Several years ago, my five-year-old granddaughter, Alex, and her family had moved from Oklahoma to Mission, TX. When she returned for a visit, I took her to town to get an ice cream cone. On the ride home, she said, “Mom, if you will just take me to Target and the library, I’ll know where we are.”

I have thought about that statement often through the years. This granddaughter is now in her twenties, but the library is still an anchor for her and the rest of my family. Though the services have changed from storytime, picture books, and summer reading programs my now adult children and grandchildren are avid library users and readers.

Over the years they have moved many times and always locate the local library—along with Target and the ice cream shop, of course. We use audiobooks and E-books on tablets and smartphones via Libby or Overdrive. If we are traveling, we download multiples titles, carefully selected, to enjoy while away from home. When we need help navigating a city or community, the reference librarians are always eager to help.

Last Saturday, a small boy was riding a little Strider bike along the sidewalk with his grandmother following behind. She called out, “Follow the white line to the library!” and he obediently crossed the street along the line.

Do you encourage your family and children to “follow the line to the library?” What better place to find books, magazines, DVDs, music, even musical instruments and answers to your questions than the five branch libraries of Grand County?

Jeanie Johnson is the director of public services for the Grand County Library District.