A morning spent at your local library can prove most interesting. Recently, I did just that; talked with friends and patrons at Parnell Memorial Library about how they used the library, what they were reading and who were their favorite authors.

Stellesia Conwell was working at one of the computers. She said she comes to the library almost every day to do her homework. She loves to read romance novels, mysteries and fantasies. Stephenie Meyer is her favorite author, but now she is reading “Blue Bloods” by Melissa De la Cruz.

By the window, Rebecca Harshman, a teacher at Montevallo High School, sat reading the newspaper. She told me she comes by about three times a week to check her e-mail, read the paper and visit with the friendly staff. Her favorite author is Beverley Lewis, who writes about the Amish.

David Nunn, who enjoys visiting the library regularly, said it was quiet. He reads the paper and likes history books while he’s there. He admits it’s a good outlet for him.

Laurie Binion was looking for a book on tape to take along on a trip. She is an avid reader and keeps several books going at the same time. She loves Sue Grafton and Nevada Barr’s mysteries. She enjoyed Pat Conroy’s “Great Santini.” Binion also likes to read books by Bill Cobb and other local authors.

I also spied Leanne Reed and Lori Ozley, with their children, having fun with Mr. Mac at story-time. Almost every time I visit the library, I find semi-retired teacher Jackie Martin there.

“I’m never out of something to read,” she said. “If a book is so new that they don’t have it here, the helpful workers order it for me.”

Martin likes historic novels. She especially likes Debbie Macomber, who writes a lot about the old west and the low country of South Carolina. Janette Oke is another of her favorite authors.

Another regular visitor is O. J. Carson, who teaches at the University of Montevallo. He likes mystery novels, especially those by James Patterson or Iris Johansen. He checks the best seller lists and requests new books.

Library Director Christi King and Jimmie Rosati at the circulation desk gave us some good information. They said the computers are used by more than 1,000 patrons a month and that they are getting new books, books on tape and DVDs. They encourage people to ask for any book they can’t locate.

For information, send an e–mail to Parnellmemoriallibrary.shelbycounty-al.org or call 665-9207.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net.