Have you ever had a moment in a library that changed your life? Maybe it was the book that sparked your imagination, the librarian who helped you find the right resource, or the space that gave you room to dream. At Spokane Public Library, we believe in the power of these transformative moments. That’s why we’re inviting you to join us for My Library, My Story—a community-wide celebration of the impact libraries have on our lives.
Right now, libraries across the country are facing challenges in providing access to books and essential services. But we know that libraries are so much more than just buildings filled with books—they are vibrant hubs of connection, learning, and belonging. This is your opportunity to remind the world why libraries matter.
Your experience could inspire someone else to discover the power of libraries. From March 5-31, we invite you to share your personal library experience on social media. Tag us @spokanepubliclibrary to collaborate with us and amplify your voice!
Don’t have social media? Share your story in the comments below!
Hear how the library welcomed Leah on day one in Spokane and became a part of her journey.
40 responses to “Share Your Library Story”
I so treasure my experiences at the Spokane libraries, I remember carefully downloading Mapquest (those were the days) from the library to my house as a teenager, and I would walk there and spend an afternoon hidden in the aisles, getting lost in new worlds and ideas, then trekking home with a much heavier bag of new books to tide me over to the next visit. Libraries provide such an invaluable service to our communities, especially for families like mine, which could never have afforded to keep up with my voracious reading pace if we had to buy every book. Thank you Spokane libraries, for many many happy memories!
The library having a Museum pass allowed me to visit the Spokane MAC for the first time. Being able to see art and culture for free inspired me to further my own art practice and enriched my life in unspeakable ways. The library is such a crucial resource for low income people to access entertainment and education.
I literally do not remember being unable to read. My mother said I read simple words almost as soon as I could talk. When I was four, my cousin took me to the library, and I selected a book. At the desk, an older, stern-looking, almost stereotypical librarian looked down through her horn rimmed glasses at me and asked “Can you read?” She opened the book and asked me to read. When I was done, she issued me my first library card. I have had one ever since, and am still an avid reader. Unfortunately, I can’t remember that blessed woman’s name, but she gave me the opportunity to find the solace I’ve always found in books and libraries.
When I was 19, I moved back to Spokane. My family had moved when I was 9, and it was surreal to come back to places I hadn’t seen since I was small. A lot of places, predictably, felt smaller now. Obviously a lot had changed in 10 years. One place that felt exactly the same was the library. The building itself had changed— there were some architectural and technological upgrades— but it made me feel the same way I had when I was still a child. It’s been another 15 years and it still feels like coming home every time I go to the library.
So my library story I think will be inspirational for others. A few years ago my friend was involved in a traumatic event and was taken from us to early in life. At the time both of us had been experiencing homelessness together and had formed a bond together.
After that event I had started talking to staff at New Leaf cafe, because my friend had been a frequent guest at New Leaf. Stemming from those conversations with New Leaf staff I was talked into joining the Job Training program ran by Transitions. I had gone into the program figuring that I was simply going to learn how to make coffee and earn some money along the way. It turned out to be so much more than that. I had two warrants for my arrest and I had cleared those up and got them out of the way. One reason it was important they were eliminated as barrier was because I had planned on going back to school to pursue an associate degree to be a paralegal and eventually a lawyer. Another big goal that was achieved was obtaining housing after 13 years of experiencing homelessness on the streets of Spokane. These changes in my life haven’t been easy to achieve. It took over a year of hard work with the assistance of New Leaf, Library staff and PEER Spokane to make these goals happen.
I love my experiences in the Northwest Room. I initially went there to find more photographs, but instead was directed to clippings in the horizontal file. That lead me to discover things about my hometown, Reardan, that I would not have otherwise found. Subsequent visits have been to look up specific information that is held by the library. Dana and other staff have been most helpful, even doing some research for me without being asked… and finding things that I would not have found. They even helped with a vague query about when did the Native Americans start raising wheat. Kudos to the Northwest collection and staff.
I love the library. I read ebooks, listen to audio books and checkout books. My friends and I meet weekly for sewing. I’ve attended lectures and yoga. There’s so much available that meets the variety of needs for everyone.
My first experience with a public library was when I was in elementary school in Wahpeton, N.D. It made me a lifetime user and proponent of the public library system wherever I have lived since then. I’m always impressed by the quality of library facilities: clean, well-maintained and always staffed with helpful, friendly and knowledgeable people.
I see parents and children using the library for programs, parties and one-on-one reading “adventures”, just like we did with our now-adult-library-loving kids back in the day.
The opportunities for kids to use the local library is such a gift to our community! Please keep up this wonderful resource. Thank you.
The library’s many free events have really helped me come out of my shell. The fact you don’t have to sign up in advance, so I feel less pressure about attending, and of course that they’re free, has eliminated a major stumbling block, and I’ve already learned some really cool things and met some great people. Thank you for offering these community-building programs for free, and please keep them coming!