I love reading. I also love libraries. I love to just wander the stacks, and smell that old, musty, dusty paper-book smell.

My favorite library near my house stands in the tiny hamlet of Washburn. The brownstone building (a Carnegie library for those keeping track) warms me everytime I see it. Then, I step inside, and am greeted by Darrell (a former co-worker at the paper, who has gone on to become the well-respected library director) and whoever is at the desk that day. It's a little like Cheers without the beers.

I particularly love the Washburn Public Library because I don't need a card (the librarians all know my name, and just punch it into the computer). I also love it because, while small, their selection has to be the most broad and well-chosen of any library of its size. And the movies, especially the kiddie ones, can't be matched anywhere around here except in a video store.

Today, I had to cut my library trip short because of a certain wound-up toddler, but I still managed to snag some magazines out of the free pile in the hallway. I might try going back again tomorrow to see what new delights await me on the shelves.