Andrea/Cara here, musing today on the subject of libraries, which as you know is a subject near and dear to the hearts of all the Wenches. I’m lucky enough to live within easy walking distance of my local library, which is a wonderful historic building , complete with woodburning fireplace in the main reading room—which is always blazing away in the winter months—and Tiffany stained glass windows in the stacks.
I love stopping by and browsing the shelves of new releases to see if I see something that tickles my fancy. And the other day that got me to thinking about the Regency, and how important the lending—or circulating—library was to those who loved books and reading.
Books were expensive, and while many of the grand estates possessed cavernous libraries filled with volumes collected by the family over generations, a great many people, including aristocrats, patronized lending libraries rather than spend a good deal of blunt to purchase their own copies of books—especially if they were for pleasure reading.
The first known lending library was established in London in 1730, by Mr. Wright, a bookseller located on the Strand, and by 1801, it’s thought there were approximately 1,000 of them located throughout Britain. They charged a flat fee for the first subscription (in effect, a membership) and then a small fee for each book borrowed. They tended to be located in cities, spa town or market centers, though some of the smaller towns had them too. The larger ones would often have a reading room with editions of the latest newspapers and magazines.
As an example of pricing, the Royal Colonade library in Brighton charged £1.60 for a full year subscription, and also offered half year, quarter year and two week subscriptions. (I was also happy to see they offered family subscriptions!) Given that the cost of a three-volume novel in 1815 was roughly the equivalent of $100. Today, it’s easy to see why people tended to borrow novels rather than buy them. According to The World of Jane Austen blog, Jane was very aware of this and in one of her letters wrote, “People are more ready to borrow and praise, than to buy—which I cannot wonder at.” (It seems that authors worrying about sales numbers is nothing new!)
Guidebooks of the era often included mention of the libraries for travelers. And indeed, the libraries in popular destinations were not only places where one could borrow books, but were also fashionable spots in which to see and be seen, as well as pick up all the latest gossip. It wasn’t uncommon for ladies and gentlemen to linger there for hours, browsing, chatting . . .and likely flirting! Here’s a excerpt from a Regency-era guide book:
MESSRS. WRIGHT AND SON’S ROYAL COLONADE LIBRARY, MUSIC SALOON, AND READING ROOMS.
This establishment is situated in North-street, at the corner of the New Road, and contains between seven and eight thousand volumes of History, Biography, Novels, French and Italian, and all the best Modern Publications. The Reading Room is frequented both by Ladies and Gentlemen, and is daily supplied with a profusion of London morning and evening papers, besides the French and weekly English journals, magazines, reviews, and general popular periodicals.
From the first, publishers were delighted with the idea of lending libraries. Given the cost of books, they were seen as a guaranteed market for their books. In fact, William Lamb, who originally was a proprietor of a lending library, turned to publishing as he saw it as a lucrative business model. His Minerva Press became wildly popular, publishing many of the famous “horrid novels” of the time, including Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho.
Mr. Lamb deserves kudos for showcasing so many woman authors, though I’m less happy with Thomas Egerton, who bought the rights to Austen’s Pride and Prejudice for £110. (She had asked for £150.) He ended up making a profit of £450 as the first edition sold out and he reprinted a second one. (In his defense, Austen had the choice to gamble and agree to indemnify him for the cost of publishing the book, and in return receive the profits. But she didn’t know at the time that Sense and Sensibility would sell out, making it likely that P&P would be a commercial success.)
With the decline of books and mortar bookstores, I find myself depending on my local library for the fun of just browsing and discovering books I might not have ever thought to look for. (It's just not the same to try to "browse" on the internet.) For me, that’s part of the joy of reading—those serendipitous discoveries that introduce you to a new author or subject.
How about you? Do you enjoy browsing in libraries? How do you discover new books? Please share!
Thank you for such an interesting post. I have always loved libraries. I have so many happy childhood memories of walking to the library with friends. I always left with as many books as I could carry.
The last few years of my work life, I was way too busy to do much reading. So when I retired, the first thing I did was renew my love affair with the library. It is where I first discovered several of you ladies.
Now my arthritis has gotten to the point where I can’t just walk up and down the aisles and just browse. But I’m fortunate that I live in an age where I can do it on line. It is not the same though. I still use the library for the biographies I read and to check out authors new to me. I am able to go on line, order the books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Sigh….but I miss just walking up and down the aisles just browsing.
Thank you for such an interesting post. I have always loved libraries. I have so many happy childhood memories of walking to the library with friends. I always left with as many books as I could carry.
The last few years of my work life, I was way too busy to do much reading. So when I retired, the first thing I did was renew my love affair with the library. It is where I first discovered several of you ladies.
Now my arthritis has gotten to the point where I can’t just walk up and down the aisles and just browse. But I’m fortunate that I live in an age where I can do it on line. It is not the same though. I still use the library for the biographies I read and to check out authors new to me. I am able to go on line, order the books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Sigh….but I miss just walking up and down the aisles just browsing.
Thank you for such an interesting post. I have always loved libraries. I have so many happy childhood memories of walking to the library with friends. I always left with as many books as I could carry.
The last few years of my work life, I was way too busy to do much reading. So when I retired, the first thing I did was renew my love affair with the library. It is where I first discovered several of you ladies.
Now my arthritis has gotten to the point where I can’t just walk up and down the aisles and just browse. But I’m fortunate that I live in an age where I can do it on line. It is not the same though. I still use the library for the biographies I read and to check out authors new to me. I am able to go on line, order the books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Sigh….but I miss just walking up and down the aisles just browsing.
Thank you for such an interesting post. I have always loved libraries. I have so many happy childhood memories of walking to the library with friends. I always left with as many books as I could carry.
The last few years of my work life, I was way too busy to do much reading. So when I retired, the first thing I did was renew my love affair with the library. It is where I first discovered several of you ladies.
Now my arthritis has gotten to the point where I can’t just walk up and down the aisles and just browse. But I’m fortunate that I live in an age where I can do it on line. It is not the same though. I still use the library for the biographies I read and to check out authors new to me. I am able to go on line, order the books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Sigh….but I miss just walking up and down the aisles just browsing.
Thank you for such an interesting post. I have always loved libraries. I have so many happy childhood memories of walking to the library with friends. I always left with as many books as I could carry.
The last few years of my work life, I was way too busy to do much reading. So when I retired, the first thing I did was renew my love affair with the library. It is where I first discovered several of you ladies.
Now my arthritis has gotten to the point where I can’t just walk up and down the aisles and just browse. But I’m fortunate that I live in an age where I can do it on line. It is not the same though. I still use the library for the biographies I read and to check out authors new to me. I am able to go on line, order the books and then just hobble in and pick them up. Sigh….but I miss just walking up and down the aisles just browsing.
I love librarys. It was a big deal when I graduated from a child’s library card [5 books at a time] to an adult card [unlimited number of books].
the library is a wonderful place to go to revisit old friends. I have E-Books on my computer, but I do not have enough money to buy all the books I love, hence visiting them again at the library.
I love librarys. It was a big deal when I graduated from a child’s library card [5 books at a time] to an adult card [unlimited number of books].
the library is a wonderful place to go to revisit old friends. I have E-Books on my computer, but I do not have enough money to buy all the books I love, hence visiting them again at the library.
I love librarys. It was a big deal when I graduated from a child’s library card [5 books at a time] to an adult card [unlimited number of books].
the library is a wonderful place to go to revisit old friends. I have E-Books on my computer, but I do not have enough money to buy all the books I love, hence visiting them again at the library.
I love librarys. It was a big deal when I graduated from a child’s library card [5 books at a time] to an adult card [unlimited number of books].
the library is a wonderful place to go to revisit old friends. I have E-Books on my computer, but I do not have enough money to buy all the books I love, hence visiting them again at the library.
I love librarys. It was a big deal when I graduated from a child’s library card [5 books at a time] to an adult card [unlimited number of books].
the library is a wonderful place to go to revisit old friends. I have E-Books on my computer, but I do not have enough money to buy all the books I love, hence visiting them again at the library.
Mary, I have the same happy childhood memories of the joys of coming home with an armful of books—so excited about all the adventures I was about to embark on.
Sorry that arthritis makes it hard for you to browse, but one of the real pluses of technology today (and I feel there are minuses too!) is that you can browse online, and also order books from the library to be picked up without searching in the stacks. Anything that makes reading easier is a Good Thing!
Mary, I have the same happy childhood memories of the joys of coming home with an armful of books—so excited about all the adventures I was about to embark on.
Sorry that arthritis makes it hard for you to browse, but one of the real pluses of technology today (and I feel there are minuses too!) is that you can browse online, and also order books from the library to be picked up without searching in the stacks. Anything that makes reading easier is a Good Thing!
Mary, I have the same happy childhood memories of the joys of coming home with an armful of books—so excited about all the adventures I was about to embark on.
Sorry that arthritis makes it hard for you to browse, but one of the real pluses of technology today (and I feel there are minuses too!) is that you can browse online, and also order books from the library to be picked up without searching in the stacks. Anything that makes reading easier is a Good Thing!
Mary, I have the same happy childhood memories of the joys of coming home with an armful of books—so excited about all the adventures I was about to embark on.
Sorry that arthritis makes it hard for you to browse, but one of the real pluses of technology today (and I feel there are minuses too!) is that you can browse online, and also order books from the library to be picked up without searching in the stacks. Anything that makes reading easier is a Good Thing!
Mary, I have the same happy childhood memories of the joys of coming home with an armful of books—so excited about all the adventures I was about to embark on.
Sorry that arthritis makes it hard for you to browse, but one of the real pluses of technology today (and I feel there are minuses too!) is that you can browse online, and also order books from the library to be picked up without searching in the stacks. Anything that makes reading easier is a Good Thing!
Oh, LOL on graduating to the adult card! My mother had to go argue with our local librarian to give me access to adult books when my age precluded me from checking them out. (I remember I wanted the book on Jacques Cousteau’s marine biology explorations, and it was deemed to “sophisticated” for me.) Thankfully she told them they were being ridiculous, and put up enough of a fight that they backed down.From them on, I was allowed to take out whatever I wanted!
Oh, LOL on graduating to the adult card! My mother had to go argue with our local librarian to give me access to adult books when my age precluded me from checking them out. (I remember I wanted the book on Jacques Cousteau’s marine biology explorations, and it was deemed to “sophisticated” for me.) Thankfully she told them they were being ridiculous, and put up enough of a fight that they backed down.From them on, I was allowed to take out whatever I wanted!
Oh, LOL on graduating to the adult card! My mother had to go argue with our local librarian to give me access to adult books when my age precluded me from checking them out. (I remember I wanted the book on Jacques Cousteau’s marine biology explorations, and it was deemed to “sophisticated” for me.) Thankfully she told them they were being ridiculous, and put up enough of a fight that they backed down.From them on, I was allowed to take out whatever I wanted!
Oh, LOL on graduating to the adult card! My mother had to go argue with our local librarian to give me access to adult books when my age precluded me from checking them out. (I remember I wanted the book on Jacques Cousteau’s marine biology explorations, and it was deemed to “sophisticated” for me.) Thankfully she told them they were being ridiculous, and put up enough of a fight that they backed down.From them on, I was allowed to take out whatever I wanted!
Oh, LOL on graduating to the adult card! My mother had to go argue with our local librarian to give me access to adult books when my age precluded me from checking them out. (I remember I wanted the book on Jacques Cousteau’s marine biology explorations, and it was deemed to “sophisticated” for me.) Thankfully she told them they were being ridiculous, and put up enough of a fight that they backed down.From them on, I was allowed to take out whatever I wanted!
Charles Mudie’s lending library, and their huge clout with publishers, was responsible for the publishing of books in accord with Mudey’s rather prim ideals.
He started in the early 1840s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Edward_Mudie
Charles Mudie’s lending library, and their huge clout with publishers, was responsible for the publishing of books in accord with Mudey’s rather prim ideals.
He started in the early 1840s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Edward_Mudie
Charles Mudie’s lending library, and their huge clout with publishers, was responsible for the publishing of books in accord with Mudey’s rather prim ideals.
He started in the early 1840s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Edward_Mudie
Charles Mudie’s lending library, and their huge clout with publishers, was responsible for the publishing of books in accord with Mudey’s rather prim ideals.
He started in the early 1840s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Edward_Mudie
Charles Mudie’s lending library, and their huge clout with publishers, was responsible for the publishing of books in accord with Mudey’s rather prim ideals.
He started in the early 1840s.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Edward_Mudie
Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
I was told I couldn’t check out “Brave New World” (I was about 12) because it wasn’t suitable for me and my dad accompanied me right back to the library and told them that I could check out anything I wanted and it was up to him to deal with my reading habits.
From “No, sweetie, you are top young for that book” to “Yes sir, she can check out everything” took very little time.
I was told I couldn’t check out “Brave New World” (I was about 12) because it wasn’t suitable for me and my dad accompanied me right back to the library and told them that I could check out anything I wanted and it was up to him to deal with my reading habits.
From “No, sweetie, you are top young for that book” to “Yes sir, she can check out everything” took very little time.
I was told I couldn’t check out “Brave New World” (I was about 12) because it wasn’t suitable for me and my dad accompanied me right back to the library and told them that I could check out anything I wanted and it was up to him to deal with my reading habits.
From “No, sweetie, you are top young for that book” to “Yes sir, she can check out everything” took very little time.
I was told I couldn’t check out “Brave New World” (I was about 12) because it wasn’t suitable for me and my dad accompanied me right back to the library and told them that I could check out anything I wanted and it was up to him to deal with my reading habits.
From “No, sweetie, you are top young for that book” to “Yes sir, she can check out everything” took very little time.
I was told I couldn’t check out “Brave New World” (I was about 12) because it wasn’t suitable for me and my dad accompanied me right back to the library and told them that I could check out anything I wanted and it was up to him to deal with my reading habits.
From “No, sweetie, you are top young for that book” to “Yes sir, she can check out everything” took very little time.
Library memories! Your local library sounds wondrous, Andrea, and I hope there are cozy reading chair around that fireplace! When I was a kid, our local library was also historic, though much less grand. Since we lived in the country, I didn’t get there as often as I liked. (During the school year, I plundered the school library, of course.)
My current county branch library is modern and bustling, with an expansive children’s area and a large stuffed bear on the front counter. He changes costumes with the seasons, and is current glammed up as an improbably turkey. *G*
Library memories! Your local library sounds wondrous, Andrea, and I hope there are cozy reading chair around that fireplace! When I was a kid, our local library was also historic, though much less grand. Since we lived in the country, I didn’t get there as often as I liked. (During the school year, I plundered the school library, of course.)
My current county branch library is modern and bustling, with an expansive children’s area and a large stuffed bear on the front counter. He changes costumes with the seasons, and is current glammed up as an improbably turkey. *G*
Library memories! Your local library sounds wondrous, Andrea, and I hope there are cozy reading chair around that fireplace! When I was a kid, our local library was also historic, though much less grand. Since we lived in the country, I didn’t get there as often as I liked. (During the school year, I plundered the school library, of course.)
My current county branch library is modern and bustling, with an expansive children’s area and a large stuffed bear on the front counter. He changes costumes with the seasons, and is current glammed up as an improbably turkey. *G*
Library memories! Your local library sounds wondrous, Andrea, and I hope there are cozy reading chair around that fireplace! When I was a kid, our local library was also historic, though much less grand. Since we lived in the country, I didn’t get there as often as I liked. (During the school year, I plundered the school library, of course.)
My current county branch library is modern and bustling, with an expansive children’s area and a large stuffed bear on the front counter. He changes costumes with the seasons, and is current glammed up as an improbably turkey. *G*
Library memories! Your local library sounds wondrous, Andrea, and I hope there are cozy reading chair around that fireplace! When I was a kid, our local library was also historic, though much less grand. Since we lived in the country, I didn’t get there as often as I liked. (During the school year, I plundered the school library, of course.)
My current county branch library is modern and bustling, with an expansive children’s area and a large stuffed bear on the front counter. He changes costumes with the seasons, and is current glammed up as an improbably turkey. *G*
Whenever I move, the first thing my to-do list is getting a library card. When we lived in the metropolitan New York area I had free access to two (we payed taxes to Jersey city, therefore we had access to their cards. But we worked on Manhattan and payed some type of use tax to New York, so we had cards in their library system also.
During the past two years, I have been mostly a shut-in. But we still have our cards. And we still check out things online. My husband will do pick up for me, when necessary.
Like others above , I miss the joys of browsing and exploring.
Whenever I move, the first thing my to-do list is getting a library card. When we lived in the metropolitan New York area I had free access to two (we payed taxes to Jersey city, therefore we had access to their cards. But we worked on Manhattan and payed some type of use tax to New York, so we had cards in their library system also.
During the past two years, I have been mostly a shut-in. But we still have our cards. And we still check out things online. My husband will do pick up for me, when necessary.
Like others above , I miss the joys of browsing and exploring.
Whenever I move, the first thing my to-do list is getting a library card. When we lived in the metropolitan New York area I had free access to two (we payed taxes to Jersey city, therefore we had access to their cards. But we worked on Manhattan and payed some type of use tax to New York, so we had cards in their library system also.
During the past two years, I have been mostly a shut-in. But we still have our cards. And we still check out things online. My husband will do pick up for me, when necessary.
Like others above , I miss the joys of browsing and exploring.
Whenever I move, the first thing my to-do list is getting a library card. When we lived in the metropolitan New York area I had free access to two (we payed taxes to Jersey city, therefore we had access to their cards. But we worked on Manhattan and payed some type of use tax to New York, so we had cards in their library system also.
During the past two years, I have been mostly a shut-in. But we still have our cards. And we still check out things online. My husband will do pick up for me, when necessary.
Like others above , I miss the joys of browsing and exploring.
Whenever I move, the first thing my to-do list is getting a library card. When we lived in the metropolitan New York area I had free access to two (we payed taxes to Jersey city, therefore we had access to their cards. But we worked on Manhattan and payed some type of use tax to New York, so we had cards in their library system also.
During the past two years, I have been mostly a shut-in. But we still have our cards. And we still check out things online. My husband will do pick up for me, when necessary.
Like others above , I miss the joys of browsing and exploring.
I love librairies! I take a look at the rolling shelves where the librarians leave books to be sent back to other librairies. All sorts of books are there. I see old and new ones and make a mental note to check these books out later.
So many kids find a safe haven at libraries. Books help them live in another world beyond what they deal with at home. Some people who later became susuccessful in life mention librairies, or a special librarian, having a great influence in their careers.
I love librairies! I take a look at the rolling shelves where the librarians leave books to be sent back to other librairies. All sorts of books are there. I see old and new ones and make a mental note to check these books out later.
So many kids find a safe haven at libraries. Books help them live in another world beyond what they deal with at home. Some people who later became susuccessful in life mention librairies, or a special librarian, having a great influence in their careers.
I love librairies! I take a look at the rolling shelves where the librarians leave books to be sent back to other librairies. All sorts of books are there. I see old and new ones and make a mental note to check these books out later.
So many kids find a safe haven at libraries. Books help them live in another world beyond what they deal with at home. Some people who later became susuccessful in life mention librairies, or a special librarian, having a great influence in their careers.
I love librairies! I take a look at the rolling shelves where the librarians leave books to be sent back to other librairies. All sorts of books are there. I see old and new ones and make a mental note to check these books out later.
So many kids find a safe haven at libraries. Books help them live in another world beyond what they deal with at home. Some people who later became susuccessful in life mention librairies, or a special librarian, having a great influence in their careers.
I love librairies! I take a look at the rolling shelves where the librarians leave books to be sent back to other librairies. All sorts of books are there. I see old and new ones and make a mental note to check these books out later.
So many kids find a safe haven at libraries. Books help them live in another world beyond what they deal with at home. Some people who later became susuccessful in life mention librairies, or a special librarian, having a great influence in their careers.
Books have been my nearest and dearest since I was very small. My mother used to take me to the library and I could check out 10 books. I would check them out and have them read by the next day and be ready to go again. She started making me read them all out loud to my baby sister before she would go again. We were both thrilled when I was old enough to take myself. 🙂 I got greedy at some point in my life and stopped going to libraries. I wanted to OWN all the books I read. I think it started when I lived in the middle of NOWHERE. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on the viewpoint) I have gotten to a point where I am downsizing and I’m not buying physical books, just ebooks. So I have started going to the library again to read those that aren’t available in kindle form or else just because I want to hold them in my hands. I wish our library was cozy like yours! Ours is very clinical and clean and wide and white. Lots of small people and lots of talking. But the books are still there.
Books have been my nearest and dearest since I was very small. My mother used to take me to the library and I could check out 10 books. I would check them out and have them read by the next day and be ready to go again. She started making me read them all out loud to my baby sister before she would go again. We were both thrilled when I was old enough to take myself. 🙂 I got greedy at some point in my life and stopped going to libraries. I wanted to OWN all the books I read. I think it started when I lived in the middle of NOWHERE. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on the viewpoint) I have gotten to a point where I am downsizing and I’m not buying physical books, just ebooks. So I have started going to the library again to read those that aren’t available in kindle form or else just because I want to hold them in my hands. I wish our library was cozy like yours! Ours is very clinical and clean and wide and white. Lots of small people and lots of talking. But the books are still there.
Books have been my nearest and dearest since I was very small. My mother used to take me to the library and I could check out 10 books. I would check them out and have them read by the next day and be ready to go again. She started making me read them all out loud to my baby sister before she would go again. We were both thrilled when I was old enough to take myself. 🙂 I got greedy at some point in my life and stopped going to libraries. I wanted to OWN all the books I read. I think it started when I lived in the middle of NOWHERE. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on the viewpoint) I have gotten to a point where I am downsizing and I’m not buying physical books, just ebooks. So I have started going to the library again to read those that aren’t available in kindle form or else just because I want to hold them in my hands. I wish our library was cozy like yours! Ours is very clinical and clean and wide and white. Lots of small people and lots of talking. But the books are still there.
Books have been my nearest and dearest since I was very small. My mother used to take me to the library and I could check out 10 books. I would check them out and have them read by the next day and be ready to go again. She started making me read them all out loud to my baby sister before she would go again. We were both thrilled when I was old enough to take myself. 🙂 I got greedy at some point in my life and stopped going to libraries. I wanted to OWN all the books I read. I think it started when I lived in the middle of NOWHERE. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on the viewpoint) I have gotten to a point where I am downsizing and I’m not buying physical books, just ebooks. So I have started going to the library again to read those that aren’t available in kindle form or else just because I want to hold them in my hands. I wish our library was cozy like yours! Ours is very clinical and clean and wide and white. Lots of small people and lots of talking. But the books are still there.
Books have been my nearest and dearest since I was very small. My mother used to take me to the library and I could check out 10 books. I would check them out and have them read by the next day and be ready to go again. She started making me read them all out loud to my baby sister before she would go again. We were both thrilled when I was old enough to take myself. 🙂 I got greedy at some point in my life and stopped going to libraries. I wanted to OWN all the books I read. I think it started when I lived in the middle of NOWHERE. Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on the viewpoint) I have gotten to a point where I am downsizing and I’m not buying physical books, just ebooks. So I have started going to the library again to read those that aren’t available in kindle form or else just because I want to hold them in my hands. I wish our library was cozy like yours! Ours is very clinical and clean and wide and white. Lots of small people and lots of talking. But the books are still there.
Mary Jo, yes, there are comfy reading chairs near the fire! I just love the faint scent of wood smoke in winter. It’s not a big library, but has such a wonderful ambiance, and a collection of early Connecticut letters and documents.
The town library system has three branches (the historic one is one of them) and all have great programming,and are always busy. No bear, though!
Mary Jo, yes, there are comfy reading chairs near the fire! I just love the faint scent of wood smoke in winter. It’s not a big library, but has such a wonderful ambiance, and a collection of early Connecticut letters and documents.
The town library system has three branches (the historic one is one of them) and all have great programming,and are always busy. No bear, though!
Mary Jo, yes, there are comfy reading chairs near the fire! I just love the faint scent of wood smoke in winter. It’s not a big library, but has such a wonderful ambiance, and a collection of early Connecticut letters and documents.
The town library system has three branches (the historic one is one of them) and all have great programming,and are always busy. No bear, though!
Mary Jo, yes, there are comfy reading chairs near the fire! I just love the faint scent of wood smoke in winter. It’s not a big library, but has such a wonderful ambiance, and a collection of early Connecticut letters and documents.
The town library system has three branches (the historic one is one of them) and all have great programming,and are always busy. No bear, though!
Mary Jo, yes, there are comfy reading chairs near the fire! I just love the faint scent of wood smoke in winter. It’s not a big library, but has such a wonderful ambiance, and a collection of early Connecticut letters and documents.
The town library system has three branches (the historic one is one of them) and all have great programming,and are always busy. No bear, though!
So true, Patricia. I loved hanging out at the library as a kid because there were so many wondrous worlds to explore. A lifetime love of reading is a gift I treasure.
So true, Patricia. I loved hanging out at the library as a kid because there were so many wondrous worlds to explore. A lifetime love of reading is a gift I treasure.
So true, Patricia. I loved hanging out at the library as a kid because there were so many wondrous worlds to explore. A lifetime love of reading is a gift I treasure.
So true, Patricia. I loved hanging out at the library as a kid because there were so many wondrous worlds to explore. A lifetime love of reading is a gift I treasure.
So true, Patricia. I loved hanging out at the library as a kid because there were so many wondrous worlds to explore. A lifetime love of reading is a gift I treasure.
Ah, another kid who couldn’t get enough of books! And like you, I have collected LOTs of them since then. I love the feel and sight of them all overt the house. Alas, I’m really running out of space, so am buying more e-books, especially when it’s just a casual read. But for the books I love, I want them in paper.
Ah, another kid who couldn’t get enough of books! And like you, I have collected LOTs of them since then. I love the feel and sight of them all overt the house. Alas, I’m really running out of space, so am buying more e-books, especially when it’s just a casual read. But for the books I love, I want them in paper.
Ah, another kid who couldn’t get enough of books! And like you, I have collected LOTs of them since then. I love the feel and sight of them all overt the house. Alas, I’m really running out of space, so am buying more e-books, especially when it’s just a casual read. But for the books I love, I want them in paper.
Ah, another kid who couldn’t get enough of books! And like you, I have collected LOTs of them since then. I love the feel and sight of them all overt the house. Alas, I’m really running out of space, so am buying more e-books, especially when it’s just a casual read. But for the books I love, I want them in paper.
Ah, another kid who couldn’t get enough of books! And like you, I have collected LOTs of them since then. I love the feel and sight of them all overt the house. Alas, I’m really running out of space, so am buying more e-books, especially when it’s just a casual read. But for the books I love, I want them in paper.
I can’t remember when I wasn’t a big reader, so libraries are amongst my favorite places. We have a (city tax paid for) membership at our local library but also pay ($130 per year) for a membership at the library of our neighboring bigger city. That money is money well spent. When we travel, my husband knows that I love to stop in and browse at local libraries.
I sometimes find books on the new book display, but I also often stop by the library to pick up holds that I’ve requested about learning about a title online.
I can’t remember when I wasn’t a big reader, so libraries are amongst my favorite places. We have a (city tax paid for) membership at our local library but also pay ($130 per year) for a membership at the library of our neighboring bigger city. That money is money well spent. When we travel, my husband knows that I love to stop in and browse at local libraries.
I sometimes find books on the new book display, but I also often stop by the library to pick up holds that I’ve requested about learning about a title online.
I can’t remember when I wasn’t a big reader, so libraries are amongst my favorite places. We have a (city tax paid for) membership at our local library but also pay ($130 per year) for a membership at the library of our neighboring bigger city. That money is money well spent. When we travel, my husband knows that I love to stop in and browse at local libraries.
I sometimes find books on the new book display, but I also often stop by the library to pick up holds that I’ve requested about learning about a title online.
I can’t remember when I wasn’t a big reader, so libraries are amongst my favorite places. We have a (city tax paid for) membership at our local library but also pay ($130 per year) for a membership at the library of our neighboring bigger city. That money is money well spent. When we travel, my husband knows that I love to stop in and browse at local libraries.
I sometimes find books on the new book display, but I also often stop by the library to pick up holds that I’ve requested about learning about a title online.
I can’t remember when I wasn’t a big reader, so libraries are amongst my favorite places. We have a (city tax paid for) membership at our local library but also pay ($130 per year) for a membership at the library of our neighboring bigger city. That money is money well spent. When we travel, my husband knows that I love to stop in and browse at local libraries.
I sometimes find books on the new book display, but I also often stop by the library to pick up holds that I’ve requested about learning about a title online.
I, too, feel that libraries are special.. I especially appreciated them when I moved to England many, many years ago and had very little money. It was at those libraries that I fell in love with British history.
I now live in Virginia and, when I retired from nursing, started volunteering at my local library. I love it.
I, too, feel that libraries are special.. I especially appreciated them when I moved to England many, many years ago and had very little money. It was at those libraries that I fell in love with British history.
I now live in Virginia and, when I retired from nursing, started volunteering at my local library. I love it.
I, too, feel that libraries are special.. I especially appreciated them when I moved to England many, many years ago and had very little money. It was at those libraries that I fell in love with British history.
I now live in Virginia and, when I retired from nursing, started volunteering at my local library. I love it.
I, too, feel that libraries are special.. I especially appreciated them when I moved to England many, many years ago and had very little money. It was at those libraries that I fell in love with British history.
I now live in Virginia and, when I retired from nursing, started volunteering at my local library. I love it.
I, too, feel that libraries are special.. I especially appreciated them when I moved to England many, many years ago and had very little money. It was at those libraries that I fell in love with British history.
I now live in Virginia and, when I retired from nursing, started volunteering at my local library. I love it.
If you haven’t heard of Story Corps, look it up, as it is quite wonderful. People go into a recording booth by themselves or with a family member or friend to discuss something of importance to them. The stories are edited down to about 3 minutes and are heard each Friday morning as part of NPR’s Morning Edition. In a recent broadcast a man talked about living in an apartment in one of the branches of the New York Public Library; it was one of the perks of his father’s job. If he had homework or couldn’t sleep, he would go down into the library and find a book. Forget mansions — an apartment on top of a library is my dream house.
If you haven’t heard of Story Corps, look it up, as it is quite wonderful. People go into a recording booth by themselves or with a family member or friend to discuss something of importance to them. The stories are edited down to about 3 minutes and are heard each Friday morning as part of NPR’s Morning Edition. In a recent broadcast a man talked about living in an apartment in one of the branches of the New York Public Library; it was one of the perks of his father’s job. If he had homework or couldn’t sleep, he would go down into the library and find a book. Forget mansions — an apartment on top of a library is my dream house.
If you haven’t heard of Story Corps, look it up, as it is quite wonderful. People go into a recording booth by themselves or with a family member or friend to discuss something of importance to them. The stories are edited down to about 3 minutes and are heard each Friday morning as part of NPR’s Morning Edition. In a recent broadcast a man talked about living in an apartment in one of the branches of the New York Public Library; it was one of the perks of his father’s job. If he had homework or couldn’t sleep, he would go down into the library and find a book. Forget mansions — an apartment on top of a library is my dream house.
If you haven’t heard of Story Corps, look it up, as it is quite wonderful. People go into a recording booth by themselves or with a family member or friend to discuss something of importance to them. The stories are edited down to about 3 minutes and are heard each Friday morning as part of NPR’s Morning Edition. In a recent broadcast a man talked about living in an apartment in one of the branches of the New York Public Library; it was one of the perks of his father’s job. If he had homework or couldn’t sleep, he would go down into the library and find a book. Forget mansions — an apartment on top of a library is my dream house.
If you haven’t heard of Story Corps, look it up, as it is quite wonderful. People go into a recording booth by themselves or with a family member or friend to discuss something of importance to them. The stories are edited down to about 3 minutes and are heard each Friday morning as part of NPR’s Morning Edition. In a recent broadcast a man talked about living in an apartment in one of the branches of the New York Public Library; it was one of the perks of his father’s job. If he had homework or couldn’t sleep, he would go down into the library and find a book. Forget mansions — an apartment on top of a library is my dream house.
Sue, one of the wonderful things about libraries using modern technology is that one can find books online and reserve them for pick up. It keeps the wondrous world of reading open to so many people who find travel a challenge.
Sue, one of the wonderful things about libraries using modern technology is that one can find books online and reserve them for pick up. It keeps the wondrous world of reading open to so many people who find travel a challenge.
Sue, one of the wonderful things about libraries using modern technology is that one can find books online and reserve them for pick up. It keeps the wondrous world of reading open to so many people who find travel a challenge.
Sue, one of the wonderful things about libraries using modern technology is that one can find books online and reserve them for pick up. It keeps the wondrous world of reading open to so many people who find travel a challenge.
Sue, one of the wonderful things about libraries using modern technology is that one can find books online and reserve them for pick up. It keeps the wondrous world of reading open to so many people who find travel a challenge.
Another library lover since childhood! (I think the Wench family has a lot of us!)
I find titles on the new books shelf, but I also find them through word of mouth. In fact, I’ve gotten a lot of wonderful recommendations form our monthly What We Are reading blog here at the Wenches. So everyone please keep your suggestions coming!
Another library lover since childhood! (I think the Wench family has a lot of us!)
I find titles on the new books shelf, but I also find them through word of mouth. In fact, I’ve gotten a lot of wonderful recommendations form our monthly What We Are reading blog here at the Wenches. So everyone please keep your suggestions coming!
Another library lover since childhood! (I think the Wench family has a lot of us!)
I find titles on the new books shelf, but I also find them through word of mouth. In fact, I’ve gotten a lot of wonderful recommendations form our monthly What We Are reading blog here at the Wenches. So everyone please keep your suggestions coming!
Another library lover since childhood! (I think the Wench family has a lot of us!)
I find titles on the new books shelf, but I also find them through word of mouth. In fact, I’ve gotten a lot of wonderful recommendations form our monthly What We Are reading blog here at the Wenches. So everyone please keep your suggestions coming!
Another library lover since childhood! (I think the Wench family has a lot of us!)
I find titles on the new books shelf, but I also find them through word of mouth. In fact, I’ve gotten a lot of wonderful recommendations form our monthly What We Are reading blog here at the Wenches. So everyone please keep your suggestions coming!
Alison, I discovered my love of history in libraries too! They are truly special places for me.
How nice that you’re volunteering at your local library. A real win-win!
Alison, I discovered my love of history in libraries too! They are truly special places for me.
How nice that you’re volunteering at your local library. A real win-win!
Alison, I discovered my love of history in libraries too! They are truly special places for me.
How nice that you’re volunteering at your local library. A real win-win!
Alison, I discovered my love of history in libraries too! They are truly special places for me.
How nice that you’re volunteering at your local library. A real win-win!
Alison, I discovered my love of history in libraries too! They are truly special places for me.
How nice that you’re volunteering at your local library. A real win-win!
One of the biggest thrills of my first London trip was a visit to Hatchards in Picadilly. I was surprised to find it in a narrow, multistoried building, but I coukd mentally envision the ladies and gentlemen of the Regency browsing, reading periodicals, and flirting among the stacks. I note from Wikipedia that Hatchards moved to its current location from a nearby building in 1820, so most of our Regency characters would have had their assignations in the earlier lication. But still … Hatchards!
Libraries have been my hone-away-from-home since I was a child—how well I remember the drawers of the card catalog and having to laboriously fill in the slip inside the back cover before getting it date stamped. (When you check out as many books as I did, that takes a while!)
Today I belong to two city libraries and make use of Interlibrary Loan, but I do most of my browsing online and ebooks are my format of choice. My local library also offers online magazines and newspapers and even genealogical research, so the fireplace I sit beside is my own. Not as interesting, but very comfortable.
One of the biggest thrills of my first London trip was a visit to Hatchards in Picadilly. I was surprised to find it in a narrow, multistoried building, but I coukd mentally envision the ladies and gentlemen of the Regency browsing, reading periodicals, and flirting among the stacks. I note from Wikipedia that Hatchards moved to its current location from a nearby building in 1820, so most of our Regency characters would have had their assignations in the earlier lication. But still … Hatchards!
Libraries have been my hone-away-from-home since I was a child—how well I remember the drawers of the card catalog and having to laboriously fill in the slip inside the back cover before getting it date stamped. (When you check out as many books as I did, that takes a while!)
Today I belong to two city libraries and make use of Interlibrary Loan, but I do most of my browsing online and ebooks are my format of choice. My local library also offers online magazines and newspapers and even genealogical research, so the fireplace I sit beside is my own. Not as interesting, but very comfortable.
One of the biggest thrills of my first London trip was a visit to Hatchards in Picadilly. I was surprised to find it in a narrow, multistoried building, but I coukd mentally envision the ladies and gentlemen of the Regency browsing, reading periodicals, and flirting among the stacks. I note from Wikipedia that Hatchards moved to its current location from a nearby building in 1820, so most of our Regency characters would have had their assignations in the earlier lication. But still … Hatchards!
Libraries have been my hone-away-from-home since I was a child—how well I remember the drawers of the card catalog and having to laboriously fill in the slip inside the back cover before getting it date stamped. (When you check out as many books as I did, that takes a while!)
Today I belong to two city libraries and make use of Interlibrary Loan, but I do most of my browsing online and ebooks are my format of choice. My local library also offers online magazines and newspapers and even genealogical research, so the fireplace I sit beside is my own. Not as interesting, but very comfortable.
One of the biggest thrills of my first London trip was a visit to Hatchards in Picadilly. I was surprised to find it in a narrow, multistoried building, but I coukd mentally envision the ladies and gentlemen of the Regency browsing, reading periodicals, and flirting among the stacks. I note from Wikipedia that Hatchards moved to its current location from a nearby building in 1820, so most of our Regency characters would have had their assignations in the earlier lication. But still … Hatchards!
Libraries have been my hone-away-from-home since I was a child—how well I remember the drawers of the card catalog and having to laboriously fill in the slip inside the back cover before getting it date stamped. (When you check out as many books as I did, that takes a while!)
Today I belong to two city libraries and make use of Interlibrary Loan, but I do most of my browsing online and ebooks are my format of choice. My local library also offers online magazines and newspapers and even genealogical research, so the fireplace I sit beside is my own. Not as interesting, but very comfortable.
One of the biggest thrills of my first London trip was a visit to Hatchards in Picadilly. I was surprised to find it in a narrow, multistoried building, but I coukd mentally envision the ladies and gentlemen of the Regency browsing, reading periodicals, and flirting among the stacks. I note from Wikipedia that Hatchards moved to its current location from a nearby building in 1820, so most of our Regency characters would have had their assignations in the earlier lication. But still … Hatchards!
Libraries have been my hone-away-from-home since I was a child—how well I remember the drawers of the card catalog and having to laboriously fill in the slip inside the back cover before getting it date stamped. (When you check out as many books as I did, that takes a while!)
Today I belong to two city libraries and make use of Interlibrary Loan, but I do most of my browsing online and ebooks are my format of choice. My local library also offers online magazines and newspapers and even genealogical research, so the fireplace I sit beside is my own. Not as interesting, but very comfortable.
I grew up out in the countryside which had no library nearby. We also had no bus service so libraries for me. I was well into adulthood before I lived anywhere near a library. Unfortunately they don’t really stock any of the books I read and are very modern edifices and don’t do anything for me. So it’s online for me.
When I think of all the scraping together of pennies when I was a child to try and buy a book the magic of a library would have been fantastic!!
I grew up out in the countryside which had no library nearby. We also had no bus service so libraries for me. I was well into adulthood before I lived anywhere near a library. Unfortunately they don’t really stock any of the books I read and are very modern edifices and don’t do anything for me. So it’s online for me.
When I think of all the scraping together of pennies when I was a child to try and buy a book the magic of a library would have been fantastic!!
I grew up out in the countryside which had no library nearby. We also had no bus service so libraries for me. I was well into adulthood before I lived anywhere near a library. Unfortunately they don’t really stock any of the books I read and are very modern edifices and don’t do anything for me. So it’s online for me.
When I think of all the scraping together of pennies when I was a child to try and buy a book the magic of a library would have been fantastic!!
I grew up out in the countryside which had no library nearby. We also had no bus service so libraries for me. I was well into adulthood before I lived anywhere near a library. Unfortunately they don’t really stock any of the books I read and are very modern edifices and don’t do anything for me. So it’s online for me.
When I think of all the scraping together of pennies when I was a child to try and buy a book the magic of a library would have been fantastic!!
I grew up out in the countryside which had no library nearby. We also had no bus service so libraries for me. I was well into adulthood before I lived anywhere near a library. Unfortunately they don’t really stock any of the books I read and are very modern edifices and don’t do anything for me. So it’s online for me.
When I think of all the scraping together of pennies when I was a child to try and buy a book the magic of a library would have been fantastic!!
Oh, Mary, I remember the thrill of my first visit to Hatchards. Yes, it’s not the orginal—but close! Gave me goosebumps.
My historic library still uses the old stamps to the due date. I just love the sound of that special “thump”. Really makes me smile!
There is much to be said for your own fireplace! All the online stuff is very useful and I use it a lot too.
Oh, Mary, I remember the thrill of my first visit to Hatchards. Yes, it’s not the orginal—but close! Gave me goosebumps.
My historic library still uses the old stamps to the due date. I just love the sound of that special “thump”. Really makes me smile!
There is much to be said for your own fireplace! All the online stuff is very useful and I use it a lot too.
Oh, Mary, I remember the thrill of my first visit to Hatchards. Yes, it’s not the orginal—but close! Gave me goosebumps.
My historic library still uses the old stamps to the due date. I just love the sound of that special “thump”. Really makes me smile!
There is much to be said for your own fireplace! All the online stuff is very useful and I use it a lot too.
Oh, Mary, I remember the thrill of my first visit to Hatchards. Yes, it’s not the orginal—but close! Gave me goosebumps.
My historic library still uses the old stamps to the due date. I just love the sound of that special “thump”. Really makes me smile!
There is much to be said for your own fireplace! All the online stuff is very useful and I use it a lot too.
Oh, Mary, I remember the thrill of my first visit to Hatchards. Yes, it’s not the orginal—but close! Gave me goosebumps.
My historic library still uses the old stamps to the due date. I just love the sound of that special “thump”. Really makes me smile!
There is much to be said for your own fireplace! All the online stuff is very useful and I use it a lot too.
Teresa, so sorry you missed the library experience as a child. But you clearly you found the gift of loving to read on your own, so huzzah for that!
Teresa, so sorry you missed the library experience as a child. But you clearly you found the gift of loving to read on your own, so huzzah for that!
Teresa, so sorry you missed the library experience as a child. But you clearly you found the gift of loving to read on your own, so huzzah for that!
Teresa, so sorry you missed the library experience as a child. But you clearly you found the gift of loving to read on your own, so huzzah for that!
Teresa, so sorry you missed the library experience as a child. But you clearly you found the gift of loving to read on your own, so huzzah for that!
Thank you for that wonderful story. When I was small, my father belonged to the book of the month club. At the time, most of the books he received were WWII books written by people who had been there. I got to read books like 30 Seconds over Tokyo and They were Expendable before I was 9 years old. I do not believe any of those books warped my mind.
Of course I am a book addict. I love history, particularly WWII history. But, other than that I am relatively normal.
Thank you for that wonderful story. When I was small, my father belonged to the book of the month club. At the time, most of the books he received were WWII books written by people who had been there. I got to read books like 30 Seconds over Tokyo and They were Expendable before I was 9 years old. I do not believe any of those books warped my mind.
Of course I am a book addict. I love history, particularly WWII history. But, other than that I am relatively normal.
Thank you for that wonderful story. When I was small, my father belonged to the book of the month club. At the time, most of the books he received were WWII books written by people who had been there. I got to read books like 30 Seconds over Tokyo and They were Expendable before I was 9 years old. I do not believe any of those books warped my mind.
Of course I am a book addict. I love history, particularly WWII history. But, other than that I am relatively normal.
Thank you for that wonderful story. When I was small, my father belonged to the book of the month club. At the time, most of the books he received were WWII books written by people who had been there. I got to read books like 30 Seconds over Tokyo and They were Expendable before I was 9 years old. I do not believe any of those books warped my mind.
Of course I am a book addict. I love history, particularly WWII history. But, other than that I am relatively normal.
Thank you for that wonderful story. When I was small, my father belonged to the book of the month club. At the time, most of the books he received were WWII books written by people who had been there. I got to read books like 30 Seconds over Tokyo and They were Expendable before I was 9 years old. I do not believe any of those books warped my mind.
Of course I am a book addict. I love history, particularly WWII history. But, other than that I am relatively normal.
We had bookmobiles out in the Indiana countryside. I loved to see that big vehicle. Even more, I loved the librarians who let me take home a ton of books at a time.
I have worked at libraries twice in my life and both were lovely times for me.
Rather like living at the source of my addiction.
We had bookmobiles out in the Indiana countryside. I loved to see that big vehicle. Even more, I loved the librarians who let me take home a ton of books at a time.
I have worked at libraries twice in my life and both were lovely times for me.
Rather like living at the source of my addiction.
We had bookmobiles out in the Indiana countryside. I loved to see that big vehicle. Even more, I loved the librarians who let me take home a ton of books at a time.
I have worked at libraries twice in my life and both were lovely times for me.
Rather like living at the source of my addiction.
We had bookmobiles out in the Indiana countryside. I loved to see that big vehicle. Even more, I loved the librarians who let me take home a ton of books at a time.
I have worked at libraries twice in my life and both were lovely times for me.
Rather like living at the source of my addiction.
We had bookmobiles out in the Indiana countryside. I loved to see that big vehicle. Even more, I loved the librarians who let me take home a ton of books at a time.
I have worked at libraries twice in my life and both were lovely times for me.
Rather like living at the source of my addiction.
Naturally I love libraries! I grew up in a rather rural area, but when my mother went to “town” to get groceries, she would drop me off in the library to browse while she shopped. I’m a member of our town’s library, which is part of an excellent county-wide system. And all through my work life, I used to take out a library card in whatever town my job was in, so I could browse and borrow books on my lunch hour.
Naturally I love libraries! I grew up in a rather rural area, but when my mother went to “town” to get groceries, she would drop me off in the library to browse while she shopped. I’m a member of our town’s library, which is part of an excellent county-wide system. And all through my work life, I used to take out a library card in whatever town my job was in, so I could browse and borrow books on my lunch hour.
Naturally I love libraries! I grew up in a rather rural area, but when my mother went to “town” to get groceries, she would drop me off in the library to browse while she shopped. I’m a member of our town’s library, which is part of an excellent county-wide system. And all through my work life, I used to take out a library card in whatever town my job was in, so I could browse and borrow books on my lunch hour.
Naturally I love libraries! I grew up in a rather rural area, but when my mother went to “town” to get groceries, she would drop me off in the library to browse while she shopped. I’m a member of our town’s library, which is part of an excellent county-wide system. And all through my work life, I used to take out a library card in whatever town my job was in, so I could browse and borrow books on my lunch hour.
Naturally I love libraries! I grew up in a rather rural area, but when my mother went to “town” to get groceries, she would drop me off in the library to browse while she shopped. I’m a member of our town’s library, which is part of an excellent county-wide system. And all through my work life, I used to take out a library card in whatever town my job was in, so I could browse and borrow books on my lunch hour.