If you were to start your own memory library, which would be the first book you choose, and why? Have you considered starting a memory library for someone else since reading the book?
Absolutely… I would love to start a memory library for my goddaughter and share nuggets of wisdom with her.
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I have never thought of this! The books would depend on who the library was for. And if I was Sally, I would have sent those books to Ella every year!
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In a way I have done this. I have all my daughter’s “ baby books” which I still adore btw. The most special ones for b days , or most favorite etc have little notes to her written inside the cover. I often bought and buy her books still and always write inside the cover. This year was our first Christmas apart and I sent her her gifts , and of course many were books I had picked out especially for her, and each one has an inscription. She was tickled I still took the time to write inside each one. It’s not exactly the same but someday once she has her own house she will take her “ baby books” and fav teenage books to her own new home and will always have a part of me with her. I’m blessed to have a few special books I remember from my childhood my mother gave to me and they are very special.
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I would enjoy starting a memory library for my seven year old granddaughter. The Velveteen Rabbit would be the first book I’d choose to begin her library.
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I have done this for my children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Some of of the books I loved as a child are no longer appropriate, but some have withstood the test of time, Stuart Little, Little Fur Family and would be the first in the library. I was a children’s bookseller in the 80s and 90s and was thrilled to see and gift a new wave of gorgeous children’s books. Now, I am a volunteer librarian for an organization that provides free children’s books to teachers in schools with high levels of poverty, and I revel in these wonderful titles: Big, Born on the Water, An American Story, which have widened my horizons. I guess that has become the determinant for my choices now - what will change or broaden perspectives.?
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I’m not sure which would be the first book I would choose for a memory library. Have to think more about that! I do wish I had done this with my own children. If I had grandchildren, would do it with them. I have a Christmas book that a great aunt gave me when I was very little. The story isn’t a famous/important one, but it still touches me that she wrote a very simple inscription in the front.
My first book would be Pippi Longstocking! I must have read it 100 times as a young girl! I believe she continues to be an independent, individualistic role model today!
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Gone With the Wind would be my first book to add. It was one I read over and over as a teen, getting lost in the majesty and history of days of old. Seeing it as an adult I certainly see the issues with that era but as a young teen, after seeing the movie and the constantly rereading that book I wanted my Rhett Butler to come in and be my happy ending.
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I have given the old book, Mr Willowby’s Christmas Tree by Robert Barry, first printed in 1963. It was special to my children, and I read it each year to my class while teaching. I have given it to every niece, nephew, neighbor,relative and friend on their first Christmas to start their library. I even sent one to my great niece’s new baby. That book has been in my library since I first found it. I take it out every Christmas to read.
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Yes, I like the idea of a Memory Library. I built such a library for my niece, Kate with books I enjoyed I hoped she would enjoy as well. Although I spent countless hours reading books to Kate as did her great grandmother and grandmother, including countless visits to the Library, Kate did not become a reader or enjoy trips to the library. Heartbreaking for us, as we all loved to read and visit our local library.
I would love to start a library for a young friend, gifting her the books i greatly enjoyed. The age span would be between 6-18. I would gift her the following titles; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, any books illustrated by Richard Scary, the Little House books, Charlotte’s Web, the Girl Scout Handbook, Gone with the Wind, Forever Amber, The Great Gatsby, the Mouse in Times Square, Heidi, Tale of Two Cities, and one of my grandmother’s great favorite - Dicken’s Christmas Carol.
I have also given piano students some of my most favorite piano music for their libraries and enjoyment. A quick list would be The Pink Panther, the Linus and Lucy theme song, Bone Sweet Bone (my first recital piece), Clementi first 6 Sonatinas, Carol of the Bells, and finally When You Wish Upon a Star.
I agree with my fellow readers regarding the idea of gifting and building a library for those you love. Imagine how rewarding it will be to hear the books that you so loved being read back to you. Enchanting!
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