For many years now I have been faithful to a divergent Affair de Coeur with my neighborhood bookstore. I was unexpectantly swept off my feet in the early 90′s by the emergence of the super size , communtiy coffee drinking , retail magnet book stores and abruptly left my local library in the rear view mirror of my life. For that I have a lot of guilt ! But lately, I’ve been feeling sentimental and stopped by to visit my first love, the unwaveringly devoted public library. Oh, how I’ve missed the reverent hush of quiet that comes over you when entering the door and those studious people behind the front desk acknowledging you with the appropriate etiquette nod. There is something a little heavenly about the place! As I respectfully tiptoe along the book filled aisles, a flood gate of memories of school and good friends completely take over my senses. Standing in the moment I realize, I’ve missed this grand institutional destination which generously and freely enriches our daily lives. When was the last time you visited your local library?
I much prefer the index cards over the computer….
Have you ever looked at a library card inside a book? Its full of history!
Book are like old friends…
A good book can take you places you may have only dreamed about!
I have a summer list of books I intend to read….what’s on your list?
Whether its the library, a bookstore or even a used book store, there is a world of knowledge waiting for you….See you there!
Okay then, Vic.
Who let you into my home to photograph it without me knowing about it?
*laughter*
I was thinking of you when I wrote this post! Ha!
So how many books do we have now?
Still way too many…
But how does one just toss one’s friends aside? I was never good at it with human friends, and I certainly am no better with my literary ones…
However, if I would just learn to trust my mind, I know I would realize that no matter what is present (or equally what has passed), I will carry the best of what entered my life, for however long, within me…
Always.
It is my belief that I cannot be touched without being changed, and those changes not only stay, but they are treasured by myself for the gifts they are…
I am grateful, whatever comes to pass…
To know for even a short period of time is better than never knowing at all…
Much better.
Ahhhh, you are not only a brilliant artist……you are a gifted writer! Such talent this boy has! (Said in a Jewish accent!)
I wish I had a response I could give in a Jewish accent, but alas, I come up short… Maybe you could read my responses in a Jewish accent? *laughter*
Brilliant artist? Gifted writer? While I thank you for these compliments, I’m personally not so sure…
Any talents I may have, in any arena, are merely the result of a lucky genetic toss… What matters infinitely more is how I might use those talents to positively impact and enhance the lives of other people, most particularly the people who’s lives are part of mine… Anything beyond that scope, I do not seek.
And on those issues I can’t be the judge, now or ever… Only others will be able to indicate any successes or failures in those arenas… And I am content to let it be so…
Robert Louis Stevenson says: “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”
If any art I create, or words that I write, inspire others to carry on even further in their own lives, then, and only then, will I consider myself to have lived up to whatever talents chance may have gifted me with…
Yiddish perhaps?
Books are my first true love. At this point in my life, the only thing that comes before them is my family. If I could build my dream house, it would have a library in it, the kind where you need a rolling ladder to reach the books on the highest shelves.
That’s a wonderful dream…I share it with you!
While I love the aroma of the community coffee shops/bookstores, there’s something about that of the library. Ahhhhhh….
I know, I feel the same way – I too LOVE the bookstore and the wonderful smell of coffee to accompany it, but there’s something about the library…???
To quote from the epic film “Year One” when Jack Black says….”It has a knowledgy taste to it”!!!!!
I think that might best describe the Library!! Ha!
Now I have that feeling that you might be reading my mind:D. I have been thinking of photographing the NYC Public Library for quite some time! But haven’t yet figured out how to get the permission to click etc…groundwork pending.
The libraries…to me they seem to be powerhouses of solace and solitude. Silent friends (books or people..shhhh!), dim lights, and secret doors within book covers!
Lovely pics Vicki…just lovely.
x
Thank you Juicer….”Good minds think alike”!!!!
We do seem to track each others capricious ideas rather well…don’t you think?
I love the idea of photographing the library! Hope you get a “hall pass” to such an adventure!
Hugs !
I only started visiting libraries again a year and a bit ago when I decided I needed a cheap hobby after getting married. I love reading, but there’s no way I could afford to buy all the books I wanted to read, and you really have to be careful with storage space when living in a small condo.
Our local library is fairly small, but the first time I walked in I realized how much I missed that library atmosphere. Nothing beats the smell of books and the hushed buzz of people discovering new books. I love that quote: knowledgy taste – what a perfect description!
Thanks alitareads ! So nice of you to drop by!
I understand about the space issues…that’s why the library is awesome!!!!!!!
With our common interest in books, libraries, and the love of “Jane Eyre” I’m sure we’ll become quick friends! Hugs!
Love the pics. It really has reminded me that it has been to long since I have sat down to read one and wouldn’t know where to start.
Ahhhh…your imagination is a good starting point…then when you least expect it….a wonderful book will find you! That’s the way it works for me….
Thank you for your kind comment about the photos…It is my hope they will inspire the reader!