The Bettendorf Library

Books have always been an important part of my life. I read when I am happy, and I read when I am sad. I listen to books on tape whenever I am driving in my car -- or working in my kitchen -- or walking on my treadmill (okay, full disclosure -- THAT book is getting pretty dusty!)

I am hoping that a love of reading is something I will be able to pass on to Lillian and Warren.

But the truth is -- YOU NEVER KNOW. Even though I read a book every single night to Ross and Elliott when they were small -- neither one of them grew up to be a reader. They loved Tom Sawyer, and Huckleberry Finn, and The Wizard of Oz...hey -- I GAVE IT REALLY GOOD EFFORT.

But, even then, they were more annoyed with me than entertained...

One of my favorite libraries is in Bettendorf, Iowa. They do a TERRIFIC job -- and I feel like my family should be renting a room there. I always have three books on tape checked out at one time...and Ross goes there to study four afternoons a week...and they have remodeled their Children's section -- so I often take Lillian there...

After a Tuesday breakfast, she is helping cousin Linda find a book...

When you meet somebody for the first time, and realize you love the same book -- you have a friend...

SOOO MANY CHOICES!!

We also picked up some movies "we would both enjoy"

Lilly loves to scan the books and videos all by herself...

If you're looking for a good movie to watch WITH a child -- get Lemony Snicket's Series of Unfortunate Events.

I can't imagine a day without books...Lillian and I listened to "Little Women" a couple of months ago -- then I got the movie from the library. We watched it together and we both loved it. Right now, we are listening to "A Tree Grows In Brooklyn"...and she is falling in love with Francie...just like I did when I was a girl...