My first newspaper route was acquired in 1962.

I had it for about 2 years and it was a major reason why I ended up needing eyeglasses. My route began and ended at the Fairbanks Public Library. There I discovered the wonderful world of books that were within the walls of the public library (not the Internet). It became my habit to check out a book and read it while I was delivering my papers whenever the weather permitted, especially during the summer.

By the time I was finished with my route I was usually finished with the book. I was, and am still, a voracious fast reader. After checking...