A narcissus bulb is an opportuity to watch the wonder of nature in action! Needing only a few pebbles and water, the hard brown bulb puts out thick white roots; the tiny green tip tranforms into leaves and flowers. Sharing that experience is a small thank you to the library for the happiness it has brought to my life.

 

 

A long time! About 60 years ago, I came from Brooklyn to this neighborhood to attend Cooper Union Art School and I still love being here. I have the good fortune to live within a few blocks of two of the oldest libraries in the city, Ottendorfer and the Tompkins Square Branch, each has a rich history.

When my daughter was born, the books, phonograph records of music and stories, also the activities at the libraries, became an essential part of her growing years. 

 

I love the small, intimate size of Ottendorfer, the beauty of the interior and the friendly helpful staff.

 

 

Listening to audio tapes and CDs from the library helps me through household chores while providing me with continuing education. I cover a wide range: literature, plays, self help subjects and learned lectures, even children’s books I never got to read. At the present time I am enthralled with Judy Blume’s audiobook Double Fudge; the author herself doing a remarkable job of narration. It is full of humor, a profound study of a family growing and working together. The beautiful prints I am able to borrow from the Mid-Manhattan Picture Collection are the most precious possession in my household. 

 

I always feel that I have received a special present when I pick up items I have reserved.

 

For all these experiences and so many more I am thankful for the library system, one of the greatest treasures of New York City.