How the Library Makes a Difference in My Life
           By Emy Rosie

    The library, as I like to think of it, is a door into the world. I could learn about anything and everything. I like to read in peace and quiet, and the library provides that for me, along with thousands of interesting books to read. 
    Reading at the library opens a door to learning. I look around in the aisles to find a book in which I can learn something. My favorite thing to learn is history. In fact, I could probably tell you some history of the public library.
    The first known public library was made by the Assyrians from 1500-600 B.C. The Assyrians wrote accounts of important events, literature, and other subjects on clay tablets. Benjamin Franklin brought up the whole concept again in the 1700s. Now public libraries are all over the United States.
    When my mom needs a break from her five kids, she sometimes chooses to go to the library. I think that is because the library is quiet and she likes to read. My-ten-year old brother likes Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, and my two other brothers like to look at picture books. My youngest brother, who is almost two, likes touch-and-feel books, and my four year old brother likes lift-the-flap books. I personally like pioneer-style books like the Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder.
    My mother started reading Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books to me when I was about four. I began to love the 1800s and wanted to learn about what the pioneers did to survive. Earlier this year my mom brought home a book called Pioneer Days. There was a lot of information about pioneers like Laura.
    We went to Branson, Missouri, for an early summer vacation, and when we were there, we went to Silver Dollar City. It is an amusement park with a “pioneer-style” theme. I was able to understand and answer many questions the re-enactors had for the crowd, and I was able to ask many questions based on what I learned at the library. 
    On the way home, we visited Laura Ingalls Wilder’s last house, in Mansfield, Missouri. Our trip inspired me to read Laura’s books again, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without the library, as I didn’t own all the books.  And even though our trip came to an end, thanks to the library, having history coming alive in books, videos, and crafts won’t.