Chapter Thirteen - Jim, and History Freebee (Freebie) of the Week (2024)

Chapter Thirteen

Jim

Meanwhile, although I felt comfortable living in Doc’s home, I found myself growing bored in Doc’s stuffy, quiet office. One afternoon in late August, I tagged along with Willie to the new library. I thought I'd ask if they had any books on horses or novels for young girls. I especially liked Susan Coolidge’s What Katy Did book series. Doc and Annie had bought me the first book in the series, for my birthday. I enjoyed reading about the main character, Katy, who overcame life’s obstacles. Although motherless (like me), the fictional Katy faced her problems with the help of her faith in God and loving family. To me, books helped me feel like I could peek into a different and exciting world.

The town had recently built the library, a large imposing brick structure on Main Street, so we arrived in just a few minutes. Thrilled at finding the next book in the What Katy Did series, I carefully turned to place it on a nearby reading table. Now, I wondered, where would I find more books on horses?

As I pondered where to start looking, Willie loudly introduced me to his friend Jim. “Here, now Jim, meet my sister Lizzie. Lizzie, this here is Jim. He got me some jobs at the big mine.”

Startled, I dropped the book on the table with a thump, earning a hiss from the librarian at the desk. I had not realized that Willie had been working anywhere outside of the livery. Nervously picking up the book again, I shyly examined the young, tall miner, seated at a table in the center of the open room.

Jim, remembering his manners, quickly rose, swept off his cap, and bowed to me. I noticed his curly black hair and ready smile. “Hello,” he whispered, glancing cautiously at the tall, stern female librarian.

I smiled back, and whispered, “Pleased to meet you, Jim,” as Aunt Annie had taught me.

Before I could continue the conversation, Willie grabbed my hand and pulled me over to the non-fiction shelves. “Look, Lizzie,” he whispered, ”all the books on horses! Here’s one I read – Black Beauty, written by Anna Sewell.”

I shushed and nudged Willie; out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the librarian frowning in our direction. Willie quieted, and wandered off to seek new engineering magazines.

Jim, who had followed after me, carried several heavy volumes, with names such as Modern Mining on the covers. He carefully set the books onto a nearby table, smiled at me again, and quietly pulled out a chair for me.

Jim murmured, “Please sit down, Lizzie. I can bring you books on horses if you like.” Jim’s gaze seemed direct, but respectful.

I wasn’t used to being waited on, but I sank into the hard wooden chair. My mind went blank as I shyly glanced up into Jim’s eager brown eyes. Finally, I simply nodded and whispered, “Thank you.”

That golden afternoon remains a clear and shining vision in my memory; time slowed as the sun sparkled through the clean glass windows in the bright library. The sturdy desks, chairs, and floor smelled of lemon oil. I relaxed as Jim and I flipped through books on mining and horses together. Furtively, we shared comments about stories and pictures.

Finally, the lights dimmed and the librarian harrumphed from her corner, breaking the spell. Glancing quickly at the clock above the library entrance, I jerked to my feet. Jim, who had just brought out a new volume for my approval—this one on veterinary science—almost stepped on my foot.

“Oh, excuse me, Lizzie!” he gasped.

“I had no idea it was so late,” I whispered, but too loudly. “I must go home.”

“I am sorry, Lizzie. Will I see you again?” he asked boldly, forgetting to whisper.

My mind froze as I met his gaze briefly. “Um-mm,” was all I managed. I had never had a real friend before, other than Willie, and had no idea what to do or say.

I expected the librarian to shoot daggers from her eyes, but she simply sighed as she rose stiffly out of her chair. “I am sorry, but the library is closed,” she stated, kindly but firmly, quickly moving over to the engineering shelves, where Willie sat on the floor surrounded by mounds of engineering and mathematics books. The librarian gently pulled Willie up, and guided him to the door. Jim and I followed obediently.

“Don’t worry, Lizzie,” Willie told me as we headed out the down and back down Main Street. “I’ll bring you back tomorrow.”

Although most people underestimated Willie, he knew more than he let on. Sometimes, I think he even knew the future.

“Tell me more about Jim,” I urged, as I skipped beside him. I felt like my feet barely touched the ground.

Willie paused in his usual brisk stride as he neared Doc’s house. “Well...he’s a few years older than me, working at the mine after school, but I met him one day in the livery. I fixed a part for the mine, so he brought me in on some more jobs. He’s had me over to his house for good food, too.”

This was a long speech for Willie, who I counted as an excellent judge of character as well as dinners. Jim and I were destined to form a fine friendship, I felt sure. Still, I had no idea, back then, how this chance meeting would affect future events

FREEBEE (Freebie) of the Week

Chapter Thirteen describes Lizzie’s exciting first visit to a library. Even by the late 19^th century, many towns and settlements lacked the convenience of a free public library. In most areas today, however, patrons can easily drive to at least one public library. Although it takes time to fully use their free and useful features, just a few library freebies can prove well worth the time invested.

Libraries commonly offer books to borrow, test prep resources and multi-media content such as movies and music. Libraries include free internet, computer, and free (or inexpensive) printing services. In addition to these free services, libraries carry research materials to help consumers find the best bargains before purchasing big ticket items such as cars and appliances. Libraries also offer free homework help and e book borrowing. Many libraries conveniently reserve and pull materials from the shelves for you, that you can pick up at a drive-through window. Some large city libraries loan video games, artwork, educational toys, makerspaces (design technology such as recording equipment, digital creation software, 3d printing and robotics).

Additionally, some large metropolitan areas feature specialty libraries (often as part of a state teaching college or department of education resource center) which loan out educational and school materials. Specialty libraries may or may not provide public access – it doesn’t hurt to ask. When my family lived in central Ohio, an educational resource center allowed us to borrow educational resources for a child with low vision and other learning challenges.

All these resources sound wonderful, but one might consider the librarian as the least utilized but most valuable library resource. I used to tease our local librarian, telling her, “You know everything, so I thought I would ask your help. Can you find…”

Perhaps librarians do not really know everything, but most consider it a personal crusade and point of pride to find information on anything – and all for “free.” After developing a positive relationship with your valuable librarian, consider recommending that they purchase specific resources for the library, based on your recommendation. Most libraries will also obtain resources from other libraries through their “inter-library loan” system. (Yes, I understand about tax dollars at work – but we might as well use them!) My first book, Homeschooling On a Shoestring (co-authored with Judith Waite Allee), mentioned that if necessary, families can homeschool with nothing but a library card! As you can probably tell, I love libraries!

What do you consider the most useful library resource for your family?

Chapter Thirteen - Jim, and History Freebee (Freebie) of the Week (2024)

References