I walked to the public library on Saturday. The walk there was enjoyable and made me think about how little I walk around these days. There were a few people out for a stroll around the neighbourhood, too. I also enjoyed spotting the neighbourhood cats. I was quite surprised at the number of cats I saw (five of them, in the space of a 15-minute walk) – but no dogs. Maybe the dogs were out with their humans?
The public library was very pleasant. It was very easy to sign up as a member (all that’s required is some ID with your current address on it – that’s my new library card in the picture) and the staff were friendly and welcoming. They were putting up decorations and a display for the Chinese New Year and taking down the Valentine’s Day display, and one staff member offered me some crepe flowers.
I now remember why I enjoy the public library – I get to borrow books I wouldn’t otherwise look at: like the two Inspector Wexford novels by Ruth Rendell (the latest one, End in Tears, and an earlier one Shake Hands Forever, both of which I finished over the weekend), Attracting Birds to Your Garden, and Orchids in Your Garden. I had a look at their small Dutch language selection and was pleased to see Kwade Schuld by Peter Temple. That’s Bad Debts, translated by Paul Witte (De Boekerij, Amsterdam, 2002). It’s a pity their Indonesian language collection is currently around 90% schmaltzy romance novels, though. (The remaining 10% were books on Falun Gong.) I’ll give it some time and see if they get more in – I might ask for more variety otherwise.
What about you? Do you use your public library? Why? Why not?
9 Comments
Yep – sure do. Saves me buying more bookshelves 😉 Plus I pay rates so I figure I should get something nice for my money & not just boring stuff like getting my rubbish picked up!
Truthfully – visiting the public library has always been an essential part of my life. One of the first things I’ve done when moving into a new area is sign up for a card. What can I say? I’m a cliched librarian who loves to read!
I was going to become a member of our local public library, until asked for my Medicare number to join. Objected to that, so am still not a member…
I am a member of 3 different public library systems and 2 universities. I love ’em, I use them mainly for DVDs and kid’s stuff (both hard to get through work as ILLs!).
Penny, me too 🙂 Although, love of reading is not the main reason I became a librarian. I don’t deny it, though, when people say that I am a librarian because I must love books/reading – ‘cos I do!
tb-) why on EARTH should they want your Medicare number??? That’s very strange…
Tom, that’s a lot of libraries! 🙂
I had a look at their small Dutch language selection and was pleased to see Kwade Schuld by Peter Temple. That’s Bad Debts, translated by Paul Witte (De Boekerij, Amsterdam, 2002).
Ik heb twee boeken door Peter Temple gelezen: Bad Debts en Black Tide. Ik vond beide leuk, maar … ik ben geen nederlander! I do read and write about lots of Australian crime fiction, though, and I invite you to visit my blog, browse, and join the discussions.
I have always got a kick out of librarians, though. They love to answer questions.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
“Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home”
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/
I work in a public library, so.. yea, I do use it alot *lol* I enjoy borrowing the latest novels, DVDs & magazines (cos I’m privileged to be able to order them & therefore know about them first! :p) Your library card is cool! Can you access the internet/email for free over there?
Hi CW,
I love the social aspect – that people meet where there are books, and chairs, and windows looking out over gardens, and other people who answer questions, and computers – and newspapers. There’s always the chance that something might happen, provided it’s not too quiet. Our writers group meets at the library, which is great because a) we have a place to meet, and b) I have an excuse to talk enthusiastically amongst the books.
Thanks for dropping by, Peter 🙂 As for your blog, what a great topic to write about!
Sydneylibrarian, I believe it’s possible to use the net/check email for free at my public library. I doubt I’ll be using that service much, though.
Dee, that’s a good point about the social aspect. I did notice a lot of people saying hello to each other while I was there…
“Thanks for dropping by, Peter 🙂 As for your blog, what a great topic to write about!”
It’s a great topic, all right. I don’t remember how or why readers of my blog introduced me to Australian crime fiction, but such books constitute without a doubt the largest share of my discoveries since I began the blog.
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Detectives Beyond Borders
“Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home”
http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/