Mar 15, 2024 Patron Story: Meet Chuck Engel!
Meet Charles “Chuck” Engel, a 75-year-old attorney at law whose journey intertwines legal expertise with a deep love for literature, puzzles, and the guiding influence of his local library.
Chuck’s passion for literature and learning began early, fueled by friendships that consistently inspired new interests, as well as challenging studies that sparked his curious mind. Growing up, Chuck had easy access to his local library, a treasure trove that became the foundation of his lifelong love of learning. As he puts it, “I cannot remember not having a library card!”
Chuck’s love for reading isn’t solitary; it’s a shared passion with his wife and children. Together, they suggest books outside their usual preferences, encouraging each other to explore new ideas and topics. Laughter ensues when successful recommendations lead to triumphant ‘I told you so’ moments!
Chuck’s reading habits span a multitude of genres, from history to cooking. His eclectic taste enriches both personal and professional aspects of his life. Beyond the written word, Chuck finds joy in the daily crosswords and word jumbles available at the library from The Indianapolis Star and the Wall Street Journal newspapers. Chuck once humorously revealed his puzzle-solving strategy, quipping that he always saves the Wall Street Journal crossword for last because it’s the “dessert” of his daily mental feast! This routine reflects his desire to sharpen his intellect through puzzles that challenge logical thinking and vocabulary prowess.
As an attorney at law, Chuck illustrates that a passion for literature and continuous learning, nurtured by the library, seamlessly integrates into a successful and impactful professional life. He’s become a testament to the lifelong rewards arising from a profound connection with books, puzzles, and the positive influence of the library in the relentless pursuit of knowledge.
Chuck highly recommends three library resources in particular to any new or long-term library users: Wowbrary, “a giant smorgasbord of books,” Bookpage Magazine, “neverending book recommendations,” and the librarians themselves, who can discern, recommend, and find things you’d like through observations and conversations! He enjoys the childlike nature of curiosity and encourages his young grandchildren to explore the library and enhance their curiosity!
You can subscribe to the library’s Wowbrary email, which arrives in your inbox every Saturday morning, by clicking the link above. You will receive a weekly email containing a selection of the new titles recently purchased by the library, with links for placing immediate holds.
Those interested in following Chuck’s example, may also pick up a Bookpage Magazine at a Circulation Desk the next time they visit the library.
Librarians are also available during regular business hours to assist patrons with book recommendations and other reader’s advisory services in person or through our Chat with a Librarian service, available on this or any page of our website.