It’s officially summer! We just celebrated the 4^th of July, an outdoor, fireworks-filled holiday that is loud, messy, and a rite of passage. Picnics, going to the beach, bike riding, hiking in the woods, are just a few of the things we can look forward to now that the relaxing days of summer are here.

When my girls were little, I used to plop them in a little red wagon and lug them to the public library in our small town. It was great exercise for me, and they loved the anticipation of what we’d find when we arrived at our destination.

They loved the kid’s section, filling their arms full of as many books as possible to bring home. As an avid reader–and future author—I was thrilled by their excitement. And when we got home the books didn’t sit forgotten. They would look at the pictures or sound our words, asking for my help if they were stumped. I fondly remember sitting on the couch, the girls on either side of me, as we escaped into a story together. And after they went to bed, I could pull out any book I checked out on that trip to the library.

They would also join any summer book reading program, which brought back memories for me. I always signed up for these kinds of programs when I was a kid and was so happy to see that legacy continue with the girls. When I was younger, I’d take a blanket and book outside, camp under a tree, and read the afternoon away. I sure wish I could do that now! For my girls, instead of saying they were bored during the school break, they filled the off hours after days in the pool or hanging out with friends by getting lost in a story.

Any time I drive by a library now, I recall those days and wonder if they still offer a summer reading program. For me, the To Be Read pile beside my bed is my summer reading program!

As the girls grew older and got involved in school activities, I thought their love for reading might wane. My oldest continued to read, loving books by Tolkien and rereading Princess Bride many times.  One summer we all got hooked on the Hunger Games series, each trying to out read the other to discover what happened.

My youngest daughter is an adult now, living on her own and working a full-time job. She has recently gotten back into reading, which has been so much fun because we can suggest books to each other and after we’ve both read them, discuss the stories. She’ll even call me to read the back cover blurb of a book she is getting ready to read. As an author, that thrills me to see her interest in the story behind the cover of a good book.

I’ll admit, I don’t get to the library much anymore. I’m busy writing my own books, but hope that one day when I slow down, I’ll be back between those walls, marveling at the worlds I can visit when I select  a book from a shelf and bring it home with me.

Tara Randel is an award-winning, USA Today bestselling author. Family values, a bit of mystery and of course, love and romance, are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Look for The Surprise Next Door, coming next year from Harlequin Heartwarming. For more information about her books, visit Tara at www.tararandel.com. Like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/TaraRandelBooks. Sign up for Tara’s Newsletter.