Susan Torrico: Why I Love My Library

Susan Torrico

Orlando, FL

Libraries are magical places.

Even though we've lived in Orlando for over 40 years, just a few miles from the Magic Kingdom, the most magical place I know is the Orange County Public Library. It looks a bit like a castle on the outside and there is a virtual king's ransom of treasures inside that have profoundly influenced our entire family. Like most Florida residents, we've been to Disney World many times to soak up their special brand of make-believe and magic; but even when our three sons were youngsters, they always liked the library better and still do to this day.

When they were growing up, a weekly trip to the library was always a much-anticipated and thoroughly relished treat. Each boy was allowed to pick and choose six books for the week from an unbelievable collection of wonderful stories and beautifully illustrated children's books. The library was far better than a trip to the mall in their opinion, because they could indulge themselves in this treasure hunt without spending a cent of their hard-earned allowance. They thought that was utterly fantastic, and all of them developed a life-long respect for books and a love for reading, which is truly priceless. They also developed a discriminating eye and an appreciation for the incredible artwork in those books. Now as adults, they have each accumulated impressive collections of books and fine art.

There are two marvelous organizations in our area, "Make a Wish Foundation" and "Give Kids the World". They bring seriously ill children to Orlando with their families where their special wishes are granted. When my mother, the boys' maternal grandmother, became terminally ill in her late 80's, many of her last wishes came true, too. She was confined to her bed, but her world was anything but confining, all because of the wonderful home delivery service provided by our library.