Ewell Village Library with Grandpa

Grandpa lived with us and took me for my first visit to the library when I was four years old. It was love at first sight! Everywhere seemed to shine, brightly coloured reflections on the polished floor from stained glass doors, polished floors and oh, the towers of coloured book spines. I was introduced to the library assistant who showed us the children's section and gave me the wondrous news that I could choose any book and take it home! She wrote me out my own library card (it made me feel very important!). I can't remember the title of the book I chose, but I remember being enchanted that the clever owl in the story couldn't say "I expect so" and instead said "I 'spec so." I've been saying it now for over 75 years!! Thereafter, Grandpa took me every week. He would go in the Reading Room where the gas fire and newspapers were, and say to me "Now, you know where I am, so take as long as you like and I'll be here when you're ready." I would rush into the library, hand in my book and head for the children's section. I would take a book, lie on the cold, but highly polished, floor (which was never dusty) and read to my heart's content. When I later went to find Grandpa, he was always fast asleep with the Financial Times over his face! I realise that Ewell Library was tiny, but the happiness of those days have remained with me always and I think libraries are the most magical places where you can dream dreams and make them come true.