Growing up in Culver City during the 1960s and early 70s, gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling—especially reminiscing about those glorious days of summer!
My daily schedule began at the Plunge, with afternoons spent at the Culver City Library (the current Teen Center.) That little brick building played as seminal role in my young life. It became my second home, a great source for learning and pleasure reading. Being a daily patron and a voracious reader, every librarian knew me. I researched subjects I found interesting, taking copious notes on Ancient Egypt and exotic animals. By 1969, l knew I was destined to be an archaeologist or a zoologist!
Every summer, the library was filled with activities. The participants received a large folder to list the titles of books read. I treasure my folder, from the reading contest in the summer of 1968. Another activity I enjoyed was poetry writing. The librarians typed up our poetic contributions, decorating each page and placing them in prominent locations for all to read. I remember feeling so proud to see my own words in print. After spending a happy summer afternoon in the library, I loved nothing more than taking home a big stack of books and reading them to my heart’s content.
I vividly remember the day I heard the library was moving to a much larger new building. This was very concerning! How was my library experience going to be affected? In 1970, the new library opened in its current location. How spacious and foreign it seemed! Seeing my old friends on the shelves and new books waiting to be discovered was reassuring.
Did I become an archaeologist or zoologist based on my youthful interests? No, but I did choose a career that continued sharing my love of reading with thousands of children. For 40 years as a teacher and then school principal, I filled my classrooms and my school with books! Kudos to the Culver City library for having a significant role in molding me into the person I am today!