The library has always been a friend to me, a place to explore and enrich my mind. Growing up my local library in Brockton, Massachusetts, was a haven. The library was safe, full of knowledge and technology, and It cost nothing to borrow a book that transported me to a faraway place. I loved all books, but my favorite was probably The Golden Treasury of Children's Literature. I still have my own copy.
When the first Xerox machine came to the library, it cost a few pennies to use; I got kicked out for the day for photocopying my face. During my high school and college years, the library helped me write many research papers using microfiche at the time.
When I homeschooled my children, we were at the library multiple times a week. Wherever our learning took us, we could find new ideas and special programs to enhance our experiences in the classroom. My absolute favorite memory was the Harry Potter event at C Burr Artz Library. The staff dressed in character, making it a spectacular experience for kids and adults.
My children give me immense pride and joy; my twins are 28 now—one an engineer, the other a Speech Pathologist. My husband Paul and I have been Frederick County residents since 1999. My husband says I have too many books in the house, so I sneak them in with various shoe purchases. Who doesn't love shoes!
I’m a realtor for RE/MAX, and when I'm not with family or helping people with Real Estate, I like baking bread or tending to my olive tree, fig-trees, and garlic, among other flora on the property.
I support the library because I believe in its power to calm the chaos and impart wisdom to all who wish to find it there. Prejudices and old thinking are rewritten, forgotten, or challenged. The library breaks down barriers for all who want to expand their minds. Our tax dollars are well spent, but private donations support these wonderful programs. I’m happy to be a part of that.
This grassroots approach to free learning is what I deem the single most important aspect of libraries. The books aren't censored; they are just there like old friends waiting to be joined.
Each quarter, Frederick County Public Libraries features a story from a library lover. The stories, written by our donors, share their personal accounts of what the library means to them. Are you interested in sharing your love story? Contact our FCPL Development Officer at jel-zeftawy@frederickcountymd.gov.