The Library
At home there was not a lot to do in the winter, except drawing or painting at the kitchen table, perhaps a game of Ludo or Snakes and Ladders. Well, there was the radio, but that was something we enjoyed when we were older.
When I was about six, Mum borrowed a library book for me. It was called The Golden Goat. I had been to the library lots of times before because Mum read a lot when Dad was away in the Army. To me it was a place I will always remember.
Walking up Macdonald Road and turning right, the library[27] stood alone on Friern Barnet Road, almost opposite St John’s Church. Inside it was warm and friendly, smelling of furniture polish while everyone talked in whispers. The library ladies used to look a bit severe, but once I grew older and got to know them, I found them very helpful in locating any books I was looking for.
The library was exciting. Children’s books opened up a whole new world for me, which were first read to us by Mum while we looked at the pictures, then came the easy-to-read stories. I loved Grimms’ Fairy Tales, Hans Anderson and Enid Blyton. My reading at school improved… and that was it! Hooked. I read at every opportunity, even to my sister Barbara. Curled up in the corner of the chair my mind would be far away, concentrating fully on the words but eventually becoming aware that someone was talking to me. ‘How many more times have I got to say it’s time for bed?’ Mum would be saying.
The library was like a second home and I was happy to spend hours there by myself, once reading a whole book in one afternoon and an evening. To add to the delight, Perrin’s Sweet Shop was just along from the library. It always made my day, to be armed with a bag of mixed toffees for sixpence and some sweet coupons Mum had given us.
When there was an eye test at school, it was suggested that I should have reading glasses. I would hate wearing them. The optician placed drops in my eyes to enlarge the pupil while he conducted his examination. For three days after I could not see to do my work at school and had to play with plasticine or sand trays instead. The wire part of my glasses made my ears and the bridge of my nose sore and my friends laughed when I put them on. That was that! I would not wear them, and Mum had a terrible time of it. My eyesight did not stop me from reading though.
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