If you need a library, you can always find one. This selection of reading stands in a park in our local market town. There is a selection of unwanted books for the choice. The idea would be you would also deposit one of your own. I have never actually taken a book.

Even growing up in a working class family in one of the areas of London near the docklands, I was a reader. My mum and dad were also members of the local library, and I remember when they visited the library I would accompany them. It was the days before daily television. I would go to the chilren`s library to choose my books. I could choose up to two books, but my parents were allowed more. Eventually I got to the age where I belonged to the adult library. I would visit at least once a week and collect my four books. It was my introduction to the world of literature. I discovered authors that were just names for me until I read their works. We actrually had two libraries in our part of London, and I would visit both. It was all organised by the British government.

Books were an important part of my life. I remember my school friend was also an avid reader. She evern studied and became a librarian after leaving school. Eventually she was in charge of one of our local libraries. Switzerland is quite an international country, with many immigrants from various countries and they also bring their authors to our country.

I never had a problem with reading and understanding the written word. With time I managed to master two languages well, English my mother tongue and German my adaopted language after liviing so long in the German speaking part of Switzerland. I read books from English authors in English, and from German authors in German – no problem.