When’s the last time you went to the public library to check out a book?
I was going to get this book on Amazon las night, but something made me pause. I love physical books but I don’t have much use for them once I’ve read them, save for a few life-changing editions.
For me, books are like good company, some books are even like best friends. There is something about the words, it’s an ephemeral beauty that makes it special, just like a friend’s advice given in a moment never to be recreated the same ever again. So, I didn’t click “add to cart,” a button I’ve conditioned myself to tap without a second thought when I want something.
I put my phone away and decided tomorrow I’ll go to the library. And maybe it wouldn’t be there, the library nearest to me is small, but all the same I’d find my next companion and better, I could return it back to its proper home so it can be a friend to someone else, rather than collect dust in my apartment, or worse, that box I keep meaning to donate. Low and behold, there happened to be one copy of the exact book I wanted. So I went for a walk and brought my new friend to my favorite lunch spot.
2 responses to “When’s the last time you went to the public library to check out a book?”
That interesting – I’ve noticed that back in high school and before then I would frequently get books from the library but after moving away for college I have been more likely to buy new books (and then I realize that’s expensive and I don’t reread that many books so it’s really not worth it).
I think it’s because when I was younger I actually got a library card for the libraries in my parent’s home town but after moving away I never really considered the university library as anything other than a place to study (which makes no sense because I used to get books all the time at the public university library near my parents place) and I haven’t gotten this city’s library card because in my mind my hometown is still where I grew up.
Yes! The SAME thing happened to me. I completely forgot libraries exist and are wonderful places that carry new books. I realized just recently because my collection of books at home was getting way too big. I don’t need to purchase books on a whim on Amazon just because I can anymore 🙂