I have a special place in my heart for libraries. I have for as long as I can remember. I always had ardour in reading, sometimes reading up to three books a day as a child. Stories were like air to me and while other kids played ball or went to parties, I lived out adventures through the books I checked out from the library.

My first job was working at the Ukiah Library when I was 16 years old. It was a dream job and I did everything from shelving books to reading to the children for story time.

As I became a mother, the library took on an added meaning. I had several children and books were our main source of entertainment. It was a big deal for us to load up and go to the local library, where my kids could pick out books to read or books they wanted me to read to them. It was a special time to bond with my children and it filled them with the wonderment of books. Now, I see my children taking their children to the library and I love that the excitement of going to the library lives on from generation to generation.

As a novelist, I’ve found a new relationship with libraries. I encourage readers to go to their local library when they can’t afford to purchase a book. I see libraries as a safe haven (避风港) for readers and writers. Libraries, in their own way, help fight book piracy (盗版行为) and I think all writers should support libraries in a significant way when they can. Encourage readers to use the library. Share library announcements on your social media. Frequent them and talk about them when you can.

The quality of the family relationship is more important than family configuration(结构). A healthy family relationship is the base of a happy family.【小题1】. Although family relationship are different, there are certain characteristics that healthy family relationships share .

【小题2】. Family members listen to and genuinely care about what the others are saying. In these families, communication is on a deep enough level that all members are able to share their feelings, goals, achievements and experiences. When some feedback and constructive criticism are given, love and affection are made clear by the use of positive words.

A family with a healthy relationship requires every single family member’s commitment. Family members hold family as a top priority (优先考虑的事) and consider the impact on relatives before making important decisions. Family members are dependable and always there for each other in times of crisis .【小题3】.

A characteristic of healthy family relationship is that they spend time doing enjoyable activities together.【小题4】. Often, these activities become family traditions, such as sharing meals together, having family outings every weekend or playing sports together.

【小题5】. Family members accept that they each have their own personalities, qualities and interests. Everyone plays an important role in the family. When there is conflict between family members, it is solved in a positive and healthy manner. Family members also acknowledge each other’s achievements and show appreciation for other members .

In today’s households where both parents go to work and kids have busy schedules with school, homework and many afternoon activities, finding time for a gathering at the table seems all but impossible. Yet, studies have shown time and again that eating together has multiple benefits for family members, especially children.

According to reports issued by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University（CASA）, children who eat more with their family are at lower risk of developing poor eating habits, weight problems or alcohol dependencies. They tend to perform better academically than those who frequently eat alone. Family meals came into American life in the mid-20th century. In the 60’s and 70’s, social, economic and technological changes quickly dissolved the short-lived way of family meals. Restaurant visits, take-out and TV dinners have since become the norm（常态）.

There are indications, however, that the old customs are coming back. According to the latest CASA reports, 59% of surveyed families said they ate dinner together at least five times a week, a significant increase from 47% in 1998. Whatever drives this trend, it is a development that should be welcomed.

Eating together as a family is not just about food and nutrition. It is about teaching them how to become members of their society and culture. Food has become so easily and cheaply available that we no longer appreciate its significance. We have to rediscover its importance and its value.

Sharing a meal with loved ones should be considered a special event, which can almost take on the form of a ceremony, as it was practiced by our ancestors for whom finding food was a constant struggle.

Of course, there is no guarantee that the simple act of eating at home surrounded by family may make children more virtuous or socially more responsible. But it can lay the groundwork for a lot of things that point them in the right direction.