Welcome to another edition of Booking Through Thursday. Check out the link for everyone else who is chatting today.
Today’s topic is very timely….it’s something I’ve been thinking about lately.
How often do you visit a library? Do you go to borrow books? Do research? Check out the multi-media center? Hang out with the friendly and knowledgeable staff? Are you there out of love or out of need?
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Last week, I even mentioned my neighborhood library when we talked about our bookish love.
For a long time, I had stopped visiting the library, except for when my computer was in the shop and I went there to borrow their computers.
I have been buying books for quite awhile. I loved the idea of having my own personal library. But I got a little carried away! My stacks grew to gigantic proportions, with bookshelves in every room, in the hallway, in the bathroom, in the pantry….
So I started exploring the library again. Slowly and carefully, because I hate having to return books unread because of that expiration date!
Now I make my online requests for books and go to pick them up. And while I’m there, I might glance around at the shelves…cautiously. And sometimes leave with an extra book or two. Here’s a photo of my library.
So far I haven’t returned any unread.
But, like most of my obsessions, I tend to go too far….which is why I carefully mix in books from my stacks and review books when I’m making my reading list for the week. And then I slip in a library book.
This week, I’ve read two library books and one review book. I finished Evil at Heart, by Chelsea Cain, the final book in the series that I hadn’t yet read. Worked out for me.
And I’m now reading Plum Spooky, by Janet Evanovich: another series book. I had joined a Sequel Challenge for this year, so both books will work for it.
I also like to take my grandson to the library. Here’s the children’s section.
What is your library experience like? Do you go? If not, why not?
**Addendum: I just remembered a vital piece of my history with libraries! In the early 1960s, I worked at the County Schools Library in the town where I lived, selecting and packaging books for the schools. And when I started college, I worked in the college library for awhile.
Houses just aren’t big enough for an avid reader, are they?
No, Anthony, they have their limitations…lol; thanks for stopping by, and enjoy your reading.
It’s nice to introduce children to the library.
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2013/02/booking-through-thursday_21.html
I still have fond memories of going to the library as a child….Thanks for visiting, Tribute Books Mama.
here is my answer
http://www.thewritersmind-gigi.blogspot.com
Thanks for stopping by, Regina….
I love being able to request books online and then just walk in and pick them up. I did that today, in fact!
2 Kids and Tired Books BTT
I love that part, too, Holly; I just got an e-mail that another book is waiting for me. I now have two requests to pick up. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy your reading.
It’s wonderful you shared pictures of your library – love looking at libraries and how they’re set up differently.
Here’s mine http://thepaperbackstash.blogspot.com/2013/02/btt-feb-21-libraries.html
So do I, Erin, and I’m planning on photographing some of the other libraries in this area. Thanks for stopping by.
Also LOVE your background!
Thanks, Erin…I found the image on Pinterest.
I also hate returning unread books because of the expiration date. Your own library sounds like quite a nice place to be – books everywhere!
It is a great library, Hazel; when it first began, there were lots of empty shelves, but over the years, it has filled out nicely. Thanks for stopping by.
The children’s section looks awesome – wish ours was like that.
I like it, too, Daystarz Books…if I could fit in those little chairs, I’d go in there and sit! lol
I do the same as you: order books from the catalogue (just one or two), have a look around the shelves making sure I don’t pick up more than one or two additional books. It seems to work fine.
i think the library is a great addition to buying books, especially for books that you’re not sure will turn out to be keepers.
Yes, I agree, Judith…ordering just a couple and not picking up too many on the way out the door…lol
Thanks for stopping by.
That’s a lovely photo or your library. I remember my mom leaving me in the children’s section of the library and getting me when she was done, which was usually two hours later.
Thanks for stopping by.
Maybe your local library has info on borrowing e-books from them.
I’m going to check that out, Tasha….thanks for stopping by.
And I recall spending hours in the library as a kid, too. One can get lost amongst all those fabulous books!
I love the look of your library. I hate returning books unread too. I’ve worked really hard to not check out too many at one time. Sometimes it works, but most of the time I go overboard!
I think I’m getting better at it, Staci….and this library has been a work in progress. When it first opened, it was not at all welcoming…there were too many empty shelves, and it took awhile to achieve this current state. But now it’s great.
I still like the cozy library in the suburb where I lived before…I’m going to go over and take some photos there soon.