Never old enough

My father introduced me to the excitement of adventure books about cowboys and explorers and my favourite was Jock of the Bushveldt.

The library in our Junior classroom was a tall wooden cupboard, locked until Friday afternoon when we were allowed to choose one book. The shelves were segregated into books for boys and books for girls. Each week gentle bespeckled Mr Harding was disconcerted when I refused any of the girls books. "They were sissy" and we had a standoff as he tried to stop me choosing a 'boy's book.' I had read all the Biggles books by the end of the year.

I was fascinated by prehistory but the day I presented my choice of books at the local library counter the librarian and I had an upsetting confrontation. I was ten and the librarian said that I was not allowed to borrow books from the adult section. My disgruntled father had to accompany me on Saturday to borrow books with his ticket.

Many years later I had another library confrontation. Different library.

After browsing the bookshelves I went to the counter and whispered "have you any books on childbirth?

Silence, then the librarian said "No. Definitly not?" I asked if she would check and look for me.

A whispered arguement went on for a while and eventually she said they did have books on chilbirth but they were "kept in the back and no - I couldn't see or borrow them" "Why not?" "Only adults can have that sort of book"

I pointed out that this was Tuesday, my baby was due on Saturday and I wanted a book on childbirth.

Red faced she turned on her heel, marched into the back room and returned carrying a pile of books. I thanked her effusively and returned home to horrify myself with accounts and pictures of all the things that could go wrong on Saturday.

Today, a beautiful, colouful library with welcoming helpful staff.

Come on Thursday, Knit and Natter. Children come and sing, listen to a story.

Today no banned books for pregnant Mums. Is there a book on being a good grandmother?