Brazen Bibliophage

A little over a year ago, I finally started taking advantage of my local libraries — yes, there were two available to me (Weber and Davis County).

The Weber County Library served me very well for over a year. It was the most convenient, and I checked out hundreds of books. Maybe a thousand. Probably not. But close, if you count multiple checkouts.

But I didn’t read those hundreds of books. For a variety of reasons. I didn’t have the time I estimated I had for reading. I wasn’t as interested as I thought in some of them. I wasn’t ready to read some of them.

But, now, the problem is a competing library. My own. The one in my apartment. That “second bedroom” that I call a library or library-office, depending on who I’m talking to or how it might serve me. That small space that is consumed by seven five-shelf bookcases and a desk with 12 cubby holes, mostly filled with books.

What’s a bibliophage to do? I want to devour all books that pique my interest.

But the secret is…

If I have a deadline, READING GOES OUT THE WINDOW!

Mostly.

Sometimes, if I love the book or have a special interest this doesn’t apply. But usually, that return date stymies my reading. I run up against it every time. Every three renewal times. Every three weeks. Sometimes every six weeks when it’s not a new or popular book. Then I’m in the trenches. Read it now. Or get a fine. Or be forced to turn it in without finishing. THE HORROR!

But what about all these unread books on my shelves?! I own them. I can read them any old time. Literally. They are just hanging out there without due dates, arbitrary or not.

I don’t read them though. Unless they’re a book club. I pretty much pretend they’re not there. Sometimes I look at them and think, “OH! I want to dive into that! Looks intriguing!” But I don’t, because there’s that public library book — it may be a bit less intriguing, but it has a DUE DATE!

I’m deep in a conundrum. Public library book. My library book. Does the enchantment override the due date? Normally, nope. The due date overrides all.

Who does this benefit? Certainly not me. I don’t read as much as I would. Certainly not those lovely books that assuredly deserve to be read. But, definitely the public library that benefits from the late fees I pay.

What’s the answer? A middle road. Take some time to read what I own. Get books from the library when I need what I don’t have, even if I keep them longer than I’m allowed (those fees go to a good cause). Browse both bookstores and the library on occasion, because it’s good for my soul. Read in my own library when I can because it’s also good for my soul.

Public libraries have a vast selection. They are the community. They reflect the community’s values. They serve a whole.

I made my library. I  designed the chair and lamp. I selected the shelves. This is my decor. I curated these books. This place is me.

My libraries duel, but it’s never a death match.