Do you remember learning to read? Do you recall your first book?

My first book was "Curious George," by Margret and H.A. Rey, a popular selection for the library literati at Fairview School in Rockford. Its plot line was masterful, the actions of an impish simian delightful. My laughing even prompted a "shoosh" from the librarian, who lacked the sensitivity to see I was lost in thought - transported to a better world.

One book led to another. Next it was "Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson, and then it was "The Roy Campanella Story" by Milton J. Shapiro, and then it was "Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. Before long I got a library card, which allowed full access to the impressive collection in Rockford's Highland Branch Library.

Pretty soon I was reading all of the time. I even read by flashlight while under the bed covers. I was hooked - even to the point of lying about my reading. Here's an example:

Mom: "Why do you look so tired? Have you been reading in bed again?"

Me (looking up from book, peevishly): "No, Mom."

Dad (coming in from garage): "What happened to all our batteries?"

Me: "I'm going outside now."

Books are part of my life. There are special, heavily worn books I keep because of what happened when I read them; long-ago feelings well up in my heart (and sometimes my eyes) as I re-read the words. There is a college textbook that opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about our world. And there are autographed books, including one signed by Muhammad Ali.

This literary tonnage will some day be of no value; In fact, the books are of little value now. These aren't the possessions of a collector, or prized first editions. My dog-eared paperback copy of "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac wouldn't get 75 cents in a yard sale, but it's not for sale at any price from me.

Perhaps you also treasure books, but our numbers may be dwindling. My generation learned to read by looking at ink on paper, and many developed an appreciation for bookbinding and graceful type. We display our best-looking books, not unlike pottery or paintings.

Younger readers spend more time looking at electronically generated characters on a computer. Some choose online sources for news and information. Some choose to read books electronically, using the Kindle digital readers sold by Amazon.com and, soon, the just announced "world's largest eBookstore" planned by Barnes & Noble that will make books accessible by cell phone.

As you might suspect, I have absolutely no interest in spending a few hundred bucks for a "Kindle" or of using my cell phone for leisure-time reading. I can barely see the numbers to accurately dial the blasted contraption, especially in bright light. The reading-via-phone concept seems crazy to me.

But it might be OK for others. And there is a bright spot in this, the latest generational transition. At least people still are reading.

Gary Metro is the editor of The Southern Illinoisan. He can be reached at 618-351-5033 or gary.metro@thesouthern.com.