I had to think long and hard to come up with an L topic for this installment of the A to Z Blog challenge–and then I had to face-palm at the obvious choice: Ann is a staff researcher and mentions libraries on a regular basis in Dust to Blood. And this is a book blog, covering everything from reviews, to author interviews, to editing, to my own writing. How could I not have a blog entry about the place I venerate too?
Years ago, I saw a quote on a calendar that said something along the lines of books aren’t for decorating, but there’s nothing like a case of books to make a house feel like a home. I’ve taken that perspective to heart over the years, and my collection of books has grown enough that my brother-in-law complained about how many boxes of books he had to carry in to our house after our latest move.
It makes me glad we’re moving more and more toward eBooks, but I hope libraries, repositories of the written word, don’t go all-virtual in the coming years. There’s nothing quite like the scent of that much paper, cardboard, and leather in one room, or one building. And someday, I still dream of a room in my own house that looks something like this:
Unrealistic and over-the-top, maybe, but truly a space in homage to the written word. 🙂
Great post, Tonya. I was bought a Kindle for Christmas and, whilst I’ve read several books on it, I still revert to the paper version. I’m so with you – there’s definitely something about the smell and touch of real books that is infectious.
Libraries are my favorite places in the world. The hushed reverence, the tantalizing aromas of aging paper and bindings and the knowledge that all wisdom can be found there make them more sacred than any cathedral. Great post, Tonya!
I’m so glad I’m not alone in my book obsession; thank you all for commenting. I have a whole custom-made book case in my living room (from my grandpa, a whole other story), so that’s 1 wall of books. Then there’s another wall of books in my office. And a third wall of books in my husband’s office. And books stashed elsewhere too. True bibliophiles! 😀
I totally agree. I have converted a whole room in my house to a library. It’s my favorite place to be – I too love the smell of books. I’d live in a library if given the chance too 🙂
I want to live in that library! It looks so beautiful. And being surrounded by all those books… guh.
Good luck with the challenge!
Dianna Fielding
Sociologyfornerds.com
Mmmm, I love the smell of books too. Lovely post, Tonya. Cathy x
Libraries are constantly in flux, trying to keep up with the times…but I believe they will endure. Beautiful pictures and post – glad I stopped by! My “L” post today is in honor of the Library Lions who grace the majestic steps of the New York Public Library.