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 can Read.
My Mom was an unusual mother in the 50’s because she wanted to work. She loved her job at the state library in Salem, Oregon. My sister and I got to explore the stacks after school, unsupervised, and went home each night with many books. We were very good at returning them, too. Thus began my love of reading, which has only increased as the years go by. My only regret is that I rebelled against becoming a librarian! Big mistake.
The library has impacted my life in numerous ways. It was a place where I could study and write my fanfics when I was fresh out of high school and moved into my first apartment that didn’t have Internet. I checked out book to read when I didn’t have much money to build my own collection. When I started working as a reporter for local newspapers, the library was a great source for story ideas and photo ops. I’ve covered and attended numerous community events. The library is a safe place, provides resources, and a stable for a community.
The library offered my family a place to go, with interesting events and of course many, many books to browse and check out, while we didn’t have the money for kids camps and events. We went every week, at least once, to check out books and attend concerts, storytimes or kids programs. We all still use the library, 19 years on, and have appreciated the ever-expanding offerings of the Spokane library system (readings, educational programs, film and editing equipment, the “library of things,” book club bags, artist-in-residence programs of the HIVE, music lessons at the central library, so much more.) Thank you SPL for providing so much to us over the years.
A library – ten thousand books – more or less – who the heck worries how long it takes. I sure don’t. I am an avid reader – as suspect anyone who comes to a library. I have to wonder still if a “Bookie” is some new age term for the avid reader? I also like that the words in all my books give me the true test of my imagination and not like a movie which “shows” you what they want you to see. I also find that with many of my favorite authors that I can put the book down (seldom) and reread a few months later and find a new twist in the story that was never there before or I interpreted differently. We as readers must be allowed to choose what we consider blasphemy or wrong and what is appropriate to ourselves. Society seems to think it can say what is this or that. I ask all those who come to any library to voice any concern where our rights could or will be at stakes.
The library allows me to read hundreds of more books than I could ever afford or store on my own. A thousand thanks!
Spokane Parks host a fitness program in my local library which I attend. The convenient location has made all the difference in my regular attendance. While I work out my husband takes our granddaughter to story time followed by play time. In the winter, this indoor play area mixed with the opportunity for our granddaughter to socialize with other kids her age is an added bonus. We occasionally check out books but for our family the library is so much more than a repository of books. The services to our community is invaluable!
For 22 years the library has been a source for Christmas gifts under our tree. Each year I pick out three or more books for each child and my husband to explore new ideas, skills, crafts and authors during info the winter break.
When my children were young we went to the library every week. We were living paycheck to paycheck. Going to the library meant the kids could pick out as many books as they wanted and I didn’t have to say, “no we can’t afford it.” They’re older but still talking about some of the characters they met in the books we borrowed.
Now, my children are loving the opportunities to learn and engage at the library. The activities at the Hive are always on my daughter‘s radar. She’s found new interests and connected to the art scene here in Spokane. Last evening she attended a city planning meeting and will report on it for her government class at school. The audiobooks are part of my daily routine.I listen as I garden, drive and do housework.
Over the years we’ve met some wonderful librarians. They have engaged with my kids introducing them to new things. They have offered suggestions and encouragement as we explored the world. Thanks to everyone who works at or supports the library!
From genealogical information to saving old photos, I’ve learned so many things at the library. Perhaps my greatest joy is hearing my grandson say “can we go to the waterfall library (central)” despite all the other choices he has!
By the time I was eight, I rode my bike 2 miles to our library, brought back books in the basket and the next week took back that group and brought home another stack to read. When we had four young daughters, we took them to the library and brought back a box of books for us all to read. We moved away from the library for two years and when we came back, the librarian said – “You’re back, oh good, our circulations will go up again.”. When I was raising those little girls, we had no TV, my job was raising daughters, and I read as they played or slept. Now, those daughters are adults and all of them are readers. We never had enough money to buy books and have always gotten the books we read from the library. Now, as a senior, I have a Kindle and get all of the books for that device from the library. I am also a quilter, and our group meets monthly in a room at the library to do our charity quilts. My life has been enriched beyond belief by nearby libraries, and I will always be grateful. . As a voter, I always vote for schools and libraries.