My Library Story

 

Susan Cook-Scheerer

Co-host and associate producer of ‘daytime’ on Rogers TV

 

Susan Cook-Scheerer"My love of books, and of the library, has continued into my adult years."

 

My library story really began when I was in Grade 7. I remember very clearly the day my teacher, Mr. Anderson, returned a writing assignment to me and said, “Good job. Have you ever thought about writing children’s books?”

 

That simple comment stuck with me – and marked the beginning of my love of the library, in particular, the Children’s Department of the Library.

 

I was always a ‘book person,’ so it was no surprise when my very first job was as a Page in the Children’s Department of the Stratford Public Library. I loved how colourful and lively this area of the library was – definitely no ‘shushing’ enthusiastic youngsters here! Imaginations were allowed to run wild, and I grew more inspired every time I opened a new children’s book. I would happily spend hours after school at the library filing away picture books, familiarizing myself with the Dewey Decimal system, repairing torn book covers, and helping out with children’s programs. Every time I filed away a new children’s book, I wondered if someday a book I had written would one day grace the library shelves.

 

Being part of the library was also a family affair. My grandmother had worked in the Adult Department of the Stratford Public Library for years. My older sister took a full-time job in the Children’s Department after she graduated from high school (she worked there for 7 years before heading back to teacher’s college). One of my younger sisters also became a Page at the library when she was in high school. Apparently, this ‘library-gene’ ran deep!

 

My love of books, and of the library, has continued into my adult years. I have to admit that even now, when I head to the library to pick up a new book or read through a magazine, I still often pop over to the children’s area for a moment, just to take in some of the magical vibe that only seems to exist in that part of the library. And who knows – maybe one day on the shelves, the children’s story that I’ve always hoped to finish, will someday be there.


 

Do you have a story like Susan's?

 

We would love to share your library story with the community.  If the library has touched your life in a meaningful way, please take a moment to let us know about it.  Your story may be an inspiration to others!

 

Please send your story to:

 

Dale Dyce

Coordinator, Marketing and Communications

Kitchener Public Library

85 Queen Street North

Kitchener, ON

N2H 2H1

 

Or email to dale.dyce@kpl.org