My Take
DiVoran Lites
About a year ago, I started taking a family consisting of Mother, Laura, two-year-old Sunny, teen-aged cousin, Rita, and fifth grader, Clarisse, to the library every three weeks. I did it because Rita is an avid reader, but lost a book from the high school library and couldn’t check out any more until it was found or paid for (which eventually happened). I understood what it might be like not to have anything to read because I too am an incurable reader, though until recently I’ve only been able to read LP books.
The first time we went, Rita selected so many books that when she stacked them she had to hold them at arm’s length. She placed her chin on the top one to steady the stack. That was an endearing sight.
We went again this last Sunday, but this time I was the greedy one. I checked out six novels and three non-fiction books from the NEW bookshelves. Books are almost as important as shelter or clothing to a writer.
Fiction
- The Fever Tree, Jennifer McVeigh
- Lookaway, Lookaway, by Wilton Barnhardt.
- The Cleaner of Chartres, by Salley Vickers
- Tapestry of Fortunes, by Elizabeth Berg
- A Nearly Perfect Copy, by Allison Amend
- One Glorious Ambition, by Jane Kirkpatrick.
Non-Fiction
- Smart Chefs Stay Slim: Lessons in eating and living from America’s best chefs, by Allison Adato.
- This is the Story of A Happy Marriage, by Ann Patchett
- To the Moon and Timbuktu, by Nina Sovich,
So that’s the list of what I have to look forward to. I feel rich. I teased Rita a bit when I showed her I had more books this time than she did. She was proud to announce that she left a few she wanted, knowing they would be there the next time she came back. Oh, yes? I’m not so sure about that, I wasn’t taking any chances this time.
Do you have your books in the public library? We have ours in two libraries in our county and in the Orlando Public Library as well. Bill just asked and they took them. You never lose by giving things away. God always gives more than we do, and some people read so many books they can’t possibly afford to buy them all. I understand Amazon Kindle has a lending policy, as well. There are a lot of benefits to being open-handed. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Old Things R New 
I have donated copies of my books to the library which I figure probably ‘hits’ my royalty payment but if people are reading my books, that in and of itself, is payment enough. My youngest reading granddaughter loves to go to the library and get books and due to an awkward “mom misplaced the book” moment, she couldn’t get books to take home. It was quickly remedied (my son paid for the book and when it was found, returned it and told them to keep the money as a donation). But, the bottom line was, my granddaughter of almost 5 could once again take books home to read and now she remembers where mom places the book so it don’t get ‘lost’ again.
LikeLike
I still remember the joy of going to the public library when I was a child; that’s a wonderful thing that you did. By the way, even down here in the islands, we check out ebooks from Leslie’s hometown library. it’s not the same, though.
LikeLike
I LOVE books. Especially books with me in them. BAHAHAHA! I don’t see Ahhhhhh…Haaaaaa Moments on the list, but it’s okay. I have a long list of books to read too.
LikeLike
It’s truly a shame the way library budgets are getting cut more and more in the developed world. It’s as if we’ve forgotten what made us prosperous in the first place.
LikeLike
My library card was my prized possession as a child. Books were my window on the world.
LikeLike
Thanks for your comments. I often wonder at the abundance represented by our public libararies. To me, it is truly miraculous. Here’s hoping you always find great books to read, get them back to their home, the library and are able to check out dozens more.
LikeLike
I always feel like when I take a ton of books out of the library, I’m stealing or something! Isn’t that crazy? But wow, to have all of them at my fingertips. Our problem in the house is usually FINDING all the books once many hands have taken over them. Nice post!
LikeLike
Love books and library’s! Great post today.
LikeLike
I NEVER FEEL LONELY WITH A BOOK IN MY HAND….(NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HUMAN COMPANIONSHIP, NATURALLY, BUT THEY KEEP MY MIND OCCUPIED WITH UPLIFTING THOUGHTS,)
LikeLike
I don’t either and sometimes when I am not reading, the characters still wander around in my brain.
LikeLike