Public libraries are a great institution, for which I am very thankful. They are (generally) accessible, free, and community-oriented. Walk into your local library and notice all the people browsing, reading, and studying. Peek into the children's section and see the little ones' delight at being read to by their parents or by librarians. And while we are praising the library, let's praise too the librarians who share their love of books and their expertise with us.
Sometimes, of course, I buy books (and I will write about bookstores in a future post), but sometimes I can't or don't want to purchase a certain book (I may not be sure I will like it, I may not have room for it on my shelves, or I may not want to spend the money), but I do want to read it or at least look through it; that's when I go to the library. I am also grateful for electronic access to the library's catalog, and to my library records. I often read a review of a book that sounds intriguing, then log into my library account from my home computer and request the book; soon after, I receive an email telling me the library is holding the book for me. The next time I visit the library, the book is waiting on a holdshelf with my name on it. What a great system!
I am especially fortunate to have a local library that is physically beautiful. It is constructed of lovely wood and has soaring windows looking out onto the redwood grove in which it is nestled, a sort of cathedral for books. The indoors and outdoors blend seamlessly, and we library patrons are surrounded by beauty, reinforcing the pleasure of being surrounded by books.
______
On a different note: R.I.P. three great writers who have just died: Louis Auchincloss, J. D. Salinger, and Howard Zinn.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)