Karen Wils photo My mother, the late Luella Rose, and nephew Robert Wils share a light moment with Andrew Carnegie, portrayed by the late Dick Hanson, during festivities for the Escanaba library’s centennial.

ESCANABA — I can smell the polished wood. I can hear the squeak of the seat cushions. I have the satisfied feel of a new book in my hand. I’m at the old Escanaba Carnegie Library, in the basement children’s section.

I was lucky to have a mom who mass-consumed novels (and cookbooks and magazines) and a dad who couldn’t wait to read his latest “True” magazine, then “Newsweek.”

As the youngest of six, I think I rather enjoyed getting away from the others at times and having some peace to myself. Even if I didn’t find a book right away, it was fun just wading through the different names and titles, looking at the brightly colored drawings.

My mom didn’t drive at that time, so it was an extra adventure going across town with my cousins and Aunt Nancy. The big, high pillars upstairs made me feel like I was in an Egyptian temple, but it was a few years before I could explore the “grown-up” collection.

Fast forward to the ’70s. If Carnegie piqued my interest in literature, then the libraries of Holy Name School cemented it.

The elementary library was cozy and inviting, complete with a gigantic stuffed toy dog. At the “big school” we had a well-organized library under the watchful eye of a dedicated Catholic sister. I had a favorite table I liked to sit at, and to this day I remember looking up at a familiar copy of the book “Adam Bede.” Funny how you remember little things like that.

One interesting feature of the Holy Name library was its extra services, perhaps holdovers from the high school days. I took a partial unit in Spanish, for example, and we used headphones in the library for lessons and translations. I was also in Service Club and the library’s large tables worked well for mass mailings that we assisted with.

Fast forward to the ’80s, when I was a frequent visitor to the Escanaba Area High School library. The beautiful stonework there seemed to bolster confidence in me. I met new friends there, actually got in some studying and later took photos in the library for the school yearbook.

The high school had helpful staff and, as I recall, a phenomenal collection of periodicals. (You’ll have to explain that one to the kids).

I spent two years at Bay College and, since I lived at home, didn’t have to study or write papers there. But when I needed to cram for a test, the quiet study area was excellent. Later on Bay greatly expanded, creating its learning resource center.

I finished up at NMU with a communications degree. Besides the cafeteria and the student newspaper, I probably spent the most time at Northern’s fine LRC. Housed in the same complex as public radio and TV, where I had an interesting practicum, the Lydia Olson Library was spacious and modern.

The Olson Library has two floors, hence some pretty nice views from the upper level out over campus. I did many searches for term papers in my time, becoming pretty friendly with the guide to periodicals.

Fast forward to the present and the Escanaba Public Library. I’ve had the honor of listening to speakers and musicians there, attending art workshops, enjoying ice cream socials, and helping with an occasional exhibit in the display case. Also having my taxes done by AARP and bringing young relatives in for special events.

Oh… and that other thing: ­reading!

In my visits to EPL, I’ve traveled to medieval Scotland and Washington, D.C.; West Texas and imperial Russia. I’ve read biographies, histories, novels, poetry and plays.

In case you haven’t been to the Escanaba library, it has large windows and a high ceiling, putting you in a frame of mind for discovery and learning. The Sedna sculpture and incredible portrait of the historic ship Nahant provide points to ponder.

That’s about it for my reminiscing. Tonight after supper, maybe think back to all the great libraries and librarians you’ve met. Have a smile, then be grateful we live in a country that values such things.

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Lori Rose is a former Daily Press staff writer and sister of columnist Karen Rose Wils.