"We can imagine the books we'd like to read, even if they have not yet been written, and we can imagine libraries full of books we would like to possess, even if they are well beyond our reach, because we enjoy dreaming up a library that reflects every one of our interests and every one of our foibles -- a library that,in its variety and complexity, fully reflects the reader we are."Alberto Manguel, The Library at Night
Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted my own library. I have fond memories of visiting the library when I was a child. I still remember taking the elevator to the second floor of the building where the library was located. I still remember the view of Corner Brook, Newfoundland, as I looked out of those second floor windows. I still remember the huge pile of books my mother and I would return home with each time. I think this is a safe place to admit that I may have even played librarian a couple of times. Okay, fine, I alphabetized my books and each book may have had a little label on it, reminiscent of the Dewey decimal system. I have since passed some of those books onto my boys, with their little labels and the name of my stuffies and dates when the book should be returned written on the inside cover. They, of course, asked what it meant. When I explained it, I was met with silence. They may love books but that game seemed to boggle them. Oh well, as they grow older, I'm sure they will learn more things about me that they will accept silently. I will do the same in return.
My dreams of having my own library continue -- a room in which all the walls are bookshelves, a nice big comfy chair and a good lamp. It could happen. I have a room in mind but it's going to be a while. Said room now serves as a play area. So at the moment, I am happy with my library being scattered throughout our house -- the kitchen the living room, the dining room. It doesn't matter. It's still my library.
Happy Winter Solstice! I did not wake up in the middle of the night to watch the lunar eclipse but I was greeted by a spectacular moon this morning anyways.
We woke up in the middle of the night hoping to see the lunar eclipse--but only saw Clouds:(
ReplyDeleteLove your library thoughts. I'd like the same kind of room, but yes life right now means fitting the library into nooks and crannies. Pretty symbolic of other pursuits as well.
I have that same love of books. I LOVE them. I am setting a goal for next year of allowing myself to buy one new book a month. I want to fill lots of shelves with books.
ReplyDeleteditto on the spectacular moon this morning : )
Libraries are magical places...I loved them as a child.
ReplyDeleteI too have my books scattered throughout the house...a little cluster here, another there....but it works.
Have a great Tuesday!
Books, books, books. I will probably die in an avalanche of books one day. But it will be totally worth it - a life lived among books is the best, don't you think? And (hooray) my children seem to have inherited this trait from me.
ReplyDeleteThe best was the due date stamp and the little slips for each book. :)
ReplyDeleteOh I saw that moon too and it was lovely, even if I did sleep through the eclipse! I love seeing a roomful of books. My high school librarian was also my friend and her home had one room with walls of books. It was glorious! I know my home isn't destined for that, after making a decision last year to stop trying to build a huge home library, but the sight of a blessedly full bookshelf does warm my heart :)
ReplyDeleteLove the library thoughts, would love one of my own as well!
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