Marcia Strykowski
Where else can you borrow hot-off-the-press books for a few weeks absolutely free? And lots of brand new movies on DVDs and audio books on CDs, as well (did I mention free?). Many people think they’ll only find musty old books at their public library, but if your library is anything like mine, we are constantly weeding and updating our collection. 
Throughout this post you’ll see pictures of books we’ve recently added to our library. I’ve chosen technology books to share, but of course there are just as many new books in other subjects, such as cooking, knitting, politics, and medicine. And tons of fiction, too. 
But, you say in protest, ‘I like to read eBooks’. Free downloads of hundreds of hot books are available through your local library. Is your home computer on the fritz? Go to the library and use their free computers. If you’d like to print something out, be prepared to dig down into your pockets for a dime or two. 
Perhaps you’ll enjoy one of the ongoing art exhibits while you’re there. This month at my library, we have beautiful award-winning Chinese oil paintings. The artist has a unique way of recreating traditional styles. He also makes all his detailed paper frame mats by hand. 
During your visit you might want to check out your town’s history or even your own ancestry with library-edition resources. 
As you can see, libraries are constantly building a strong community and supporting local culture. Groups come to our library to play bridge, Wii games, meet an author, participate in support groups or book discussions, attend technology and employment sessions, watch a movie on a huge screen while munching popcorn, use a quiet study room, or to just hang out. 
Others dash in for a quick FAX or to have something notarized. Someone else may pop in to borrow our giant telescope for a week of stargazing. Maybe you’re planning a trip to a museum or other local attraction—check out the huge discounts at your local library. If you don’t see a book you want on the shelves, please ask. Not only will a librarian know where it’s hiding, but they are happy to borrow it for you from another library. 
And at the massive annual book sales you can buy a good read and keep it forever for only 50 cents (we have ongoing books for sale in our lobby, too). Come on in and support your local library, a safe place to freely gain access to all you want to learn. Bring your kids in, too. We have amazing children’s programs and even a special craft and story-time for adults with disabilities. Reading is the greatest bridge to understanding that everyone in the world has commonalities—we are more alike than we are different. 
Oh, and don’t bother shushing your kids on their way into the library, it’s just not like that anymore—libraries are bustling centers of the community—access to the arts and knowledge for all. What’s happening at your library?
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Call Me Amy made the ShortList!
Call Me Amy chosen for 2014 Best Books of the Year!
Keeping the Blogisphere a Beautiful Place
Spirit Animal Blogging Award
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Call Me Amy Book Trailer
Great Reviews for CALL ME AMY
“Well-drawn, sympathetic characters and the developing spark between Amy and Craig combine to create a pleasant, satisfying read.” –KIRKUS
“Strykowski lovingly captures seaside Maine and the travails of adolescence in her quiet, sweet-natured debut novel.”—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“Strykowski ably depicts Amy’s insecurity and self-doubt, Craig’s bravura and pain, and Miss Cogshell’s wisdom with a deft, convincing touch. In essence, Amy comes of age as she fights to find her voice in the outside world and shed some of her debilitating insecurity. Readers will cheer her on, and her splendid team, too.” –BOOKLIST
"The protagonist grows throughout the story, from a shy loner to having two friends and speaking her mind in front of her adversaries at school as well as to the whole town. …Amy is a reliable narrator and easily relatable.” –SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
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More Praise
“To do a good deed, we can find friendship in the most curious of locations. “Call Me Amy” is a novel from Marcia Strykowski following the struggles of Amy Henderson, who finds an injured seal and seeks to nurse it, with the help of a scorned aging woman and an unusual youth. Set in the early 70s and exploring the essence of loneliness, “Call Me Amy” is a powerful read that should prove so very hard to put down, highly recommended.”—MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
“This is a wonderful YA tale for the simple fact that it shows one and all that the power and courage to stand up and be heard in this life comes from within. And that no matter who you are, you have that toughness inside your soul. Craig has a lovely heart that hides behind that sarcasm he aims at the world, and he will remind every small town girl about that quiet boy she fell in love with long ago. ‘Old Coot’ brings the fun and humor along with her, and Pup is the sweetest creature in the world. Having all the ingredients of first love, faith, loss and strength makes ‘Amy’ unforgettable.” —FEATHERED QUILL
“For Amy, 1973 has been a lonely year, her only friend moved away and she feels awkward around her classmates. Until one day Amy discovers that Craig, another classmate, has rescued an injured seal pup. Amy agrees to help him and together they hide the pup at Miss Cogshell’s house, the odd old lady most kids call “Old Coot.” Amy learns that people aren’t always what they seem to be, and she forms a friendship with Craig and Miss Cogshell. A great story about friendship and doing what you think is right.” —KIDSBOOKSHELF
“For those ages 8 to 12, Call Me Amy by Marcia Strykowski will resonate with familiar themes of growing up. The year is 1973 and for Amy Henderson, it has been a lonely one with too many awkward moments to count. When she finds an injured seal pup, she rescues him to rehabilitate him. In the process she forms an unlikely alliance with Craig, a boy around her age, and an older woman in town. With their help she discovers that people aren’t always what they seem despite what others may think of them. This is a story filled with many elements that will appeal to younger readers and I highly recommend it.”—BOOKVIEWS.COM
"A wounded seal pup propels 13-year-old Amy Henderson into an unlikely alliance with an unusual older woman and a mysterious boy in a small Maine fishing village. Readers will cheer for Amy as she protects Pup, gains confidence, faces challenges, and comes up with an idea that could change not only the future of her village, but also, her own life. With a skillful hand, Strykowski introduces us to a small town with memorable characters and the girl who could bring them all together." ---Anne Broyles, award-winning author of PRISCILLA AND THE HOLLYHOCKS
"In a small town in Maine in the 1970's, Amy is standing on the brink of becoming a young adult. The events that will force her to discover who she is, what she is made of and how she wants others to perceive her are sweetly told through awkward teenage moments, the triumphs and sadnesses of that age and ultimately, Amy's discovery of her own beliefs, strength and courage." ---Kathleen Benner Duble, acclaimed author of THE SACRIFICE
“Call Me Amy is exactly the type of book I love. The characters are relatable and likeable; they are individuals that the reader enjoys getting to know while watching them change and develop. The setting of the small Maine coastal town is idyllic, and the reader is quickly and completely immersed in this community. Although the novel takes place in the 1970s, it feels timeless. Young readers will readily associate with Amy’s struggles and triumphs with her relationships with family and friends, and mature readers will be gently nudged back to this period in their life. These universal qualities make this novel a perfect choice for many types of readers. As a Youth Services Librarian, I would enthusiastically recommend Call Me Amy to our young patrons as well as to a more adult audience. Because it can be enjoyed on so many levels, this novel would be an ideal source of discussion for an adult/child book group.” ---Patty Falconer, Youth Services Librarian
"I just finished CALL ME AMY and I think it is wonderful with beautiful descriptions. I love the characters and their story. It is like having seen a good play or movie and later, while you are doing other things, it comes back to you and you think about the characters again." ---Peggy Arnold, retired teacher and avid reader.
For 13-year-old Amy Henderson, 1973 has been a lonely and uneventful year in her small Maine fishing village. With the help of a wounded seal pup, she gets to know Craig, who slinks around in an oversized army jacket. A new law against handling wild marine mammals brings suspense to the story. Where can they keep Pup until he heals? Their only hope is to trust Miss Cogshell, an elderly woman keeping to herself amidst jeers from the local kids, who catches them sneaking Pup into her woodshed in the middle of the night. Throughout the book, small challenges prepare Amy for her greatest one of all. A challenge that leads her to discover that everyone, herself included, has a voice worth hearing.
Marcia Strykowski 
This is a great post that showcases what all libraries do offer! They are such great places. A big part of my childhood memories are from time spent at our local libraries. My son recently spent the spring going to story time at ours, and he looked forward to it so much, and always came back w/some cute craft they’d made. =)
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A wonderful gift for your son. May he always enjoy libraries and reading!
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What a great reminder about what our libraries have to offer! I live right next door to my local library!!
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That’s great, how convenient for you! 🙂
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I do love the library! You can choose lots of books on a whim and unlike the bookstore, not worry if you pick a dud, 🙂
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Good point, Yvonne! I’m always encouraging patrons to take an extra book or movie, so they can choose when they get home (or if, like so often happens, they pick a repeat accidentally).
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What a great post! And what a great, great tribute to all the treasures at the library!
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Thank you, Bobbi!
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I love my local library! I am constantly reserving books for easy pickup. As a kid I thought the book mobile was a wondrous thing, and the mail-a-book in the 1970’s brought books to my front door. I was a book-starved kid living in the middle of nowhere.
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Bookmobiles are wonderful. We’re hoping to do something similar at our library in order to reach shut-ins and others who aren’t able to get out. I’m not familiar with mail-a-book–sounds great. Thanks for your comment, Helen!
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Our library is an amazing network of several branches. You can check books out at any branch and return to any branch. You can order books from any branch and have it delivered to your home branch. And any book you may want that’s not in the system, you can get through an inter-library loan. We have all sorts of online databases that are free, and can be accessed from our homes. Our libraries are staffed with amazing people, especially the research librarians. During the summer, we have storytellers of the highest caliber perform every week. There are free programs offered for all ages. I could go on…but better stop here. Suffice it to say, I think, somewhat partially, that we have the best library system in the nation!
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It’s great that you are so appreciative of your wonderful library system–sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing some of its features!
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While the role of libraries as lending paper books may be changing, libraries are adapting to the communal needs and possibilities. My idea of a great town is one with a library that much exceeds the national average in use, services and inventory per capita, as compared to the average. I live in such a town.
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Spot on, Mirka! Libraries are certainly keeping up with the times.
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What a wonderful post! I don’t know how I’d survive without a library. It was a treasure trove for me growing up poor in India. We were each allowed to check out 4 books per month. I read all mine, then my sister’s and also my mom’s! Here the library is a gathering place too, not just for books. And the resources!!! Librarians are the best.
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Interesting how you were allowed to check out only four books. I can see where that would really foster a lifelong appreciation for the written word. I’m glad you were able to swap with your sister and mom, as well. Thanks for sharing!
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I’ll be going to my library in about 2 hours. It’s my second office, and I love the lively (though still quiet enough) building. Across Singapore, we have excellent national libraries scattered and our collection is vast. I’m very, very appreciative of our system and our government’s willingness to expand on our reading culture. There are so many books to read and discover, and the best thing is that they are free! Really takes a big load off my shoulders.
The more excitable children are still being shushed over here. Not exactly an unkind thing to do if the rest of us need our quiet space … lol.
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I’m thrilled that Singapore has a wonderful library system, too. Yes, there’s a fine line between letting kids be kids and respecting those who are at the library for much needed quiet time. Luckily we have two floors. The top floor has study rooms and quiet areas. Most of the kid noise happens in the program rooms. It’s still a good thing for kids to know a library is much quieter than a playground, so my comment may have been in response to those parents who make more noise ‘shushing’ than their children who are merely speaking! 🙂
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Reblogged this on dkstevens327 and commented:
Here is a positive outlook on libraries.
Maybe it’s the Brooklyn Library system? I never had these problems in any of the New York Public Libraries.
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yes, I’m sure libraries differ greatly, even depending on which day you visit, but overall most are probably doing their best. Thanks for your comment!
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I do think most librarians mean well and, with the exception of my local library, I’ve always had good experiences. It must be frustrating to be in a field that is being taken over by technology. I miss spending hours in stacks of books 🙂 now the librarians don’t even check out (or in) books — it’s all scanned. The kids are all on the computers, while the books lie untouched. Maybe I’ll forward my library a copy of my Free Write!
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We still check books in and out at my library, but I’ve used automated check-outs elsewhere. There’s still a lot of hands-on librarian stuff to do and still plenty of books in the stacks. I hope the kids you see pick up a few on their way out!
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Sadly, I don’t use the library hardly ever because it’s quite a distance from me. I’ll have to change that and see what’s going on at mine. Thank you for reminding me of all they offer.
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Too bad your library isn’t nearby. Do check it out and update your card if needed. Thanks for checking in, Ashley!
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I love my local library and am a regular visitor. So many amazing books and they are always getting more. Plus, the access to computers and other technology. My library also has passes to local attractions and all kinds of fun events. Awesome post spotlighting the great things libraries offer. 🙂
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Thanks, Jess! Museum passes are very popular at my library. Another well-liked offering I forgot to mention—TV series—great for watching a whole season straight through without commercials.
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Libraries are great places, but so many people don’t even realize what they’re missing… At college, the school library was my favorite building on campus.
Your library sounds like a real gem! I wish I could see the oil painting exhibit 🙂 .
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Very true. Often people come into our library and are surprised by how much we have to offer in programs as well as in our collection of books and movies. I’m glad you made good use of your college library. Thanks for your comment!
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It’s just amazing what all libraries offer–and many people don’t realize because they haven’t been in a while. A great post highlighting what is on offer! And I love that we don’t have to be quiet in libraries any more. Most of them have a NO SHUSH policy. 🙂
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I think some people still think libraries are only for quiet study. I haven’t seen a librarian wearing her hair in a bun in a long time, either. 🙂 Thanks for your comment, Rebecca!
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I love libraries! They’ve definitely seen me through some rough times – when could barely afford food, at least I could still escape into books.
Our local libraries also offer access to a 3D printer & laser-etcher, and even loan museum passes! I don’t know what I’d do without them!
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Thanks, K. How fortunate to have access to a 3D printer & laser-etcher, all sorts of projects come to mind!
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Yeah! My husband used the laser-etcher for last year’s Halloween costume. Now we’re trying to think what to use it
for this year!
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Oh, how fun!
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Hello Marcia, I would love to visit your library your enthusiasm is truly infectious. Our library is very tiny but crammed with interesting books and DVDs. It faced closure last year, but the community got together and fought to keep it open.
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Hi, Barbara! I wish you COULD visit my library, but I know it would be many miles across the pond for you. 🙂 So glad your library remains open and I hope it has years of bustling activity ahead.
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Thank you for reminding me of all the wonderful offerings that a library has to offer. What a great library you have! I wish I lived closer. I really should take more advantage of my library in town. I think I might just do that! 🙂 A great post filled with many interesting facts!
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Thank you, Bette! I’ll bet your library has lots to offer, too. Check it out! 🙂
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Libraries are such a great resource!
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I agree!
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