A License to Borrow

Do you remember getting your first library card?

It’s such a milestone in a kid’s life.

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When I was in the third grade, my mother gave me permission to hop on the bus (all by myself! đŸ˜‰ ) and go to our local library. You can see the building on this old post card.

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It was here that I applied for my first library card. I remember standing wide-eyed at the librarian’s desk while she filled out all the forms in an elegant flowing script. When she was finished and finally handed that little card to me, I felt so grown up!

Recently, I was reminded of all of this, when I read a delightful article about a boy named Cory, who has been collecting library cards ever since he was 6 years old. He’s 15 now, and has accumulated over 3000 library cards from all 50 states and 74 countries!

On his website, you’ll find his story and pictures of his collection. It’s still a work in progress, as scanning the cards is time consuming, but there’s lots to see!

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The cards are listed by state and they’re just amazing! I couldn’t believe the variety within each state. Some are plain; some are fancy. Others are high tech, and still others are old-fashioned. This collection is a wonderful slice of Americana.

You can visit Cory’s website by clicking here. When you get there, click on the “Table of Contents” to view cards from Northern California, Southern California and the Western United States!

I think youll be charmed!

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