Pat Allchorne Shares Her Joy of Libraries

I have always loved reading—the feel of a book in my hands, the scent of its pages, the sight of them lined up on my shelves. To me, there is nothing not to love.

Growing up, I was fortunate to have constant access to books. I had my own collection, which I read and re-read until I could almost recite them word for word. At my primary school, shelves would appear in the hall once a week, brimming with books of all kinds. That was where I first encountered the myths of ancient Greece and Rome, beautifully illustrated to capture a child’s imagination.

Beyond that, there was the local library, just under a mile away—not far at all in a time when few people owned cars and walking was simply a way of life. That library was a treasure trove of stories, waiting to be discovered, and I cherished every visit. The anticipation of choosing new books was thrilling, and even after bringing them home, the excitement lingered as I carved out time to immerse myself in them.

Back then, most children read. Televisions were still a rarity in many households. We didn’t have one until I was ten, and even then, it only had two channels. Programs started later, ended earlier, and 24-hour television was something for the distant future.

Fast forward to adulthood, and for years, I hardly stepped into a library. Running my own second-hand bookshop meant I was surrounded by thousands of books, with my personal collection growing exponentially—a joy in itself.

Then, during lockdown, I began teaching illiterate adults to read. Once restrictions lifted, our lessons took place in my small local library, and in joining, I rediscovered a world I had unknowingly set aside. I discovered new authors, some I had never even heard of before. I started clipping book reviews from two magazines I subscribe to, requesting them from the library instead of buying every book that piqued my interest. This way, I only purchased—or added to my wish list—the ones I knew I would cherish and reread.

Many of the books I have reviewed for this magazine came from the library—titles I may never have encountered otherwise. When I love a book, I want to share it, hoping others will enjoy it too. I know books, like art, are deeply personal; what speaks to one person may not to another. But when you can borrow from a library, what is there to lose but a little time? And when you stumble upon an author you adore, what greater joy than tracking down everything they’ve written?

Happy reading!