I used to go to the library a lot when I was in elementary school and junior high. My dad would drop me off after school and pick me up again when he got off work. I’d borrow a huge bag of books each time. I guess I would read one book a day.

As I got older and had less time to read, my time spent at libraries was only for doing research for essays and projects. In fact, I think the only books I read were textbooks. And when I finished school, I stopped going to libraries altogether!

But I loved reading for fun as a kid. And I still love looking in bookstores. I don’t go anymore because I always buy books and not read them.

After I saw Iris Chang: Rape of Nanking, it inspired me to read the book. I did find it online, but money is tight right now.

I decided to check online to see if my public libraries had any copies, and they do!! To put the book on hold, I needed a library card. My old library card expired a long time ago, so I applied for another one.

Actually, last year, I applied for a library card but I never picked it up.

Last night, I went to the library to pick up my card. I guess I hadn’t been to that library in almost 10 years?? So much had changed. I was EXCITED to be there. The check out was replaced by Account Services and self check-out kiosks!! I was so EXCITED to see all the books set up like a book store!!

I didn’t have much time to stick around, but I looked at a few sections and took out a couple of books (to at least see if the card worked). I can’t wait to go back! With the writer’s strike going on, hopefully I will have time to read more books!!