I am an Army Brat.

I was 20 and had attended seven elementary schools, two middle schools, four high schools and two colleges on three continents when my dad decided to retire. I never stayed in one place very long.

One thing that was a constant in my life was the library. I knew that wherever I was moving to would have a library.

Libraries, no matter where I went, always smelled the same. The materials on the shelves were always arranged the same. The procedure for checking out materials was the same. The library was a familiar place no matter where I was in the world.

I was always excited to visit the new library, maybe they had the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys book that I wanted to read that was not available at my previous location. I always checked to see if there were the books with the orange cover that I liked so much. The series was Childhood of Famous Americans. I just knew they had orange covers. That series is still available today; the covers are now red, white, and blue.

I got my first library card when I was six. My dad was stationed in Korea and we could not go with him so we were living in a small town in north central Missouri. The library was very small; there was only one shelf of books for beginning readers. I made it my goal to read every book on the shelf.

I cannot remember if I accomplished that goal or not but I do remember the librarian. She let me use the date due stamp and help check out books. She taught me how the books were arranged and how to shelve the books. She showed me how to look in the card catalog and find the books I wanted to read next. I would walk to the library after school and help her. I decided that I wanted to be a librarian when I grew up.

When I was 10, I took my third voyage across the Atlantic on the USNS General Alexander M. Patch, an Army transport ship. I did not remember the first two trips. I was not too thrilled about the trip until I found out the ship had a library. I read my way across the Atlantic.

There were not my usual choice of books, and I discovered a new genre. I discovered science fiction. It was wonderful. I would lay in my bunk and be a time traveler or a space explorer, or in an alternate universe that was much fancier than a troop transport ship.

Libraries have changed a lot since I was a child. Public libraries are not always quiet and most allow food and drink. Libraries offer a variety of programs and events.

You can paint, sew, cook, play games, watch movies, and learn how to change a tire or check your oil. You can sing, dance, laugh, learn a new language, improve your computer skills, find a job, and file your taxes. You can learn how to crochet, practice yoga, and research your family tree. The list is endless.

The most important thing has not changed. You are always welcome at the public library. You belong there.

Cheryl Williams is the branch supervisor of the Cassville Branch Library. She may be reached at cheryl@blrlibrary. com