#Our Reading Lives

Our Reading Lives features stories about how books and reading have shaped who we are and how we live.

I Was the Library Ghost

One woman's fond recollections of her time as the library ghost and her first job shelving book at her middle school library.

Beverly Cleary Writes the Books About Us

In honor of the 102nd birthday of Beverly Cleary, one reader writes about the Ramona Quimby author's talent for speaking to the everyday lives of kids and adults like us.

Genderqueerness in the Library

A reader recounts “Genderful! Exploring Gender Through Art,” presented by the Brooklyn Public Library, and writes about the impact and importance of events around genderqueerness in public libraries.

Keeping Your Personal Library Collection…at the Public Library

Through the magic of communal ownership everyone can enjoy a fabulous, big personal library like the Beast's--and we don't even have to do the work to maintain it!

Reading Harry Potter to My Kid is Not Working Out As Planned

I thought reading Harry Potter to my kid would be magical, but sometimes the magic just never happens.

Support Your Library During National Library Week

Celebrate National Library Week with millions of others by visiting you local library and promoting their great programs and services.

Let’s Celebrate National Library Week!

It's the American Library Association's National Library Week, and we're celebrating by throwing love at libraries this week.

Keeping Quotes: The Story of my Quote Wall

Do you have a favorite way of collecting book quotes? For one reader, it's a whole quote wall.

Reading to Your Baby: The First Six Months

What makes reading aloud fun? Well, it helps when your baby starts paying attention. One reader discovers the importance of rhyme, cadence, and colour when reading to your baby.

Peterson’s Field Guide to The Atlantic Seashore by Kenneth Gosner Is Actually A Guide to Life

"I'm not a traditionally religious person, but Peterson's Field Guide to The Atlantic Seashore is scripture for my kind of faith..."