Happy Anniversary to My Library!

I love all libraries, but the one I love most resides in Saint Peter, Minnesota. It is a beautiful facility with fireplaces and comfy reading chairs. And this library has a story of its own. It was built after a devastating tornado in 1998 destroyed the existing one, along with 2,000 homes and 17,000 trees.

I moved to Saint Peter in 2002, the same year the library opened. When I first visited the library, I had no idea what it meant to people who had lived through the tornado. I simply saw a big open space filled with books, a train table for my toddler to play at, a rocking chair where we could read. It was the most beautiful library I had ever checked out books from.

Yesterday, the library celebrated its 10^th anniversary, and I was honored to take part in a pair of author events and my favorite: a pajama story time. I was able to discuss the craft of writing and the business of publishing with avid readers, educators, and fellow authors. Then I headed over to the children’s area to read about a naughty cat and a sneaky raccoon.

The library was filled with readers munching on popcorn and eating red velvet cake. It was as happy a scene as I’ve ever seen. Forget Disneyworld: The happiest place on Earth for me is anywhere with lots of books and lots of library lovers!

The first time we visited this library, my son couldn't even walk.
Now he rides his bike there by himself and the
librarians refer to him as one of the library rats. 

Happy anniversary, St. Peter Public Library! I’m so glad to call you mine.