I just got back from a morning at the library, and enjoyed myself so thoroughly, I’m wondering why I don’t do this more often.
Actually, this time was a first for me. I’m a very efficient user of my library’s hold system, so normally I just dash in to grab a new book on hold, and then out again.
Today, though, I had so many books in my TBR pile at home that I didn’t have any urge to browse through the fiction aisles. I also had a stack of craft books that I wanted to check out (we’re homeschooling our youngest and I’m in charge of Art and Creativity); I’d researched them the night before so it was a matter of finding the exact titles on the shelf.
My intention had been to browse leisurely through the library and then walk home. But I was loaded down with all those kids’ craft books, and feeling rather lazy. My husband was going to be heading out to pick up my daughter from a workshop she attended this morning; I reasoned that I could just hang around the library and on his way back he could pick me up.
So, for the first time ever, I headed to the nonfiction section, and started grabbing various interesting-looking books on art, gardening and home decorating; titles that I never have time to read, and which are always so heavy I never like the idea of lugging them home.
I sat at a table next to big plate glass windows overlooking a ravine, and browsed through all sorts of eye candy – and I had a great time! I feel refreshed (and raring to re-decorate my house) and relaxed. And yes, I need to do this again – I’m thinking once a week would be nice. In fact, sitting there in that lovely corner by the window, I felt like I could live at the library.
What about you? Do you find yourself spending leisurely time at the library? Or are you usually like me, dashing in and out to grab the latest hold?
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{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Well, not exactly dashing, I think, but I rarely see anything but the crime fiction shelves. Now and then I have to do some research for a novel, and then I quite enjoy browsing a number of books & articles on a Swedish place, transvestites, London parks etc.
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I haven’t done that in a million years. I should do that too!
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I love the library, but I can’t remember the last time I really enjoyed the library. I usually research my books ahead of time and reserver them online. Then I make a visit to pick them up. Sometimes we sit and read a few books (kids books) in the library, but usually it’s in and out. Maybe when my 2 oldest are back at school, I might be able to enjoy some slower time with my youngest in the library. Or maybe that’s just hopefully thinking.
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When I don’t have the kids with me I tend to do quick dashes through the New Book section. However, now that the kids are getting ready to go back to school I’m looking forward to some serious browsing, maybe even try out the comfy chairs in front of the fireplace!
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I am physically incapable of going into a library (or a bookstore, for that matter) without having a bit of a browse. I usually pick up holds right before I catch my bus, so I can’t always swing more than a minute or two with the New & Noted section on the first floor, but I always take at least a brief look around.
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Thanks for the library promo! We (librarians) are always trying to get people to wander the stacks. There is great stuff in there that you will only find by serendipity…If we can only convince more people to slow down and browse….
Here’s hoping….
.-= Kim S.´s last blog ..Book List – Kill Them With A Smile – Humorous Mysteries =-.
Sounds like a wonderful time! I rarely spend time at the library, usually pick up my reserved book, glance at the new books that came in and off I go, but what a better way to spend an afternoon! It’s a quiet place with a zillion books to look at! If I can spend hours at the bookstore, one would think I should do it at the library where the books are free!
Thanks for sharing!
Suzanne
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Ah! I haven’t done that since college myself. Sounds absolutely heavenly! I’m in a whimsical, dreamy mood just thinking about it!
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I’m reading this post after reading the post about your writing spurt. I think there is a connection. Libraries, and the space where you sat, can stir up something inside of you that often leads to great times of creativity. That’s just a Margot thinks.
I love libraries. I’ve spent lots of time in libraries over the years. When my children were young it was mostly about their books and picking up those I’d reserved for myself. Since I’ve retired I’ve been in libraries in many of the places we’ve visited around the country. They are wonderful retreats, as you found, and also places of excitement and inspiration. When I need to be around people not my age, I sit in the children’s book section for a while. Then I find a nice comfy corner somewhere.
.-= Margot´s last blog ..The Spice of Life Challenge =-.
Isn’t it funny how most of us these days manage to dash in and out of the library? I love what Margot wrote, about libraries being wonderful retreats and places of excitement and inspiration. I think now that there probably was a connection between my writing spurt yesterday, and my morning spent at the library.
I enjoyed it so much, I’ve decided I’m going to make time to go, just myself, to the library once every week or two weeks – for an hour, a few hours, maybe even a whole day. It felt almost like a spa experience – it had that same feeling of luxury I get whenever I find time to get over to a spa. And it’s much cheaper!
Wow, what a great day! I never have the time to just spend the day at the library. I’m usually in and out under 15 minutes.
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