D.A., Bala Cynwyd

I moved to Bala Cynwyd from West Philadelphia three years ago. One of the first things our family did was visit the Bala Cynwyd Library. I remember thinking that this library was the largest that I had ever seen. I especially remember my encounter with the librarian on that first day.

Back then, I was at the stage where I could never find an interesting book to read. I would walk down the aisles of books with a lost expression on my face. The librarian saw me wandering in the library. She asked me, “Do you need help?”

“Yes,” I replied shyly, “I can’t seem to find a book that I want to read.”

“What kinds of book do you like to read?” she asked.

“I like historical fiction, like Little Women.” I replied rather proudly.

She laughed and said, “Oh, then I have the perfect books for you.” She led me towards the back of the library, a place I had not noticed before. She showed me two series of books called My Dear America and The Princess Diaries. I thanked the librarian and checked out one book from each series.

I read these books and really enjoyed them. Now reading has become a favorite hobby of mine. I have moved on to read many other kinds of books. But I have never forgotten my first day in the library when the librarian was so kind to me.