My Reading Frenzy

Getting Back to Blogging

When I began back in 2011 I thought I would review books. And I did, I tried, but I lost momentum because what I really want is to write about books, about what they mean to me, and what each has given me.

In addition to writing my own reviews, I read the reviews of others. It was this that caused me to accept that reviews are more subjective than I had known. This should not have been a revelation to me. I had read plenty of reviews of books I had read and loved when the reviewer did not and vice versa. I kept up with my reviews and commentary, but lost my enthusiasm to write as regularly as I would have liked and would be needed to attract readers. 

This is the first post in what I hope will be a new direction, leading toward more engaging writing about the books I am reading, the ones I am avoiding, and the experiences I have had related to reading and books. 

Look for my next post on Monday about how isolation and more free time because of COVID-19 have changed what and how I am reading.

The future of the library

This is quite an interesting read about libraries and librarians of the future.  I agree with it 95%, but the idea of books going away just makes me nervous and I think it is somewhat unrealistic. 

The future of the library

What is a public library for?

First, how we got here:

Before Gutenberg, a book cost about as much as a small house. As a result, only kings and bishops could afford to own a book of their own.

This naturally led to the creation of shared books, of libraries where scholars (everyone else was too busy not starving) could come to read books that they didn't have to own. The library as warehouse for books worth sharing.

Only after that did we invent the librarian.

via sethgodin.typepad.com

What is a public library for?

First, how we got here:

Before Gutenberg, a book cost about as much as a small house. As a result, only kings and bishops could afford to own a book of their own.

This naturally led to the creation of shared books, of libraries where scholars (everyone else was too busy not starving) could come to read books that they didn't have to own. The library as warehouse for books worth sharing.

Only after that did we invent the librarian.

Modern Bookshelf Design

These are not all practical, but they sure are cool!  I especially like the table with the bookshelf legs!

New Use for an Old Card Catalog

What a great use of an outdated "technology."  I experience waves of nostalgia whenever I see a card catalog...they make me smile. I want to have one in my house, even though I have not decided how I will put it to use.  I love the idea in this article; it is just a wondeful mix of old and new.  And what a cool surprise to open a little drawer and find....

THIS