Yesterday was a library visit, and Mrs. F.G. dropped me off and later picked me up. She had suggested that I go there once a week over the winter, just to get out of the house, and I'm happy to oblige! I'm very happy to have another thing to look forward to. The library building is as nice as it was last week, although they're still finishing things in some corners inside.
I spent my time well, first exploring my favourite authors of mysteries to get familiar with where those books are. There are about a dozen authors I read regularly, but for a few of them I've bought recent books during the wait for the new library to open. Now I can explore those books at my own pace.
Then I spent some time in the small Canadian history section, and found a good book on the history of indigenous peoples in Canada which I thought I'd like to read. Finally I headed for the reading room and looked through a couple of magazines, just relaxing.
I had bought Michael J. Fox's new book, No Time Like the Future, an Optimist Confronts Mortality and read it quite quickly. Since it was brand new, I donated it to the library. I did enjoy reading it and they appreciated the donation.
After that I went back to the Canadian history section and took that book on indigenous peoples over to one of the reading spaces and sat and read the first few pages. It's well done. I think I'll treat it like a reference book and try to read a little every time I'm in there. There's something nice about just sitting and reading while you're actually in a library.
I've been thinking I need some mental challenges over the winter, so I've been reading a bit online about indigenous peoples and about early Canadian explorers. I've also been watching a video series by Samuel Jackson entitled Enslaved. That's been very interesting too. So you may find some future far-too-intellectual blog posts on these topics.
Of course, having taught university I am used to spending time in libraries, some of them pretty big ones. My Ph.D. research on 19th century southwestern Ontario involved spending hours in the Ontario Archives in Toronto, reading old newspapers on microfilm. I have no desire to read anything on microfilm every again! But I did develop a deep interest in Canadian history.
So I have a new destination here in town, and it's one I can usefully visit throughout the winter months. Three cheers!
Glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to the library. I understand your desire to forego reading things on microfilm. Some large libraries and museums are digitizing their old documents, but it's sooo expensive that many small libraries won't be doing it.
ReplyDeleteA real book with paper pages ,to me, is far superior to microfilm, Kindle, or anything else. The hard cover, the index, I have loved books all my life, from the " Janet and John" little ones when I was at primary school. I guess the stories were meant to last a month? but I usually had them all read in a day or so. What a grand idea to have a winter challenge, mine is quilting difficult blocks, and a huge sigh of relief as I have finished the QAL by the sea 12, and the sashing almost all sewn too. Mrs F.G,. will appreciate sewing to a deadline. Cold here, lots of rain, some wind, off to a neighbour's get together lunch, almost raincoat and gumboots to walk next-door.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading about your interests and new discoveries at one of my favorite places...a library.
ReplyDeleteOur library here in town has gone back to curb side pick up only again.
ReplyDeleteYou have to call when you get there and Connie puts the books in the lobby. When she goes back in the main part then you open the door and take your books off the table. I sure miss browsing around in side.
I can't believe how much I enjoy reading on my Kindle. Didn't think I'd like it but I love it! I still do like real books though.
I'm the same as you: I enjoy real books with the possibility to flip back and forth between chapters, but I've also really enjoyed learning how to read on my Kindle. Our library is still pickup only.
ReplyDeleteOur library is closed but I would like to spend time there every week. Don't forget to look at some western Canadian history.
ReplyDeleteAt one time I worked in a research unit in Kingston. We spent a lot of time working with old historical documents and books. I developed asthma while working there. Our modern libraries are such a blessing to researchers in all fields of interest. And just nice places to hang out. Before this virus business, a small group of us would meet there to knit.
ReplyDeletethat was a good suggestion on mrs. fg's part, it seem a good fit for you. i have memory problems because of MS so i can't read. i fill spare time with knitting and other crafts, and that works very well for me!!
ReplyDeleteit's so good that you are both mindful on things like this. i can't drive and have not left the house in about 10 days and that's too long. hubs is busy with rebuilding the building that caught fire. i will be excited when this is all over!!
enjoy your books!!
A journalist I read quite often was writing the other day about the various celebrities she has interviewed. She said Michael J Fox was the nicest man she ever met. High praise.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to spend a few hours on a sunny Saturday!
ReplyDeleteYay for libraries. We have a library here sponsored by the Rotary. It is an excellent facility.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your library is going to be a place you will enjoy. I'd enjoy reading about Canadian history so bring it on!
ReplyDeleteYaaaay for Librarys. Haven't been in one for a long time but sure loved the Carnegie library we had in Tavistock Ontario years ago. I just loved going there as a young fella. What a great asset for you and it looks like you have a great and interesting project coming up.
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