The buildings pictured here, while they appear nondescript and perhaps unappealing, contain countless treasures. They are, of course, public libraries. One is the library of my youth, the Buena Park Library, and the other is my current library, the Fort Vancouver Regional Library. My mother, who has been a lifelong and avid reader, used to take me to the library every few weeks or so when I was girl. I can remember being excited every time we went to the library because it meant that it was time to get new books.
Sure, there were occasional school assignments which required me to get a book on a particular topic, but what my mom taught me early on is that there are many talented writers who have the ability to transport me to a different place and time, real or imagined, with the words they put on the page.In recent years, my friends who formed an informal book club (which we jokingly call the beer club) have reignited my passion for reading. For too many years, I was lucky if I read 4-5 books a year. Due to various life challenges, I just didn't have the mental energy to read very often. But thanks to Nancy, Cheri, Karen, DeL'Aurore, Rachel and Melinda, I am once again spending leisure time reading. Since the start of this year, I think I have read at least a dozen books.
I am finding that technology has enhanced my reading opportunities. My mom, who has been faithful in sending me books over the years, will mention a good book when she emails me. My friends Karen and Delly got me started with http://www.goodreads.com/, which is kind of a social site for readers. It allows you to create a list of books you've read, those you're currently reading and those you want to read. If you have friends on the site, when they update their lists, you get an email, so I have benefited from knowing which books my friends are reading and recommending.
The other technological advance that I truly appreciate it being able to sign on to the web site for the local library and place a hold on the books I want to read. Once the book is available, I get an email letting me know I can pick it up. How great is that? Today I put a hold on a new book I want to read; in the next few weeks, it will be sitting on a shelf with my name on it.
If you are a reader, do you have any books or authors you would recommend? Those treasures await me at the library I love!
.jpg)
Posts
My mom took me to the library as a kid, too, and demonstrated the love of reading. She must have done a good job because my three siblings and I are all avid readers. Lately, I've been enjoying young adult books. They're generally fairly quick, easy reads--which can be nice after a stressful day at work!--but at the same time, deal with some interesting and important topics. The two young adult authors I've been reading and enjoying lately are Markus Zusak and Suzanne Collins.
ReplyDeleteKaren, I will have to check out those authors. I love the idea of quick, easy reads!
ReplyDeleteOK--In Africa I read 200 books in the last year in my village. Since I arrived home in 2006 I go to the library every week and get 2 books, one audio book on CD for my car, and one audio book on tape for listening while I put on my makeup and do dishes. I LOVE reading--mainly mysteries. If you want good mystery authors, let me know.
ReplyDelete