The first thing I tell people

When we move away, the thing I will miss most will be the library here in Madison. It's the first thing I tell people about who are new to the area.

Since we moved here 3 years ago, my daughter (then 3 years old) and I started going to the Central library every week, catching a bus and walking up State Street to get there. And we came rain or shine or freezing snow. Always leaving with a huge bag of at least 30 or 40 books and a pile of DVDs. only to return them the next week and get some more. I never knew there were so many wonderful children's books. And the books for youth and adults...

Now that she is in school, I still come with my twin boys who are 1 year old, and they love the library already!

I love being able to find almost anything I want or need and put it on hold. I love the bookmobile. I love the 'Too good to miss' table. I love the librarians at Central, who I feel are my friends and know me and my children by name. The summer reading program motivated my daughter to start reading by herself. Sometimes knowing there was a library trip got us through the day or week.

I am so grateful that there is a library accessible by bus, as we don't have a car. Thank you for a place to meet and make friends.

Thank you for access to books and movies that we wouldn't be able to buy. A place to get to in the winter for children going crazy in a small apartment. And all the activities available year round for families and children. Thank you for enriching our lives.

--Tish Solomon, Madison Public Library
(and Dane County Bookmobile) (05/10)