One of the things that I enjoy about where we currently live is the easy access to our local library. I have no idea why it took over a year since our exodus from the Middle East for me to join the library. I guess it is because I am used to buying books without thinking twice, as I’m one of those that feels like a kid in a candy store when surrounded by books. I used to buy and buy, then I end up hating most of the books I own and eventually I give them away.
Lately, things have changed. Thanks to the encouragement of Rob and Jenny, I finally managed to drag myself down to the closest library, which turned out to be less than a mile away, and I got myself a free membership. Life was no longer the same after joining the library.
I’m hooked! I go there every other day. I check out books and DVDs like there is no tomorrow. The most fascinating thing for me about our local library is the on-line catalog. I was blown away when I realized that I could browse an on-line catalog of all the libraries in our county, put books on hold, and pick them up from our local branch! It’s that simple! During the past two days I’ve checked out: The Namesake, The Haunted, A Thousand Years of Good Prayers, Let It be Morning, The Edukadors, Lucia Lucia, among others. When it comes to due dates, I really like having a deadline. It makes my reading more focused and more efficient. And if I ever fail to meet my deadline, I simply go on-line and click the "renew" button.
I never thought of checking out books from the library when I was in Jordan. I don’t know why. Maybe it was because there was only one major library back then and it did not have many of the books I wanted. So I gave up and started spending a big chunk of my money on books. Today, I only buy the books that I really want to own.
I hope that Jordan can one day establish top-notch local libraries. I know many in Jordan who crave good books but cannot afford them or can never find them. Having access to a local library would make many Jordanians happy!
Amal,
Welcome back:) We missed you around here. Okay here are two recommendations for you : The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri and the Namesake also by Jhumpa Lahiri.
I’m reading “Head On” by Julian Cope. Autobiography of a rock musician, consisting of a series of disasters. He keeps on bouncing back. What makes it good is his sense of humour and the excellent writing. You get two books in one cover when you buy this one.
Favorite book is “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” by Basho. A 17C Japanese poet’s account of a journey by foot and on horseback, interspersed with haiku.
Another great book is “Boswell’s London Journal” – diary of a Scotsman in 18C London. A revelation of character.
Hiiii, I’m back! I missed your blog and promise to never disappear for so long 🙂 I’d appreciate a list of good books to read as I’ve been in a rut for a while…Actually, I’m currently reading Angela’s Ashes and LOVE it…But would like something a bit more upbeat…Thanks, muah
Allah yabarak fiiki, ya uxti! Thanks for being the one to first suggest it! Hope you have a lovely time with those coming to visit!
I’m not sure I could live without a library. In fact, I find it distracting to work in university libraries because I’m always tempted to start browsing!
Hi Kinzi,
Mabrook on the blog. I just left you a comment
Hello.Good Morning.
Well … we have here a library of the university of applied sciences for the students.
We have a bus from the city administration with books, stopping on different places at different days. Most books a for children.
And of course we have the town-library. I never have visit it.
And today, after I read your entry, I first see that the library also has a online-catalog…
I think I’ll look at the catalog .. 😉
But I … buy me books the most time at flee-markets, at 2nd-hand-shops, so I save a little money I can spend for my other hobbies.
I don’t often read, but if I do so, a book is done in one weeks.
And I think I have to look for a book about “perfect talking english for beginners” … 😉
Greeting Norbert
Congrats! Libraries ARE great!!I had read every book in my small local library by the time I was 15. Wait until you are a mommy, it gets even better: story hour, summer reading programs, check out Barney instead of investing in the company.
Natasha, did I tell you I have a blog now? Wrote about you first post!