I was beyond excited to see that my premier novel, Jumping in Puddles, is now available in paperback format through the Mississauga Library System. I will be working later this summer to be in contact with libraries across the province to stock my book. You can help out with this as most libraries have an on-line form where library members can request that they bring in a book. Yes, I do receive royalties when my book is stocked and read through a library…and the more libraries the better!

It’s not just the fact that I will receive royalties that has me excited about having my book on the public library shelves. Growing up, the library was always a place of joy for me. In elementary school, I not only helped out in my school’s library, but our local public library was only a short bike ride away. My best friends, Pina and Paula, and I would hop on our bikes every couple of weeks through the summer to restock on our favourite authors. Our public library was quite unique in that it was housed inside of a mansion built in the early 1900s. There were little cubby-holes where you could curl up and read in the dark-panelled children’s section (originally the kitchen area), then we would ascend the impressive great staircase to the upper floor, which housed the Art Gallery. From there, we would peer longingly out the balcony doors, imaging a handsome suitor serenading us from below. Outside, our books stashed in our bookbags, we would roam the grounds, picking acorns, playing in the playground, or just laying under one of the massive oak trees, daydreaming. Windsor’s Willistead Manor still stands and is now an event venue, but I will always remember the joy of wandering through those old rooms, searching for my next read and being enthralled by the beautiful art on display. 

Jump ahead a few years to when I had young children of my own and they each had a precious library card by grade one. We would make the trip to the local library here in Mississauga every two weeks and they’d each be able to take out four books of their choosing. It’s amazing how often they would take out some books over and over again. Drove my hubby a bit crazy because he’d get a little tired of reading the same books over and over again!

Now the library is my first stop when someone recommends a book to me. I love the convenience of being able to borrow an ebook from the comfort of my living room couch! But when a book isn’t available as an ebook, it’s just a short walk to the library to pick up my chosen read. There’s also a Makerspace in our library giving people access to everything from sewing machines and Cricut machines to audio and recording equipment! Although I haven’t taken advantage of that service yet, I know some who have and I know it’s a great resource for our community.

So, I hope you are taking advantage of the services your local library is offering. It is one of the few places you can go in our money-driven society that won’t cost you a cent! Just take your magic card, browse through the shelves, and take home your next great read (and I hope it’s Jumping in Puddles!)