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. 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.
67 responses to “Share Your Library Story”
I was a socially awkward, nerdy kid. I didn’t have many friends and the ones I did have I met through programs at my local library. 20 years later I am still close with the wonderful librarians who were kind to me, who made me feel welcome and safe, who gave me a place to be when things got bad at home, who nurtured my creativity. When time for college applications came I was assisted at my local library, not only to apply to colleges but I was also assisted in my applications for many many scholarships and that assistance and the money that followed was life changing. My librarians connected me with books (fiction and nonfiction) that expanded my horizons and helped form me into a well rounded, empathetic, educated adult. I will always be in their debt.
Libraries are so important. I lived out of my car for a couple months back in the day and I always knew I could search for jobs, check email, look up addresses of places I needed to go, sit and read somewhere safe for free at public libraries. It is so important to have a place you can go and feel welcome/be treated with respect without having to spend money, especially after big life events like getting laid off from your job or when you have a tiny kid or baby and want to be able to take them somewhere outside the house where you aren’t out money if they end up fussing and you need to leave. I am so grateful for all the books I and my children have been able to read because of the library. How would I have afforded to buy all those hundreds of books?! And the different workshops and events the libraries offer…we are so lucky. Thank you, librarians, for all you do for us.
Oh, libraries are the best! I’ve been using one or another library now for more than 70 years and never grow tired of walking into that “sacred space” a library creates.
When I was in elementary school, I walked two miles from my home at least once each week, to the Heath Library (now part of the Gonzaga University campus); at Rogers high school my home-room was located in the library where Mrs. Goodrich and Miss Raymer assisted in our transition from anxious freshmen to seniors ready to meet the world; when my father worked away from Spokane our family would often travel with him, and that city’s library became both adventure and solace to me. These are but my earliest memories of libraries that helped me feel a part of community and excited about the world. Now that I’m old, I’m aware of the advances made in technology for bringing books and other library materials into my home–it’s marvelous! Nothing makes me feel closer to our Spokane community than when I drive past one of the branch libraries and see that the parking lot is full! I know something important is happening, something interesting, maybe controversial or educational, but something is really happening in our city. We are so very fortunate to have our library system.
My family went to the library multiple times per week as I grew up. Reading all those books and experiencing the magic of the library inspired my curiosity of the world and fostered my love of learning. Now, all these years later, I get to share that same experience with our child as they grow up thanks to our public library system. Thanks for all you do!
When I was a kid and first moved to Spokane, I lived with my grandmother. It was a weekly tradition to visit the Perry library, check out a stack of books and read until I couldn’t read anymore. I LIVED for the library, it was and will always be a happy place.
When I moved to Spokane over five years ago as a first-generation college student, I felt like a fish out of water. Coming from a tiny agricultural town, the ‘small’ city seemed as overwhelming as Paris might to someone else. Fresh out of high school, I had no idea how to navigate this new chapter—college, adulthood, a bigger world. I scrambled to find resources and the library was a safest space.
The library, especially places like The Hive, offered more than just books. Free events, rentals, and resources opened doors I didn’t even know existed. The staff and community there were kind and welcoming, helping me feel like I belonged when I wasn’t sure I ever would. It was through those connections that I learned how to root myself in this new place. Spokane wasn’t supposed to be home—I thought it was just a stop along the way—but now, four years after graduating college, through my first career change, and into my first year as a homeowner, I’m still here. The library showed me it’s a place for everyone. Thank you for all you do!
My mom was a volunteer librarian at our small-town library in upstate NY. I went with her when I was little and chose the books I would check out and take home with me. It was a special evening at the library! Today, I am a librarian with Spokane Public Schools and love to share the joy of reading with my students. I have my own Little Free Library my husband built for my birthday a few years ago, and I always visit the public libraries whenever I travel to a new city. It is remarkable how many services the library offers. It’s truly a place where all are welcome!
Since I was a kid I’ve always loved libraries. An important time in my life was after I graduated college and I was supporting myself without much money. I was still able to use a computer to look for jobs, check emails, and print out papers. I was able to continue reading as much as I wanted and check out all kinds of music, DVDs, and documentaries. It was such a memorable time in my life that I was able to continue with a lot of things that I needed so much in my life.
My love of libraries go way back – I am 79 now and sometimes I have 6 books on reserve and right now I have 2. I love to read and usually have a book by me or on my lap and my interest range for biographies, current political issues, and now I am reading some mysteries – never my favorite in the past. I have several friends that I usually ask what are you reading and check into their choices and broaden my choice then – one is the Harkness books about werewolves and witches – never thought I would read them. My daughter is a librarian and a reader/listener and she has suggested many young adult books that have been so good and some probably on the banned lists. The library can be a great place to shop for ideas and expose yourself to new things. I love to watch youngsters walk out of the library with an armload of books and see the joy on their faces. Never stop learning – the library is a great place to start.
I grew up without TV so books were my main source of indoor entertainment. From around age 7 to 19 I read around 300-400 pages a day so our bi-monthly library trips involved a very large basket! That gave me a massive advantage in school and I am forever grateful libraries exist.