We asked ONE members for submissions to The Big Read book — a collection of stories from people around the world supporting education for everyone. Although only one member story will be published in the book, the runner-up submissions, including the one below from Marie P. Horgan of Chelsea, Massachusetts, were so good that we wanted to share them with you.

You can show your support for The Big Read and help ensure a pathway out of poverty for children around the world. Endorse the book by adding your signature here.

Thanks for reading!

-Emily Stivers

The Library

By Marie P. Horgan
Chelsea, MA

On June 11 many, many years ago, I turned 6 years old. The next day, my Godmother, Ma Tante Madeleine, came to pick me up. We were setting off for the library so I could register for a library card. I was more excited about this prospect than I had been for my birthday!

When we finally arrived at the library, we climbed the seemingly endless stairs to the large, wooden doors at the top. Pushing the heavy, solid doors opened, I entered this sacred space in complete reverence and awe. The moment had finally arrived: I was now old enough to receive the privilege of becoming a “book-borrower”!

I was quite impatient as I answered the librarian’s questions: name, address, age, school, etc. Then, the glorious and sweetest moment in my entire life happened: I heard the words, “Here is your very own library card.” I barely had time to grab the card from the librarian’s hands before I dashed off to the Children’s Fiction Room, which was filled from top to bottom and corner to corner with story books and young adult novels.

I stopped at the first bookcase on my right and immediately pulled out a book. I pulled out another, and then a third. I had been told, much to my sorrow, that three books were the limit that could be borrowed at a time.

I sat down on one of the benches and began to read. My heart was ready to explode with happiness! But suddenly, I froze. My breath stopped. I looked around the room and I was struck with an awful awareness: it was going to take years and years to read every single book in that room. And I knew, without ever having been told (an uncanny insight for one so young), that there were hundreds — no, THOUSANDS — more of these rooms all over the world! How would I ever be able to read all the books that had ever been written?

For a brief span of time, my moments of pure delight were changed to pin-prickles of sadness. But I soon dug in my heels and decided that the adventures, the knowledge, and the experiences I needed in my life would know how to mystically make their way into my hands, and thus make their way into my heart, soul, and mind.

Since that day so many, many years ago, I have never stopped filling my life, my spirit, my mind, my very essence, with the magic and wonder of reading. Some of my dearest friends live between the covers of books. Some of my most wonderful travels and experiences have been had without leaving the comfort of my home because I have the written word before me. I have only to open up again these “friends” of mine to relish the delights of escapades with Anne from Anne of Green Gables, or rediscover the murderer using my “little grey cells” with Monsieur Poirot.

Books and reading have brought me comfort in times of sadness, knowledge to dispel the fear, and excitement to fill my days. I will always be eternally grateful for the wonderful examples of my parents, Gerard and Emily, and Ma Tante Madeleine for instilling in me a love and life-long desire for reading. For they are the three who lovingly and willingly read to me from the time I was a very young child. During these precious and sacred moments, they gave of their time, attention, and joy while they shared their own love of reading. My life is so much richer for the treasures they shared, and for the treasures I continue to receive every time I open a book.

Why care about the ability to read? Both of my parents and Ma Tante Madeleine had very little formal education. But, because they could read, they were able to procure jobs that allowed them to earn a decent living. They were “self-educated” in the truest sense of that phrase. And they never once dismissed the importance of continuing one’s education, whether formally or informally.

I witnessed their compassion, their donation of time, and their financial sacrifices to contribute money, no matter how little, to many organization that promoted better living circumstances; organizations that helped feed, cloth, shelter, provide medical care, and educate others who needed these things. They gave regardless of race, color, or creed because they believed, as I do, that we are all part of God’s family; we are all brothers and sisters.

I can think of no better way to honor my family than by continuing their selfless giving to worthy organizations that promote healthy, decent, well-rounded, and educated lives. By being a member of the ONE organization, I am doing just that. Not only does this organization take aggressive steps working toward an end to AIDS and extreme poverty, but now they have joined forces with the Global Campaign for Education.

I believe, as my family did, that being able to read is the first step in overcoming ignorance, poverty, and substandard living. For the ability to read, along with improving the overall quality of life, can lead people out of their dire circumstances and lead them toward healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.