A Clayton Library Book Opens the Door to a Family Adventure
The library is a place where learning takes shape in unexpected ways. Each visit offers opportunities to ask questions, follow interests, and discover ideas that grow through conversation and shared time. At Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library, these moments often begin quietly, with a book in hand, and continue far beyond the initial visit.
That sense of discovery became real for Deborah Kerr and her daughter, Ansley, during a recent trip to the library. While attending a program, they browsed the shelves and found Big Boy 4014: The Story of Union Pacific’s Legendary Steam Locomotive. Ansley, who loves trains, was immediately drawn to the book and checked it out to read at home. Reading it together sparked curiosity and conversations that continued long after they left.
At home, the story led them to learn more about historic steam engines and the role they played in American history. During a holiday trip to visit family in Pennsylvania, they realized they were close to the Steamtown National Historic Site in Scranton. Seeing the opportunity, they decided to make the visit, knowing there may not be many chances to see one of these massive locomotives in person. Standing beside engine 4012, Ansley saw just how large and powerful these trains truly are, turning something she had read about into a real-world experience.
Reflecting on the experience, Deborah shared, “This trip gave us a chance to turn a simple book into something real for our family. Without the library, we never would have known to plan a visit to the historic locomotive in Pennsylvania. Seeing that train together and learning about its history made our holiday trip even more meaningful.”
The visit became even more meaningful as Ansley’s father, Andrew, who has a mechanical and technical background, shared his own knowledge and interest in how trains function. Explaining the mechanics and history allowed him to connect with Ansley in a new way, creating a moment rooted in learning and shared curiosity. Photos captured the day, but the lasting impact came from time spent together, discovering something new as a family.
Deborah also noted how special it was to watch Ansley and Andrew connect, saying, “Reading the book sparked Ansley’s interest, but watching her dad talk with her about trains brought it all to life. It let her father share something he loves and helped them build a deeper connection through a shared experience.”
Inspired by what began at the library, the family now talks about future adventures, including the possibility of traveling to see the legendary Big Boy 4014 steam locomotive in motion. Union Pacific has confirmed that the historic engine will return to the rails in 2026 as part of celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. While specific stops have not yet been announced, the idea of planning a trip around such a rare event shows how one book can plant the seed for learning that grows over time and reaches places far from home.
Stories like this one show how a simple visit can lead to learning that continues beyond the moment. Families are encouraged to spend time at Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library, explore new topics, and see where their interests lead. Whether the journey stays close to home or stretches across the country, the library offers a starting point for experiences shaped by curiosity and time together. For more information, visit claytonlibrarync.org.
