including our own.

Go to AUTHORBUZZ click on NOT THAT I COULD TELL to read more and to email author Jessica Strawser, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 04-10-18

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

"I declare there is no enjoyment like reading --Jane Austen" is the caption on the tote bags I'm giving away to readers today, in celebration of National Library Week. Click on the link below to enter the giveaway.

It's a National Library Week party every day this week--lots of fun giveaways for librarians. If you work at a library (or retired from a library), enter to win one of the several tote bags I have for readers. It's simple to enter, click here.

Please welcome, today's guest author, Tracee de Hahn to the book club. Tracy was born in southeast Missouri, raised in Kentucky and now lives in Virginia. In between, she spent time on several continents, including living in Paris, Venice and Switzerland.

Tracy's current book, A Well-Timed Murder, is the second in the Agnes Luthi mysteries series. Please email and say hello to Tracy and when you do, you'll be entered in a drawing for a copy of A Well-Timed Murder. Email [email protected]

Welcome to the book club, Tracy de Hahn...

I'm preparing for an ocean voyage. Although a lifelong traveler, this will be a new one for me: crossing the Atlantic (both ways) on a ship.

I've always loved to travel. As a teenager, I spent summers on buses traveling to drum and bugle corps competitions. Later, it was toting a backpack through Europe (under the guise of studying architecture). Eventually I realized that every trip was inspiration for a book. Not literally. Seeing me at the Louvre Museum in Paris doesn't mean bodies will start to fall in front of the Mona Lisa. However, each experience adds to the memory bank that simmers in the subconscious to form plots, characters and yes, the places in my stories.

This fall, I'll do the Atlantic crossings--with my Jack Russell Terriers--on the Queen Mary 2. As any weekend fisher knows, being on the water brings an equilibrium to life. Large bodies of water have a power we feel.

When I lived in Venice, Italy we took a vaporreto (waterbus) every day. They were convenient and allowed us to see the facades of the ancient buildings as they were intended to be viewed. When fog arrived, travel by boat was a reminder that we don't have control over the elements. Even on a city canal the boats needed sonar.

I was married in Hong Kong and the Star Ferry between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island remains a magical tie. Since 1888, the ferry has carried passengers between the mainland and the island, between cultures, and between economic systems. Today you can cross by rail and road tunnels but the ferry remains the way to experience the crossing both physically and visually.

My mystery series is set in Switzerland where the lakes are as famous as the mountains. Lausanne, Lucerne and Zurich come alive in a different way when approached from water. Ancient castles, such as Chateau de Chillon are meant to be seen from the lake.

This is all in my mind as I plan my Atlantic crossings. I dream of arriving on the British coast as sailors have for hundreds of years. Seeing land after a week at sea. And of the return to New York where we will pass under the Verrazano bridge, eager for the sight of the Statue of Liberty. For a writer, it is the ultimate chance to dream. It's very likely that I'll come up with a few mystery scenarios while on board. Before any fellow travelers get nervous, don't worry, it all stays on the page.

--Tracee de Hahn

Email [email protected] for a chance to win a copy of A Well-Timed Murder.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

** AUTHORBUZZ **

MY DEAR HAMILTON (Fiction) by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie

Here is the untold story of Eliza, the wronged wife at the center of America's first sex scandal who went on to leave a little-known but profound social and political legacy of her own. We used thousands of Hamilton letters at the National Archives, NYPL, and NYHS to tell Eliza's untold story--not just of her tumultuous marriage, but of her political partnership with Alexander and the way she shaped an American legacy of her own in the decades after he died.

Go to: AUTHORBUZZ click on MY DEAR HAMILTON to read more and to email author Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 04-09-18

AUTHORBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

It's National Library Week and it's a celebration at the book club!

Every day this week I have giveaways for librarians. If you work at a library please do enter. Today's giveaway is a "Just One More Chapter" throw pillow.

To enter, click here.

No doubt about it, we're thankful for librarians. Have a question, ask a librarian. They know where to find the answers. So, I'm asking librarians (and other book club sleuths), can you solve a mystery for Liz at Penguin Random House, Library Marketing?

Ever since Liz sent me the email (below), I've been searching and searching, but no luck yet. Can you find the missing title?

From my email box: "Hi Suzanne,...I do love libraries! And am happy to meet you electronically and praise your good work! I grew up in Malibu and I loved my local library. I tended to gravitate towards heavier themes, even as a kid! I came of age in the era of Linda Blair movies: Born Innocent, Go Ask Alice were my kind of fare. I still love the title Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack! The feeling of a stack of books from the library was like holding worlds in my hands I got to take home! The first book I remember checking out was The Lonely Doll and the last I think I checked out from there was Alan Watts' The Wisdom of Insecurity (ahh high school!). The book I read, but can't remember, was a disturbing middle school title with Rat maybe in the title about a boy in juvenile hall, I think. Wish I could find that book. Thanks for the [library week] prompt! It's always nice to hear from patrons." --Liz C., Penguin Random House, Library Marketing, BOT

Help! Can you solve the mystery and find the title Liz is looking for? If so, send me an email at [email protected]. Thanks for your help. The first person to solve the mystery wins a free book and one of my vintage aprons.

Congratulations to last week's winners. Martin B. is the winner of the second "When in Doubt Go to the Library" tote bag, and book winners are Denise L., Raynore J., Tess C., Anna Q., and Tom G.

Tune in every day and join the party in honor of National Library Week!

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

** AUTHORBUZZ **

DAWN OF SURRENDER (Fiction) by Liliana Hart

This is where it all began. When I started writing the MacKenzies so many years ago, I fell in love with them not because of the heroes and heroines I created, but because of their love, devotion, and loyalty to each other as a family. But where did that love and devotion start? It started with two brothers--one a lawman and the other an outlaw--and the start of a new legacy that would endure for generations.

Go to http://authorbuzz.com/dearreader click on DAWN OF SURRENDER to read more and to email author Liliana Hart, you'll get a reply.

Dear Reader Column 04-06-18

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

A big pan of spaghetti and meatballs--it's magical--because it frequently brings our family together. Memories are being made; I suspect we're even creating a tradition that might be passed down through the generations.

When I was growing up, Sunday noon dinners were magical at my grandmother's house. (Grandpa was there, too. But Grandma did all the cooking.) Roast beef, mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, sweet corn glistening with butter, coleslaw, and raspberry pie for dessert. My grandmother's backyard was covered with raspberry bushes. So many, that everyone in town bought berries from Grandma.

I'm reminded of Grandma's Sunday dinners, cooked with love, every time I walk by Grandmother's china cabinet that now sits in my dining room. The memory of those Sunday dinners encourages me to follow in Grandma's footsteps. But times have changed and opportunities for families to get together aren't as easily found--until I discovered a big pan of spaghetti and meatballs.

Even though at first I felt like I was "cheating," I've come to realize that this grandma can create family memories--more frequently--by letting the chef at the local restaurant cook a big pan of spaghetti and meatballs. I wonder if the folks who own the restaurant realize that their twelve dollar price for a huge carryout pan of spaghetti and meatballs (that feeds our entire family of seven with enough leftovers for another meal), has made such a difference in how often our family can sit down and a have dinner together. (I'm sending them a thank you note tomorrow.)

With the main course taken care of with a simple phone call, I add a salad, garlic bread, and deviled eggs (my grown son steals 3 or 4 out of the refrigerator before the plates are on the table). Voila, it's magic--a dinner made with love, just like my grandmother used to make.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

P. S. Get ready to party, National Library Week begins Sunday, April 8th, and we'll be celebrating all week with fun giveaways.

KIDS BUZZ: Great reads ahead! Your favorite historical figures--Abraham Lincoln and Abigail Adams--are on adventures in the wrong places and the wrong times which makes for terrific fun in Steve Sheinkin's TIME TWISTERS historical fiction series for kids ages 7-10; plus for read-aloud or independent reading, the HOW TO BE AN EARTHLING series: Spork and his friends tackle real-world problems on their way to becoming out-of-this-world Earthlings. For a chance to win a free copy and learn more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

Dear Reader Column 04-05-18

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

It's raining today and my cat has the right idea. He's curled up on a plush, white rug on the bathroom floor--sleeping. When I walked by him he looked so comfy and there was another rug right next to him that looked inviting, so I laid down, threw a robe over top of me, and the two of us fell asleep listening to the rain.

I do confess to occasionally quilting myself and napping on a rainy afternoon, but usually it's on a sofa or on my bed. Sleeping on a rug in the bathroom with my cat--that's a first even for me.

Rainy days seem to give me permission to kick back and take a rest. My "rainy day feeling" consists of being quilted, fluffy pillows under my head, the phone off the hook, the house totally quiet except for the sound of the rain on the roof, a hot water bottle under my feet and a box of chocolate covered raisins--"just in case."

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

Dear Reader Column 04-04-18

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

Today's guest columnist, author Sonya Terjanian, is a novelist and advertising copywriter. During her 27 years in the advertising field, Sonya has created print, television, and online campaigns for brands such as Disney, Bank of America, Helzberg Diamonds, Anthropologie, and Comcast NBC Universal. Her first novel, The Objects of Her Affection, was selected as a Top Ten Crime Fiction Debut by Booklist. Her second novel, The Runaways, was described by Publishers Weekly as an "entertaining and atmospheric exploration of class, choice--and hope."

Please welcome Sonya Terjanian to the book club...

Have you ever noticed that certain smells can transport you to a day in your past, triggering memories with perfect clarity? Apparently that's because the part of the brain that processes smell is close to the center of emotion and memory. And yet, paradoxically, we have trouble putting smells into words. They're hard to describe--which could be the reason fiction doesn't always fully deploy this powerful, evocative sense.

I've been trying to pay closer attention to smells, and to use their associations in my writing. Recently I got a whiff of far-off woodsmoke, which triggered a flood of images I wanted to put down in words.

Woodsmoke: for me, it's a smell that conjures two places, Thailand and India. You notice it the minute you leave the city and find yourself bumping down some dirt road, the sky going hazy purple over the fields, your nose and mouth filling with the dry, papery smell of cooking fires and burning trash. No place I've been in the Western world has ever smelled like that. It's the smell of thin mats on ribbed bamboo floors; tiny bottles of beer; giant leaves like umbrellas; crickets and birds that sing through the total darkness of rural nighttime. It's there in the morning, too, when the roosters and dogs bark you awake and the air is dove grey, a light duvet of mist covering the lawns and fields, the sound of someone pulling crates out of the back of a truck perfectly crisp, awake, and rimmed with promise. Then, when the sun climbs into the day and everything goes hard and shiny, the smell of smoke thins and disappears until supper time. Then the fires are lit again and it's back, mingling with the exhaust of the moped you're riding as you bump down another dirt road to another village, another night, another adventure.

-- Sonya Terjanian

Email Sonya and say hello, [email protected]

To see three of Sonya's photos from India visit, Dear Reader's Facebook page.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]

KIDS BUZZ: Great reads ahead! Your favorite historical figures--Abraham Lincoln and Abigail Adams--are on adventures in the wrong places and the wrong times which makes for terrific fun in Steve Sheinkin's TIME TWISTERS historical fiction series for kids ages 7-10; plus for read-aloud or independent reading, the HOW TO BE AN EARTHLING series: Spork and his friends tackle real-world problems on their way to becoming out-of-this-world Earthlings. For a chance to win a free copy and learn more, see http://www.authorbuzz.com/kidsbuzz.

Dear Reader Column 04-03-18

KIDSBUZZ: Click here to discover new books,
"meet" the authors and enter to win.

Dear Reader,

It's a tradition to celebrate National Library Week at the book club, so to get ready for the upcoming week of celebration, I've asked readers to send favorite library memories. To make things fun I've had giveaway drawings for people who shared their stories.

Drum roll please...the winner of the "When in Doubt Go to the Library" tote bag is Christine S., and book winners are: Millie S., Linda W., Barbara C., Lisa W. and Aren G.

Readers have shared so many wonderful library memory emails, I've decided to keep the pre-party celebration going. I'm giving away a second "When in Doubt Go to the Library," tote bag and more books. Email a favorite library memory and you'll be entered to win. If you entered last week, feel free to enter again this week, too. Email me at: [email protected] and put LIBRARIES LEAD on the subject line.

Library Memories from Readers...

"At my local library, you couldn't get a library card until you were five years old. My siblings and I were avid readers, so my father would let us pick out books that he would then [check out] for us. But oh how badly I wanted to be able to borrow the books on my own. I vividly remember on my 5th birthday, my father took me to the library to get my own card. I remember standing on my tiptoes so I could see the librarian [get] the white card and fill it out. She slid it across the desk to me and told me I had to write my name on it. Because I couldn't reach the desk my father knelt down and held a book for me to use as support. I remember painstakingly writing my name so very nice and neat. I also remember the book I borrowed, it was 'The Witch of Blackbird Pond.' I'm 52 years old and I still go to the library once a week." -- Debora C.

"I work right next door to the Chanute Library in Chanute, KS. I am an avid reader and read a tremendous amount of books a year. Two years ago when I broke my right leg, Susan and Cindy, two of the librarians, would bring my books to my work place. They also keep me advised of the newest Cozy Murder Mysteries and even have me read samples of books to get my opinion on them. My daughter-in-law, two granddaughters, and grandson and I all sign up for the Summer reading program. Since they live 28 miles away, I pick up books for all of them. Love our library and those who work in it." --Joan P.

"Libraries mean a lot to me. My father traveled construction while I was young, so making friends was sometimes hard. However I knew no matter where we went there would be a library. They became my safe spot. Wonderful Librarians fostered my love of books. To this day, a library remains an intricate part of my psyche. Thanks, Suzanne for hosting this wonderful book club. -- Sandi W.

Send your library memories and you'll be entered to win in this week's fun giveaway. Email me at: [email protected] and put LIBRARIES LEAD on the subject line.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
[email protected]