A Library Visit That Took Me Back to Childhood

We spent a lovely day at the Anna Centenary Library, and I have to say—the children’s section is a total treasure trove.

While my daughter and nephew were completely absorbed in books of their choice (and happily ignoring the rest of the world), I wandered around a bit myself, not really expecting much for adults. But wow, was I in for a surprise.Even as an adult, I found myself pulled into the shelves. Something about that space just brings out the curious child in you.

I spotted a bunch of Amar Chitra Katha titles and couldn’t resist diving into a few. Rana Sanga was one that stood out—honestly, a chapter in history I don’t remember reading about in school. That’s the beauty of those books, isn’t it? They bring forgotten stories to life with such vibrant illustrations and storytelling.

There were also these large print illustrated biographies that really caught my eye—Rabindranath Tagore and Akio Morita (co-founder of Sony) in particular. The writing was simple, the visuals were engaging, and I couldn’t help but think what a fantastic way this is to introduce young readers to inspiring real-life stories.

Another book that stayed with me was The Holocaust by Susanna Davidson. It was written thoughtfully—delicate enough for young readers, yet accurate and impactful. It’s not easy to present such a heavy topic in a child-friendly way, but this one managed to strike the right balance.

And then, of course, I found myself reaching for an old favorite—Ruskin Bond’s short stories. There’s something so comforting about his writing. Always a win.

What really got me excited, though, was their collection of comics and graphic-style novels. Think Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie, and more—done in that engaging, visual format. I could’ve spent hours flipping through them (okay, I kind of did).Honestly, this visit was more than just a library trip—it was a nostalgic little detour into childhood, and a reminder of how powerful storytelling can be, no matter your age.

If you haven’t been to the children’s section yet, go. With or without kids.