Days the Library Helped Me: Time Spent with Books | Kotori Diary | Episode 31

I have been helped by the library so many times. Time spent getting to know books, time spent researching, time spent with my children. The library supported us. It is full of warm memories.

My Encounter with the Library

When I was single, a colleague of mine used the library often.

That was what led me to start using the library as well.

After I started raising children, I began visiting the library again.

I was surprised by the sheer number of picture books for children.

"There are so many!"

I felt so happy.

Books of Various Genres

The library has books of various genres, and you can read as many as you like. There are newspapers, too.

My children would also choose books they liked or borrow books that looked good to read.

During summer vacation, they would borrow books on crafts, independent research, science, and children's cookbooks.

"Mom, I want to borrow this!"

They would choose them with sparkling eyes.

Once they got a little older, they started borrowing magazines and the like.

Nowadays you can look things up online, but back then, I used to do my research at the library.

A Place to Study

Some libraries even had desks set up where you could study.

We would bring homework along or study there.

I was happy to see my children concentrating in that quiet space.

It was a huge help.

The Grave of the Fireflies picture book

I also often borrowed the picture book version of Grave of the Fireflies.

The illustrations were beautiful.

The fruit drops (Sakuma-shiki Drops) that appear at the end seemed to leave a very strong impression.

My child said, "I want to try eating those," so I bought some.

When they actually got to eat them, my child looked so happy.

It was fun to see my child's interests expand from picture books.

Awarded at a competition

There was even a time when a craft we made together using a book borrowed from the library won an award at a competition.

My child was quite dexterous and would make all sorts of things while looking at library books.

"Mom, I want to try making this!"

Those words made me happy.

Various libraries

Libraries in the city and the surrounding areas.

Each had its own unique characteristics, and I made good use of them all.

"Shall we go to that library today?"

In that way, visiting different libraries was also a joy.

Nowadays, libraries are even easier to use.

Gratitude to the library

The library provides a great opportunity to get familiar with books.

There are also picture-story shows. Anyone can use them.

If you are raising children, please try using the library.

You can encounter many books for free.

For us, the library was like a treasure trove.

And it was a place that gave us so much warm time with our children.

Even now, when I pass by the library, I remember those days.

Thank you, library.