Goblins, Books, and Love

February 13, 2013

The first book I fell in love with had goblins, a tunnel, and lots of enchantments. No, it wasn't The Hobbit; it was Shadow Castle by Marian Cockrell.

I was just 10 years old and the paperback book, with a princess and a mysterious castle on the cover, captivated me so much, I've never forgotten it. Back then, my small Wyoming town boasted a small school library with three rows of shelves and a town library of comparable size. Later, the town fathers purchased a closed car dealership, and the library quadrupled in size.

Then, in sixth grade, a wonderful thing happened. One day when Mr. Elliott passed out our Weekly Readers, we found the first book order forms inside. Somehow I convinced my parents I needed nine of those books, and to my surprise, they bought them all for me. The total came to something like $3.30. Books were cheaper back then.

When I told my granddaughter about my literary coup, she thoughtfully replied, "Is that true?" Yes, and I still remember the thrill of having my own books.

I reread Shadow Castle just last year. I was prepared to be a little frightened by the goblins. Actually, I looked forward to some goose bumps. But it didn't happen. I'm not sure if that was surprising or disappointing. Nevertheless, those memories are delicious.

One of the rewards that comes from working at the Library is seeing the many book lovers who come visit. Recently, a young girl and her mother came up to the youth desk to check out books. When they were done, the little girl took her Library card and pressed it to her chest. "I'll keep it," she told her mom. I like to think that she was pressing it to her heart.

She's got a great ride ahead!

Norma K.
North Independence Branch