It amazes me every time I pick up and read a good book.  Why?  Because I am like a little kid who has figured out what reading is for the first time. Every time I read a good book, or even a great book, I am hardpressed to put it down.  I'll pretty much let the kids do whatever they want just so I can finish my book.  That doesn't make for great mom material, but at least I am modeling good reading.  Right?  Regardless, I have been enjoying little trips to the library to get my hands on good books.  I have read a fun book, an emotional book, cook books, picture books, books about potty training, and books that keep me up-to-date in my profession.  I have just forgotten how much a good book means to me!  I have finished 2 books in 2 days. Working on one that I thought would be a bit more riveting, but I am finding it hard to get into.  I'm interested in, though, to keep going. 

So my other obsession these days, besides reading and finding good books, is going to the library.  I want to state that I LOVE the library.  However, my local library is not a fun place to visit.  The selection of books is not great, there are no displays, and it's just not welcoming.  What saddens me about this is that I should be visiting this library.  But I am not, at least not frequently.  I visit a neighboring library that has been undergoing renovations for more than a year.  It is finally moving back and going to open in July!  Aside from rambling on about this, I want to point out why I love this library.  You walk in and it's bright.  That's always a plus.  Second, there are book displays everywhere!  This is important in drawing in any reader!  I LOVE displays!  There are a wealth of new books, current books, old books, fun books.  There are just books everywhere!  I feel like I am at a bookstore when I am here.  I am happy to patronize this library because it does feel like I am shopping for a great book.  Only,. I don't have to pay.  Unless, of course, I have a fine, which I often do.  Heck, this library is not down the street and drop off with 2 kids in the car is not convenient.  Yet, I am happy to pay the fine for a selection of great books. I have to wonder, do you visit your library?  What is your library like?  Does it encourage you to read every book on the shelf?  

We have been doing the summer reading log with our local library.  I find that my daughter takes a bit more convincing to read a book these days.  My 2 1/2 year old son, on the other hand, loves to sit and read.  He often says he'll read the book, but if he's not familiar with the story he says "you say it."  My favorite is when he recites This is Not a Pumpkin.  He uses the same inflection and voices that I do when I read it.  He also enjoys reading Where the Wild Things Are. He flips through the pages and tells me what he remembers, although it's usually only 3 pages of the book.

Today's trip to the library was a bit challenging.  I had a difficult time finding texts that would be interesting to him.  We settled on a bug book written in rhyme.  I had to visit a neighboring library to really get a better selection of books. However, while there and perusing the shelves, I realized how many books are really unappealing to boys.  Just the graphics on the covers and the font don't indicate to a young boy, "Pick me!" or "I'm just what you're looking for."  While I am sure there were several good books on the shelf to choose from, I was not impressed with what I saw at first glace, from a boy's point of view.

Then, there is my daughter.  As I have said before,she is entering kindergarten in the fall.  I am a reading teacher and try to guide her without pushing her.  She makes it very difficult to model choosing good books when the only ones she will readily pick off the shelf are those that are pink, purple or have princesses on them.  I mean, this is not how we are really supposed to choose books. But for now, I will indulge her because it's what she wants to read.  And isn't that what counts?