The library in Jim Thorpe...

Me chilling upstairs.

My daughter, Emma, holding the novel that inspired her name.

Okay, so let's have a serious chat about libraries. I love them. No, seriously, they have always been a big part of my life, and I feel at home inside them. When I was a kid in elementary school, I would go to the library after the school day ended and read as many books as I could until the librarian was ready to go home. The nerve of her having a life outside of that library. Anyway, she would call my dad to come get me because I didn't want to leave. Yep. All true. My dad likes to tell that story too. 

The most beautiful library I’ve ever encountered just so happens to be in…wait for it…yep, you guessed it…Jim Thorpe. I know. As if the town couldn’t get any cooler. The Dimmick Memorial Library, named after the family who provided major financial support, was built in 1889 and opened in 1890. The architecture of the library is Victorian, and, unlike most community libraries, it has a large, multi-story room with built-in floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. After a fire damaged the building and book collection in 1979, the community and supporters renovated the space, maintaining many of the original Victorian features as well as adding a children’s reading room through a grant. This added more space for the community to enjoy the library.

Now…how does the library relate to PfY? In the story, on December 22^nd, Nicole holds her launch of Pining for You (I know, have we talked about how meta this book is???) and book signing in the library. It’s the climax. Will her woodsman show up? Has he healed? Does he love her?

It’s a BIG scene.

So why did I choose the library? I mean, yeah, as I mentioned, I love a library, but it was more than that. For one, I wrote a lot of PfY in the library. Second, the first time I walked into the library, I cried. Now, listen, I’m a crier. I can’t deny it. Sentimental should be my middle name. Anyway, I was so struck by its old-world charm and style that I couldn't help it. But it was more than that. It was the earthy scents of old books with a touch of vanilla from the breakdown of lignin. It was the magical sense of community—a place where people gathered to enjoy books and to learn. It was the librarians. Oh man, are these librarians cool. I’ll write about them in another blog post, but they are both knowledgeable and fun. If you’ve ever thought of librarians as stuffy shush-ers, go to Dimmick and find out how awesome these folks are.

As an aside, I wrote a spicy scene for PfY in the library. I know it isn’t church, but it did feel a little naughty. It also couldn’t be helped. I’d had lunch and it was the next scene, and I just happened to be in the library. LOL

In any event, as you can see from the pictures, the library is amazing. I’m so blessed to have found it and that I get to spend time there working every Friday afternoon. If you are in Jim Thorpe, please, please visit the library. DO IT. Also, in case anyone is wondering…yes, the library has already agreed to have me do a real-life book release and signing on December 22^nd when PfY sells to a publisher. Cross your fingers, y’all.