What you are looking for is in the library
“I have always imagined that paradise will be a kind of library.” Jorge Luis Borges
A few months ago, my friend was talking to me about her local library over a cup of tea. She was explaining that she visits it regularly with her son, taking part in the activities it offers, along with borrowing books for the both of them. She asked me if I belonged to a library as she noted my voracious appetite for books, which had increased by the ten-fold over the past year. I said no, and that I was quite happy feeding my reading habit with the books that I was buying. After I left her, I didn’t dwell on the question and it left my mind, until it reappeared recently.
Fast-forward to the beginning of July and this conversation had made its way back to the forefront of my mind, resulting in me recently re-joining my local library. I don’t know what finally persuaded me, but looking at the piles of books mounting in my house, it seemed like the next logical step in my book reading journey. As much as I love the experience of owning a book and it being something that will be with me forever, the idea of borrowing books to lighten the financial commitment of buying several books (as I can never just choose one) seemed to make sense. It also meant I had to get out and about and mix with people in my local community.
When I was growing up, I visited my local library a lot, especially during the school holidays. I took part in world book day challenges and collected the medals as I completed each one. I created my birthday party invites on the library computers and whiled away hours in a sea of books, often taking out a large pile to pour over once I got home.
I had also recently found my original library card whilst I was sorting out some things, and I felt like this was another sign that pointed me towards re-joining. When I held it, it brought back lots of memories, and I was also intrigued to see if it still worked. I was fascinated to find out what my borrowing history was and what kind of picture it would paint of my past book reading habits.
So, armed with my old library card I made the journey back to my childhood library. This time I made my way as an adult, driving my car there in the pouring rain, as opposed to on the bus like I used to. When I parked the rain hadn’t abated, so I pulled on my waterproof, opened my umbrella and ran to down the street to the library, avoiding the puddles and the splashes generated by cars speeding down the road.
When I reached the entrance of the library the doors slid open and a hundred memories hit me all at once. The interior was instantly recognisable as only a few things had changed, like the position of the front desk and some placements of the bookshelves, but everything else remained the same. I made my way to the desk and spoke with great enthusiasm about wanting to re-join and if possible could they print off my borrowing history from my old card. I waited with bated breath as they scanned my card but nothing happened, it was dead and my dreams of analysing my old book choices were gone. I did feel slightly deflated, but then my shiny new library card was created and handed over to me, followed by a quick chat on what the library offered and how many books you could borrow at a time (20!) and I felt appeased. A tour was also offered, but I declined, citing that my former time spent at the library in my youth was all I needed to get the lay of the land. And so after fifteen minutes, it was all over. I was now a fully fledged library member, and I walked out feeling connected to my former self, but also feeling accomplished that something that I had been putting off for so long was finally done.
I can’t wait to go back to the library and take my time browsing all the shelves to see what is on offer. I feel like it will change my reading habits as I definitely restrict what I purchase. Whereas now, knowing I can borrow up to 20 books means I can dive into lots of different worlds and explore them, which feels quite freeing and exciting. If I don’t like a book I can return it and if I love it I can read more books by the same author and grow my appreciation for their writing.
I will still buy books as I enjoy the experience, but having this option will change how I buy them. If I borrow a book and love it, I would then buy it safe in the knowledge that I’ve enjoyed it and want to read it again. Opposed to times when I’ve brought a zeitgeist-y book and then been disappointed with it, which in turn results in me donating it or giving it away.
A library is a place of sanctuary, full of warmth, wonder and joy. I am excited to be connected to one again, and I can't wait to see what knowledge I will gain and what adventures will unfold in the books that I discover.
Have you recently joined or re-joined a library? Or have you been a member for years? Do you like to buy or borrow books? Or do you like to borrow and buy books? I would love to know :)
Tales of my book reading journey