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School’s out! Boy, do I remember those times fondly! The sense of release and freedom! The feeling of school responsibility being lifted. Hey, let’s go fishing!

Before I say anything else, I want to congratulate this year’s graduates! Good luck to you and whatever you do with your future! And, for the most part, the things I mentioned above are gone. Sorry to burst that bubble. But for the younger kids, have fun this summer. Be a kid. Make some memories. Oh, and read a book! (I have to say that, as Library Director. I think it’s in my contract somewhere.)

I do have fond memories of my summers growing up. I have memories of summer vacations to the beach with my family. Nags Head, North Carolina was a bit less crowded 50 years ago. I remember summer jobs of cutting grass and washing cars to make a little pocket change. When I was a bit older, I worked as a bag boy at Wright’s Superette. Younger folks probably don’t know what a bag boy was! Another thing gone with the past. And I DID read lots of books! Truth.

This past weekend was also Memorial Day weekend. Another time to celebrate memories and to honor people in our past. We honor veterans who gave their lives defending our freedoms. We honor veterans who have gone on before us. We honor the memories of loved ones. 

Memories are valuable and precious things. They keep alive the people and events that have shaped our lives and made us who we are. They help us to avoid the pitfalls of the past and to search for the victories of our future. Looking at our memories and sharing those of others can help to guide us through this world.

You can take advantage of the memories of hundreds of people in an easy way. The biography section of your public library holds these memories of lifetimes spent. (Here goes that Library Director thing again!) Take advantage of what is offered to you at the library. It’s easy!

Summer is a great time to read a good book!

Be Good!

J.B. Crenshaw is the library director for Lunenburg County Public Library System. He can be reached at jbcrenshaw.lcpls@gmail.com.