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What to look for.

My mum took me to Southwick Library when I was 7 years old - 1960-ish.

We weren't a bookish family by any means at all. The only books I remembered seeing at home were the Rupert Annuals which appeared each Christmas. But - bless her - my mum took me down and I joined the library.

I remember a quiet atmosphere and - of course - ranks and ranks of books. I didn't have a clue where to begin. I dimly remember an ancient librarian (probably late 30s) asking me what I was interested in. "Nature" I answered.

She kindly showed me to a set of shelves, and I was left to it. As far as I remember, I chose a book with lots of pictures. The text was largely invisible to me.

I have grown to value libraries immensely. They continue to be a source of ideas and personal flourishing. I always loved the University Libraries I came to know. But local libraries are special. They ought to have died a death under the weight of new media and so on. But they haven't. Instead, they have continually re-invented themselves to meet the needs of new generations. My local Library - Worthing - has made itself a hub within the community, and I enjoy my frequent visits.

And for me personally - rather like telling the time and tying my shoelaces - it started with my mum.

Space to learn and grow.

Library tickets. These little cardboard pockets that you were given upon registering with a library. The date stamp. The page with all the punched ink dates on it for when you had to return the book. The library was important to me due to it was quiet space. I could go and browse the books for hours on end. It was important to me because is where I picked up my first book on how to do word processing. Computers had just started to become familar and it was transitioning from typewriter to word processor. Being able to self study…

3 different Libraries since I had a ticket

My first experience was in the building on the left hand side of St Mark’s Church North Street. I later realised exactly the same sort of “hall” as St Mary’s School attended on the right hand side of St Mark’s Church. It was quite a dark hall with floorboards! Then new Library in North Street by the horse trough and I was allowed to go by myself to get books. I remember liking (not sure of spelling) Bunkle Books and Library seemed very clean and modern! Then of course now “Horsham Library “ with lots of computers and self check…