Step 1: Read the poem several times. Step 2: Reflect on your first memory of reading, books, or the library (public or school). Think about where you were, how you felt, what you were reading or listening to someone read to you. Tell me in a few sentences about your memory.

My First Memory (of Librarians)

Nikki Giovanni - 1943

This is my first memory:
A big room with heavy wooden tables that sat on a creaky
wood floor
A line of green shades—bankers’ lights—down the center
Heavy oak chairs that were too low or maybe I was simply
too short
For me to sit in and read
So my first book was always big

In the foyer up four steps a semi-circle desk presided
To the left side the card catalogue
On the right newspapers draped over what looked like
a quilt rack
Magazines face out from the wall

The welcoming smile of my librarian
The anticipation in my heart
All those books—another world—just waiting
At my fingertips.