When was the last time you visited a library?
Can you remember the last time you picked up a book to read? Maybe it’s been a week, a couple of months, or maybe even going on years. Or are you an e-book reader? I get it. In the day and age of technology, it’s so easy to be consumed in screen time instead of face-to-face interactions or physical contact with someone or something other than… well, your phone.
Nostalgia for the Past
Even though I don’t feel as young as I still am (can’t imagine what I’ll say when I actually hit the higher digits lol), I am grateful for the era that I was born in. For my fellow Millennials, you know exactly what I mean. We still caught the bit of the world where you couldn’t wait to go home to jump on the computer (yes, an actual CPU) and log into MSN Messenger just to talk to your friends or your crush. How about waiting for your favorite song to play on the radio so that you can record it on your phone to either use as your ringtone or to listen back for searching purposes on Limewire. Ohhh the list goes on and on but to me, those were the days. For my Baby Boomers and Generation X’s, what’s something from your era that you miss?
All that to say, I remember the days in primary school when I would visit the school library to check out a book. It was in a trailer that was converted to a library and I remember loving to go in there because it was the only place (other than the principal’s office or preschool) that had AC 😂. But I distinctly remember the books having the index card with the holder at the back of the book where the librarian would search for your library card, stamp it with the date that the book was taken out, then stamp the return date on the index card in the book (I think that's how it went 🤔). Such a memory that I hadn’t realized has stuck with me for so many years.
My Visit to the Sir Charles Hayward Library
I’ve passed the Sir Charles Hayward Library on the island multiple times, even stopped to take the above photo for my photo recreation series (post can be found here). But I hadn’t stopped until this week. With the library being adjacent to the hospital, I was nervous that I wouldn’t have found a parking spot but today was my lucky day. When I walked in, I honestly was expecting flashbacks but sadly they did not come. But! The feeling of being in a library/bookstore engulfed me (if you know you know). I’ve always had a weakness for bookstores, in particular Barnes and Noble, with hours ticking by and not realizing. The same happened in this library.
They had a summer camp going on so I was unable to take a peek at the children's side but the adult side was open for business. With the summer camp going on and patrons in and out, it was not the quietest (no shhhh from the librarian as seen in movies haha) but it still felt very nostalgic. I'll remember to toss my headphones in my bag for next time, just in case.
I noticed computers at the entrance, and along the right side of the wall, chairs along half of the back wall, and a seating area in the middle with just rows and rows of books surrounding. Where to begin?
I took a hard left and walked each aisle one by one, taking it all in. I found my teenage favorite writers, Nicholas Sparks (romance) & James Patterson (mystery)—I figured it was only fitting to check out one of each. Before I was about to make my way to the information desk, I saw a book that seemed more fitting—Finding Me by Viola Davis. Even though they allow late return once you call, I figured I would pace myself and hold off on Nicholas Sparks since I've already eyed a few more books for my next visit! 😆
My absolute favorite part of my library adventure was noticing that they still kept a little bit of old school flare. Can you guess what it is? While looking at books, I noticed on the back inlet was a card holder. When I asked the clerk about it, she informed me that everything is now electronic. But to my surprise, after checking out my books, I noticed that the 'Date Due' card was placed in the card holder! As simple as that was (I'm a sucker for the little things), it made my day.
Library Membership Details
If you are interested in checking out a few books yourself, take a drive downtown to the library. Membership is required in order to take out books which is $30.00/year and allows a maximum of 4 books checked out for 2 weeks. The late fee for return is $0.50/day; however, if you would like an extension, just give them a call and they will extend it for another 2 weeks. In addition, computer access is also available for $2.00/hour along with copying/printing in color for $0.50/page and $0.25/page for black and white.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting the library has rekindled a unique experience that I had forgotten. It’s not just about reading, it’s about the nostalgic charm that reminds us of simpler times. Whether you're a regular visitor or it's been years since you last stepped into a library, I encourage you to take a moment to explore one near you. You might be surprised at the treasures you find and the memories you uncover.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored or affiliated post; all opinions are my own.
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I'm with you in the Library...the visuals...the dancing in my mind, the spark to my imagination...the feel of the books, the atmosphere! Totally captivated, Mind and Spirit!