Browsing at the Library

If I were a library patron rather than a librarian, every two weeks or so, I’d plan to spend part of an afternoon or an evening at the public library. The majority of my time there would be occupied reading magazines and newspapers. Just before leaving, I would browse the new book racks and select two or three fiction titles and maybe two non-fiction books to take home. I’m not saying that I would read every one of those books. With some, I would probably only scan the book jacket and maybe check the table of contents for interesting-sounding chapters. I’m not a believer in reading every last word in a book. I’ve always considered books—both fiction and non-fiction—as a smorgasbord with many tasty treats. Just as with any buffet, you may select an appetizing but bland morsel . That can be left on the plate as you move on to the next selection.

Whenever I reminisce about my college days at the University of Idaho, I have fond memories of the two hours a week I allowed myself to relax and read in the magazine and newspaper room at the campus library. I developed a routine of spending a portion of every Wednesday evening perusing the periodicals. There never seemed to be a test on Thursday. It was a way for me to catch up on the news and read editorials and other articles to expand my college universe. When I look back at that time with the magazines, I often wonder if I gained more knowledge there, in the magazine room at the library, than in the classrooms.

There are quite a few people here in Columbus who do just what I desire. There visits are so regular that you know what day of the week it is by their presence. Maybe it’s always on a Wednesday afternoon or a Thursday evening that I see him or her. After a few sightings, I know that this patron has developed a library-visiting pattern to expand his awareness beyond the mediocre insight provided by television newscasters.

The first floor reading room is practically filled on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Sometimes there is a waiting line for those who wish to read the Wall Street Journal or last Sunday’s New York Times. In the past few years, the National Enquirer has developed a devoted readership. And, that’s not all bad, as the Enquirer always provides good conversation starters when back at home or at a social gathering. You might be taken for a kook, but at least you have some insight to offer.

Regarding books I would take home, I want to renew the kind of devotion I once had to contemporary authors. Years ago, I read everything published by Leon Uris, James Michener, Phillip Roth, and Kurt Vonnegut. It would be great to latch on to some newer authors and read their previous work as well as the most recently published books. Currently, I read everything written by mystery writer, Walter Mosely, and I am really taken by Khaled Hosseini, the author of the “Kite Runner” and “A Thousand Splendid Suns”. While I’m not heavy into theology, I’ve read practically everything written by Marcus Borg. There are many other authors worthy of my attention. I’m reminded of the adage, “…too many books, not enough time.”

The non-fiction books in my “Friends” book bag would include at least one travel guide and maybe some how-to-make-it volumes. For sure, I would include a cookbook as it’s a gastronomic delight for me to scan through recipes to find one that sounds incredibly tasty. Those discoveries are always photocopied and given to my wife, who is willing to experiment with foods and spices.

As a librarian, books have, unfortunately, become a commodity to be purchased and promoted to others. Someday, it will be my turn to slide into a routine of a weekly or bi-weekly visits to the library to learn about the world and current events from the written word and to select morsels to take home and savor. You’re invited to join me at the banquet.