I have to honour my mum who at the age of three asked to join the public library. She was told no, she had to be five. ‘..but I can read..’ she answered.

The librarian asked her to go and choose a book, and if she could read the first page to her, she would issue her with a membership. Mum did as she was asked and at the age of three became a member of the public library.

My mum inspired me, I was then consumed and fascinated by books. I was taught to sight read from many children’s books starting at the ladybird collection, such as Jane and Peter progressing to Enid Blyton’s famous five right through to the classics such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austin and the Bronte sisters.

I tried everything, some mammoth and not to my liking, some too wordy for my taste. Some so spiritually inspiring such as Paulo Coelho.

I love the art of pen on paper, shaping and carving out the written word.

I would not have grown and developed as a reader had I not taken on this catalogue of writers within this free public service.

1970’s Penguin books were now introduced into my school. A book club for a few pence a week. I could now buy and collect these treasures. the classics alongside modern literature in paperback. I now had the chance to own the books that mattered to me.

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. G. R. Martin.

Julie Modla