Writer in Residence - David Young

Toronto Reference Library: A Monologue by Howard Biel

In my day, libraries used to have books…not computers. Rows and rows of shelves filled with books…10 feet high. You had to climb a ladder to get 'em from the top shelf. What a beautiful thing to see. Books, books and more books…the key to an education. Hell, in school, the library came to us…called a "Bookmobile". 'Twas a trailer filled with books. Came once a week. Tuesdays was our day. I remember how much I looked forward to that day. I loved reading books. Reading and playing road hockey…can't get more Canadian than that, eh?

I think it was my Uncle Dave who got me so interested in reading. History, biographies, the Hardy Boys Mysteries….and even Nancy Drew, but don't write that down, 'cause I'll deny it!  The very first time I came into this library was to find a history book, "Dileas, A History of the 48th Highlanders." No other library in the city had it. I had told my son about his great-uncle Dave and his heroism in World War Two. He decided to do a history essay about him in grade 6. I knew my uncle was mentioned in "Dileas" and cited for bravery. Had to come to the Reference Library to photocopy the info. That essay formed part of my uncle's eulogy delivered by my son.

I'd never seen a lobby area like that before. I was in awe. Still am. I do feel somewhat intimidated by all the youngsters in the library. Sure, there's a few old fogies like me, but mainly university students. Backpacks filled with textbooks and laptops.  It’s very different today.  Such a marvel watching them read and study…on computer, no less!  Man, I miss those university days. This place didn't exist back then. We had the Robarts Library. It was new and state of the art when I went to U of T in the early seventies. Nothing like this, though.  This place is open, inviting…says, “C’mon in.”  And it’s more than just a place to sit and read.  The name Reference Library conjures up images of rows of encyclopedia…Britannica, Compton’s…they’re obsolete now with the internet.  This place is so much more.  The programs; they’re outstanding.  Lectures, accomplished authors, public figures, writing workshops, the Bluma Appel Salon series.  Gets the community involved.  Oh, to be young again…to take full advantage of what the Toronto Reference Library has to offer.  I enjoy it here.  The experience of it.  The feel of the edifice itself…what it gives to this city.  I’m proud to be a Torontonian.

This monologue is reprinted with permission from the author. It was performed at the Toronto Reference Library as part of David Young's Writer-in-Residence workshop program, on November 30, 2011.