Nostalgic Library Memories: My Unforgettable School Library Days
There's a certain magic that comes with the crisp pages of a book, especially when it's part of a shared experience in a school library. My memories of the school library are a mix of joy, curiosity, and even a bit of mystery. Let's delve into the world of my nostalgic library experiences.
My Reading Adventures in the Library
One of my favorite parts of school was the library. I used to get four-page booklets folded into two, filled with stories from all around the world. Apart from this, every week we had a dedicated library period where we could borrow 2-3 books. This was not a mere formality but a delightful pastime. Among my favorites were children's stories like Mallory Towers by Enid Blyton, Enchanted Castle by Edith Nesbit, and Around the World in 80 Days by R.L. Stevenson, with books from Charles Dickens as well. The Bible was also a favorite among students, though not everyone shared the same sentiment. It seems the boys used to merely go through the motions, making obscene drawings in their books while the rest of us enjoyed the stories. I always regretted those lost opportunities.
A Memorable Day
One memory that stands out is when I had a library card that was valid for 4 years. This card had certain limitations, one of which was the inability to borrow books related to our domain subjects or encyclopedias. This wasn't a big issue for me, but when I borrowed a book out of curiosity, I returned it after just two days because it wasn't to my liking. The library teacher was taken aback and asked why I was returning the book so soon. Rather than admitting the truth, I lied and said I had read the book's summary at home and found it uninteresting. I cleverly replaced it with a Hindi book by Munshi Premchand, which I found more engaging.
The Haunted Book
Speaking of mysteries, there was a haunted book in our library. No, I don't mean in a literal sense, but rather that it was a bit of a legend. I heard rumors about a book called "Ghost and Other Spooky Stories." It was said that whenever someone tried to issue this book, it would go missing. No entries in the library registers, and no one could find it. One time, I even tried to issue this book, but I couldn't find it anywhere. Even the teachers had spotted the book in various places, making it all the more intriguing. The library staff explained that the book had been spotted multiple times but no one had ever returned it, leading to this mysterious legend.
My school library days were filled with joy, curiosity, and even a touch of the mysterious. These memories are treasured in my heart, and they remind me of the magic of books and the joy of reading. Whether it's a classic story, a mystery, or a spooky tale, there's always something to discover in a good book.