Every so often I decide I MUST move a post over from my old blog which I still maintain to 365 Days Of Birds (this web site). The motivation arose earlier today when the children’s library at the University of Minnesota Duluth asked to purchase some of my children’s books. I am honored by the request, but will turn down the sale … the books will be a gift! Read on … and you will discover why this is truly an honor for me.
I originally published this post on August 25, 2010 on NorthstarNerd.Org.
How do you say thanks to the person who opened up the world of books to you? There is truly no adequate way to express my gratitude.
Earlier this month my elementary school librarian died. She taught me to love books, starting with Dan Frontier! Over the years I branched out to other books, and I never stopped visiting Mrs. Bissonett. My visits to this great lady lasted for over 45 years! After they closed my elementary school, she ran the children’s library at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
- As an east coast prep school student attending Phillips Exeter Academy, I always took time out while home in Duluth, Minnesota to visit my elementary school librarian.
. - As an Ivy Leaguer attending Dartmouth College, I always took time out while home in Duluth, Minnesota to visit my elementary school librarian
. - And finally … two years ago for the last time, as a 52 year software project manager working at a Fortune 100 R&D Center, I visited my dear friend for one last time.
Thank you, Mrs. Bissonett for my love of reading … and the challenge to get a great education. Other than my parents, you were the key person who taught me to “love to learn”.
As a fyi to any UMD Librarians … my blog has thousands of readers. Mrs. Bissonett will continue to get the recognition she deserves (16,313 visitors in March)!
Full circle moment!
I know that sharing one’s passion with a curious child fills one’s soul. You both are/were incredibly fortunate!!
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful teacher! Giving a child the gift of love for reading and books is one of the best gifts ever!
Librarians? Opening the worm-hole into the Universe! Thank you and thank them! I am not going to recite the number of times over the years from grade school to even recently at a regional university Immigration History Resource Center Archives that a librarian asked a few questions and dropped me down Alice’s rabbit thole. Fantastic!
It is a great rabbit hole to descend! At one point in my career I had Honeywell’s research librarians reporting to me. All four librarians taught me an amazing amount of knowledge!
What an exceptional tribute. I loved reading it. Just so you know, your most recent book has been donated to the Iron River Library. To my knowledge earlier books have been as well. May you receive the accolades you share in honor of role model.
Super! I love learning about where my books go.
Always lovely to hear that a librarian made a difference and was remembered. ~a retired librarian, but a librarian never stops being one.
Thank you, Dallas. You librarians make a difference in this crazy world!