What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood library?
By Debbie Smith Wagner
Libraries remind us that there are so many wonderful things in the world. They are a place for not only books, but a whole world of community, knowledge, communication, education, and culture. Most of us have memories of spending time in libraries during our youth. As you read the following reflections from local residents, I hope they spark some memories with your own friends and family, and inspire you to visit to your local library.
“Lived in many places, but my favorite was in Winthrop, Massachusetts, which had a library in the town square. It was like a temple to me.”
– Ross Jennings, Wexford
“At the Rochester Library in Beaver County, I was always amazed by all the great books in their children’s room. It’s where I discovered my all-time favorite childhood book, The Boxcar Children.”
– Jody Mengel-Gulish, Butler County
“Carnegie Free Library was my favorite library when I was growing up. They had the best biographies and such kind librarians!”
– Jody Shugert, Beaver County
“All my life, I either went to or worked in the library. I was five or six when I discovered books and that was the only thing I wanted for Christmas. I’d go with my cousin who also loved books and became a librarian, too. I went to Avalon Library and later worked there, as well as in the North Hills, before we moved to Ohio.”
– Carole Wagner, Aurora, Ohio (former Pittsburgh resident and Debbie Wagner’s mother-in-law)
“Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls was my safe haven when I was younger. I wrote most of my reports there and would spend time reading my homework chapters. I felt safe there and, of course, it was a quiet place to study.”
– Debbie Ferrigno Black, Beaver County
“I practically lived at the Carnegie Library from age four on up. Still love it to this day. I wish everyone realized the value of a library to a free society.”
– Jackie DiCicco Fullen, Beaver County
“I loved story time at Beaver Area Memorial Library. My favorite part was looking at the fish tank. So pretty and calming!”
– Paula Soto, Beaver County
“My favorite part of Northland Public Library was the fish tank in the children’s section. Kids would gather at the library every day after school and play on the hillside. I was lucky to go to school right next to the library. I would go to the yearly $5 bag of books sale with my mom and grandma. The last time I was there, I scored a hardcover version of Shel Silverstein’s Where the Sidewalk Ends. A great vintage book that I now enjoy sharing with my nephew!”
– Erika Schaltenbrand, Pittsburgh
“My momma didn’t drive and my dad worked a couple jobs, so I wasn’t introduced to a library until high school. I was a member of the library club and worked there. One of my favorite books was Black Beauty. To this day. I am a book worm.”
– Nettie Doutt Chaffee, Beaver County
“I loved the New Castle Public Library. I was eight years old when I first discovered that I could find so many books there about things I liked, check them out and take them home to read. Libraries have always been dear to my heart.”
– MJ Isles McCurdy, Butler County
“When I was a kid, I went to the Oakley Library in Cincinnati for story time. It was such a magical place. I’d walk in and feel so comfortable. We had a wonderful librarian who would act out the characters in all the books. We always had a snack and we were able to play with the puppets in the room, which was a blast! I’m still a big library buff and I don’t think that will ever change.”
– Debbie Wagner, Beaver County
Vintage Debbie is a vintage history buff and performance artist with a unique style of era-specific music, dance and dress. She entertains area seniors through an interactive and fun music memory experience in Beaver, Lawrence and Butler counties. To learn more, follow Vintage Debbie’s World on Facebook, search Vintage Debbie’s music videos on YouTube, or view videos of her performances by visiting pittsburghseniornews.com. To book her for an event, email wagner.debbie@ymail.com.