Nicola here, asking a personal question. Do you sniff your books? It’s something that non-readers apparently find weird, something that is perhaps best done in the privacy of one’s own home to avoid strange looks and odd explanations. But if, like me, you are a book sniffer, then you understand perfectly that the smell of a book can be a wonderful thing.
Scientists say that there is a rational explanation for the attraction to the smell of old books. The paper, adhesive and ink that make up books degrade over time, giving off a volatile chemical compound. The lignin in almost all wood-based paper is related to vanilla and almonds, so our books smell slightly sweet.
However, there are other forces at work here too. Old books smell of nostalgia. They awaken memories and feelings. Our sense of 
smell is linked to the brain’s limbic system and therefore reminds us of resonances and associations with a particular book. It might be events, people, or places, or it might be an emotion. Whatever the association, the scent is a powerful reminder. I can identify with this. When I was a child I spent a lot of time with my grandparents and would rifle through the wardrobe in their spare bedroom because it contained my grandmother’s romantic fiction novels. It also contained her jewellery, perfume and fur coats, so to this day I associate those books – Anya Seton, Jean Plaidy, Victoria Holt, Phyllis Witney – with glamour, gorgeous perfume and sparkly gemstones.
There is also a theory, unscientific but very appealing, that books remind us of all the good things in our lives. They remind us of wonderful moments and they make us feel happy. This association is particularly strong if you associate the smell of a book with a particular library, or if a book smell gives you that sense of anticipation you may have experienced as a child when you eagerly awaited your next exciting read. Books can make us feel comfortable and relaxed if we associate them with quiet time or holidays, time for ourselves, the luxury of peace and quiet. Perhaps that’s why it can be difficult to return as an adult to a book or author you were made to read at school and didn’t enjoy. The emotional association is negative, not positive.
Then there’s the smell of new books, different but also special in its own way. New books smell of anticipation and promise (also of freshly printed paper and fresh binding0. It’s a heady mix that excites our senses.
It’s hard to pin down exactly what books smell like because their scent varies from individual to individual depending on how we 
scent and experience them. Some people describe books as smelling of the sea, or of fresh air and rain; others identify salt and pepper smells, chocolate and even biscuits. Conservators and historians are trained to sniff books as part of the process of conservation. Those with the keenest noses can identify whether an old book is of say English or Italian origin on smell alone.
The life of books also affects how they smell – have they travelled, how and where have they been stored? It’s exciting to think of old books crossing the globe in saddlebags or on sailing ships!
Does all this mean that reading on a Kindle means that we are missing out on a special part of the reading experience? Well, it’s different, certainly. But there is also pleasure to be had in the thought that your holiday bag isn’t so heavy anymore because all those books are now on one neat device! Plus these days you can even buy a fragrance to waft around you as you read!
Are you a book-sniffer? What do books smell of to you? And do you have any books that evoke particular memories or emotions?
Not to be crass, but sniffing an old book before you buy it can also save you from bringing mold and mildew to your bookshelves! i have several research books bought online that I have to keep wrapped in plastic to contain the smell and protect the rest of my library. But, yes, I do love that good library and bookstore smell.
Not to be crass, but sniffing an old book before you buy it can also save you from bringing mold and mildew to your bookshelves! i have several research books bought online that I have to keep wrapped in plastic to contain the smell and protect the rest of my library. But, yes, I do love that good library and bookstore smell.
Not to be crass, but sniffing an old book before you buy it can also save you from bringing mold and mildew to your bookshelves! i have several research books bought online that I have to keep wrapped in plastic to contain the smell and protect the rest of my library. But, yes, I do love that good library and bookstore smell.
Not to be crass, but sniffing an old book before you buy it can also save you from bringing mold and mildew to your bookshelves! i have several research books bought online that I have to keep wrapped in plastic to contain the smell and protect the rest of my library. But, yes, I do love that good library and bookstore smell.
Not to be crass, but sniffing an old book before you buy it can also save you from bringing mold and mildew to your bookshelves! i have several research books bought online that I have to keep wrapped in plastic to contain the smell and protect the rest of my library. But, yes, I do love that good library and bookstore smell.
I had an uncomfortable childhood and my favorite place for respite was the library. I think that began my sniffing. LOL Books smell like refuge. 🙂 I have been known to walk into a bookstore and breathe deeply…I generally try NOT to stick my nose IN a book unless I’m at home. I keep meaning to look up that “book smell” room spray and see what it’s about. Great post!
I had an uncomfortable childhood and my favorite place for respite was the library. I think that began my sniffing. LOL Books smell like refuge. 🙂 I have been known to walk into a bookstore and breathe deeply…I generally try NOT to stick my nose IN a book unless I’m at home. I keep meaning to look up that “book smell” room spray and see what it’s about. Great post!
I had an uncomfortable childhood and my favorite place for respite was the library. I think that began my sniffing. LOL Books smell like refuge. 🙂 I have been known to walk into a bookstore and breathe deeply…I generally try NOT to stick my nose IN a book unless I’m at home. I keep meaning to look up that “book smell” room spray and see what it’s about. Great post!
I had an uncomfortable childhood and my favorite place for respite was the library. I think that began my sniffing. LOL Books smell like refuge. 🙂 I have been known to walk into a bookstore and breathe deeply…I generally try NOT to stick my nose IN a book unless I’m at home. I keep meaning to look up that “book smell” room spray and see what it’s about. Great post!
I had an uncomfortable childhood and my favorite place for respite was the library. I think that began my sniffing. LOL Books smell like refuge. 🙂 I have been known to walk into a bookstore and breathe deeply…I generally try NOT to stick my nose IN a book unless I’m at home. I keep meaning to look up that “book smell” room spray and see what it’s about. Great post!
Your final comments about the Kindle, somewhat contradict my thoughts at the beginning of this read: “No wonder I’m less happy with ebooks — I don’t smell the ink!” I will stick to that thought though.
As I have mentioned before, I worked for 30 years as a copy-editor (textbooks); on several occasions I visited a printer as a part of my job. The smell of the press-room is a different but related smell.
And yes, I happily carry my nook around in order to lighten the load; but deep down, I prefer a print and paper book.
Your final comments about the Kindle, somewhat contradict my thoughts at the beginning of this read: “No wonder I’m less happy with ebooks — I don’t smell the ink!” I will stick to that thought though.
As I have mentioned before, I worked for 30 years as a copy-editor (textbooks); on several occasions I visited a printer as a part of my job. The smell of the press-room is a different but related smell.
And yes, I happily carry my nook around in order to lighten the load; but deep down, I prefer a print and paper book.
Your final comments about the Kindle, somewhat contradict my thoughts at the beginning of this read: “No wonder I’m less happy with ebooks — I don’t smell the ink!” I will stick to that thought though.
As I have mentioned before, I worked for 30 years as a copy-editor (textbooks); on several occasions I visited a printer as a part of my job. The smell of the press-room is a different but related smell.
And yes, I happily carry my nook around in order to lighten the load; but deep down, I prefer a print and paper book.
Your final comments about the Kindle, somewhat contradict my thoughts at the beginning of this read: “No wonder I’m less happy with ebooks — I don’t smell the ink!” I will stick to that thought though.
As I have mentioned before, I worked for 30 years as a copy-editor (textbooks); on several occasions I visited a printer as a part of my job. The smell of the press-room is a different but related smell.
And yes, I happily carry my nook around in order to lighten the load; but deep down, I prefer a print and paper book.
Your final comments about the Kindle, somewhat contradict my thoughts at the beginning of this read: “No wonder I’m less happy with ebooks — I don’t smell the ink!” I will stick to that thought though.
As I have mentioned before, I worked for 30 years as a copy-editor (textbooks); on several occasions I visited a printer as a part of my job. The smell of the press-room is a different but related smell.
And yes, I happily carry my nook around in order to lighten the load; but deep down, I prefer a print and paper book.
A good point about the possibility of mildew, Kathy. Your curse for being a really good researcher. *G* Luckily, these days we have plastic for protection.
A good point about the possibility of mildew, Kathy. Your curse for being a really good researcher. *G* Luckily, these days we have plastic for protection.
A good point about the possibility of mildew, Kathy. Your curse for being a really good researcher. *G* Luckily, these days we have plastic for protection.
A good point about the possibility of mildew, Kathy. Your curse for being a really good researcher. *G* Luckily, these days we have plastic for protection.
A good point about the possibility of mildew, Kathy. Your curse for being a really good researcher. *G* Luckily, these days we have plastic for protection.
Ah, book scents as refuge, StephanieL! That is true on so many levels. But yes, some things are better done in the privacy of one’s home. *G*
Ah, book scents as refuge, StephanieL! That is true on so many levels. But yes, some things are better done in the privacy of one’s home. *G*
Ah, book scents as refuge, StephanieL! That is true on so many levels. But yes, some things are better done in the privacy of one’s home. *G*
Ah, book scents as refuge, StephanieL! That is true on so many levels. But yes, some things are better done in the privacy of one’s home. *G*
Ah, book scents as refuge, StephanieL! That is true on so many levels. But yes, some things are better done in the privacy of one’s home. *G*
Sue, most things in life have positive and negative sides, and that certainly includes e-readers and print books. E-readers lack the inviting book scent, and print books are not good for carrying 300 books in one handbag. *G*
Sue, most things in life have positive and negative sides, and that certainly includes e-readers and print books. E-readers lack the inviting book scent, and print books are not good for carrying 300 books in one handbag. *G*
Sue, most things in life have positive and negative sides, and that certainly includes e-readers and print books. E-readers lack the inviting book scent, and print books are not good for carrying 300 books in one handbag. *G*
Sue, most things in life have positive and negative sides, and that certainly includes e-readers and print books. E-readers lack the inviting book scent, and print books are not good for carrying 300 books in one handbag. *G*
Sue, most things in life have positive and negative sides, and that certainly includes e-readers and print books. E-readers lack the inviting book scent, and print books are not good for carrying 300 books in one handbag. *G*
Of all my senses, smell seems to be the least reliable for evoking memories. I don’t tend to notice smells unless they are really nice or really awful. I have been around books all my life. As a kid the library was one of my favorite hang-outs. In spite of that, I don’t have a real good sense of what a books smells like except for the old and musty ones.
Although I have come to appreciate my kindle more and more, I do still prefer the experience of actually holding a book and turning pages. However, print books are becoming impractical for me – for many reasons. And as much as I love them, when I tap on a word that I don’t understand, the definition doesn’t pop up like it does on my kindle (smile).
Of all my senses, smell seems to be the least reliable for evoking memories. I don’t tend to notice smells unless they are really nice or really awful. I have been around books all my life. As a kid the library was one of my favorite hang-outs. In spite of that, I don’t have a real good sense of what a books smells like except for the old and musty ones.
Although I have come to appreciate my kindle more and more, I do still prefer the experience of actually holding a book and turning pages. However, print books are becoming impractical for me – for many reasons. And as much as I love them, when I tap on a word that I don’t understand, the definition doesn’t pop up like it does on my kindle (smile).
Of all my senses, smell seems to be the least reliable for evoking memories. I don’t tend to notice smells unless they are really nice or really awful. I have been around books all my life. As a kid the library was one of my favorite hang-outs. In spite of that, I don’t have a real good sense of what a books smells like except for the old and musty ones.
Although I have come to appreciate my kindle more and more, I do still prefer the experience of actually holding a book and turning pages. However, print books are becoming impractical for me – for many reasons. And as much as I love them, when I tap on a word that I don’t understand, the definition doesn’t pop up like it does on my kindle (smile).
Of all my senses, smell seems to be the least reliable for evoking memories. I don’t tend to notice smells unless they are really nice or really awful. I have been around books all my life. As a kid the library was one of my favorite hang-outs. In spite of that, I don’t have a real good sense of what a books smells like except for the old and musty ones.
Although I have come to appreciate my kindle more and more, I do still prefer the experience of actually holding a book and turning pages. However, print books are becoming impractical for me – for many reasons. And as much as I love them, when I tap on a word that I don’t understand, the definition doesn’t pop up like it does on my kindle (smile).
Of all my senses, smell seems to be the least reliable for evoking memories. I don’t tend to notice smells unless they are really nice or really awful. I have been around books all my life. As a kid the library was one of my favorite hang-outs. In spite of that, I don’t have a real good sense of what a books smells like except for the old and musty ones.
Although I have come to appreciate my kindle more and more, I do still prefer the experience of actually holding a book and turning pages. However, print books are becoming impractical for me – for many reasons. And as much as I love them, when I tap on a word that I don’t understand, the definition doesn’t pop up like it does on my kindle (smile).
I had a complete set of Georgette Heyer Regency novels. I bought them at various old book stores. They certainly had that smell you’re describing, but it only added to the joy of reading her books. Some of them were inscribed as birthday or Christmas gifts, which made it even more special. Eventually I donated the set to a church fair. I was reading them so many times I was living vicariously in another century and forgetting to get out more and socialize in my own era.
I had a complete set of Georgette Heyer Regency novels. I bought them at various old book stores. They certainly had that smell you’re describing, but it only added to the joy of reading her books. Some of them were inscribed as birthday or Christmas gifts, which made it even more special. Eventually I donated the set to a church fair. I was reading them so many times I was living vicariously in another century and forgetting to get out more and socialize in my own era.
I had a complete set of Georgette Heyer Regency novels. I bought them at various old book stores. They certainly had that smell you’re describing, but it only added to the joy of reading her books. Some of them were inscribed as birthday or Christmas gifts, which made it even more special. Eventually I donated the set to a church fair. I was reading them so many times I was living vicariously in another century and forgetting to get out more and socialize in my own era.
I had a complete set of Georgette Heyer Regency novels. I bought them at various old book stores. They certainly had that smell you’re describing, but it only added to the joy of reading her books. Some of them were inscribed as birthday or Christmas gifts, which made it even more special. Eventually I donated the set to a church fair. I was reading them so many times I was living vicariously in another century and forgetting to get out more and socialize in my own era.
I had a complete set of Georgette Heyer Regency novels. I bought them at various old book stores. They certainly had that smell you’re describing, but it only added to the joy of reading her books. Some of them were inscribed as birthday or Christmas gifts, which made it even more special. Eventually I donated the set to a church fair. I was reading them so many times I was living vicariously in another century and forgetting to get out more and socialize in my own era.
There is a word to describe this Vellichor the dictionary definition is the nostalgia induced by the smell of old used books in a book store. I only found this out a couple of days ago.
There is a word to describe this Vellichor the dictionary definition is the nostalgia induced by the smell of old used books in a book store. I only found this out a couple of days ago.
There is a word to describe this Vellichor the dictionary definition is the nostalgia induced by the smell of old used books in a book store. I only found this out a couple of days ago.
There is a word to describe this Vellichor the dictionary definition is the nostalgia induced by the smell of old used books in a book store. I only found this out a couple of days ago.
There is a word to describe this Vellichor the dictionary definition is the nostalgia induced by the smell of old used books in a book store. I only found this out a couple of days ago.
I love the smell of used book stores. Okay, maybe a lot of what I’m smelling is dust along with the old paper and ink, but even so… The sensation (not the smell) is akin to sitting in a theater when the lights dim just before the curtain rises—the feeling that something magical is about to happen.
I love the smell of used book stores. Okay, maybe a lot of what I’m smelling is dust along with the old paper and ink, but even so… The sensation (not the smell) is akin to sitting in a theater when the lights dim just before the curtain rises—the feeling that something magical is about to happen.
I love the smell of used book stores. Okay, maybe a lot of what I’m smelling is dust along with the old paper and ink, but even so… The sensation (not the smell) is akin to sitting in a theater when the lights dim just before the curtain rises—the feeling that something magical is about to happen.
I love the smell of used book stores. Okay, maybe a lot of what I’m smelling is dust along with the old paper and ink, but even so… The sensation (not the smell) is akin to sitting in a theater when the lights dim just before the curtain rises—the feeling that something magical is about to happen.
I love the smell of used book stores. Okay, maybe a lot of what I’m smelling is dust along with the old paper and ink, but even so… The sensation (not the smell) is akin to sitting in a theater when the lights dim just before the curtain rises—the feeling that something magical is about to happen.
I love the books smell!! Just going inside a book store and smelling the air I feel my heart pounding, I started reading comics when I was a child,then passed to books; back then, having no money to waste we always bought second hand books ( and comics too) they smell differently by new books, oh the sweetness of used books…I love it, I always wonder who read and had it before, the places the book visited…I always prefer a well worn book from a brand new one, the more they smell, of mildew too, the more interesting they are because it means they have an history of their own. So they are my favourite. Nowadays however I prefer my kindle, I could never have imagined it could occur to me, but to be able to have so many titles in a small device, almost the whole late library actually, through the cloud, to be able to read in the dark and having the opportunity to know the meaning of a word just pressing it ( it occurs to me too, when I occasionally read a paper book, to press a word with no effect:-) ) well, having all that and more it’s priceless! I appreciated very much the post, I’m happy to know I’m not alone in many ways 🙂 ***
I love the books smell!! Just going inside a book store and smelling the air I feel my heart pounding, I started reading comics when I was a child,then passed to books; back then, having no money to waste we always bought second hand books ( and comics too) they smell differently by new books, oh the sweetness of used books…I love it, I always wonder who read and had it before, the places the book visited…I always prefer a well worn book from a brand new one, the more they smell, of mildew too, the more interesting they are because it means they have an history of their own. So they are my favourite. Nowadays however I prefer my kindle, I could never have imagined it could occur to me, but to be able to have so many titles in a small device, almost the whole late library actually, through the cloud, to be able to read in the dark and having the opportunity to know the meaning of a word just pressing it ( it occurs to me too, when I occasionally read a paper book, to press a word with no effect:-) ) well, having all that and more it’s priceless! I appreciated very much the post, I’m happy to know I’m not alone in many ways 🙂 ***
I love the books smell!! Just going inside a book store and smelling the air I feel my heart pounding, I started reading comics when I was a child,then passed to books; back then, having no money to waste we always bought second hand books ( and comics too) they smell differently by new books, oh the sweetness of used books…I love it, I always wonder who read and had it before, the places the book visited…I always prefer a well worn book from a brand new one, the more they smell, of mildew too, the more interesting they are because it means they have an history of their own. So they are my favourite. Nowadays however I prefer my kindle, I could never have imagined it could occur to me, but to be able to have so many titles in a small device, almost the whole late library actually, through the cloud, to be able to read in the dark and having the opportunity to know the meaning of a word just pressing it ( it occurs to me too, when I occasionally read a paper book, to press a word with no effect:-) ) well, having all that and more it’s priceless! I appreciated very much the post, I’m happy to know I’m not alone in many ways 🙂 ***
I love the books smell!! Just going inside a book store and smelling the air I feel my heart pounding, I started reading comics when I was a child,then passed to books; back then, having no money to waste we always bought second hand books ( and comics too) they smell differently by new books, oh the sweetness of used books…I love it, I always wonder who read and had it before, the places the book visited…I always prefer a well worn book from a brand new one, the more they smell, of mildew too, the more interesting they are because it means they have an history of their own. So they are my favourite. Nowadays however I prefer my kindle, I could never have imagined it could occur to me, but to be able to have so many titles in a small device, almost the whole late library actually, through the cloud, to be able to read in the dark and having the opportunity to know the meaning of a word just pressing it ( it occurs to me too, when I occasionally read a paper book, to press a word with no effect:-) ) well, having all that and more it’s priceless! I appreciated very much the post, I’m happy to know I’m not alone in many ways 🙂 ***
I love the books smell!! Just going inside a book store and smelling the air I feel my heart pounding, I started reading comics when I was a child,then passed to books; back then, having no money to waste we always bought second hand books ( and comics too) they smell differently by new books, oh the sweetness of used books…I love it, I always wonder who read and had it before, the places the book visited…I always prefer a well worn book from a brand new one, the more they smell, of mildew too, the more interesting they are because it means they have an history of their own. So they are my favourite. Nowadays however I prefer my kindle, I could never have imagined it could occur to me, but to be able to have so many titles in a small device, almost the whole late library actually, through the cloud, to be able to read in the dark and having the opportunity to know the meaning of a word just pressing it ( it occurs to me too, when I occasionally read a paper book, to press a word with no effect:-) ) well, having all that and more it’s priceless! I appreciated very much the post, I’m happy to know I’m not alone in many ways 🙂 ***
Mary T, it’s easy to get addicted to features like word definition! My e-reader faves are changing font size and packing lots of books in a very small space. But I still buy plenty of print books, especially for research.
Mary T, it’s easy to get addicted to features like word definition! My e-reader faves are changing font size and packing lots of books in a very small space. But I still buy plenty of print books, especially for research.
Mary T, it’s easy to get addicted to features like word definition! My e-reader faves are changing font size and packing lots of books in a very small space. But I still buy plenty of print books, especially for research.
Mary T, it’s easy to get addicted to features like word definition! My e-reader faves are changing font size and packing lots of books in a very small space. But I still buy plenty of print books, especially for research.
Mary T, it’s easy to get addicted to features like word definition! My e-reader faves are changing font size and packing lots of books in a very small space. But I still buy plenty of print books, especially for research.
Patricia, that’s a very backhand compliment to the power of Heyer’s wriring!
Patricia, that’s a very backhand compliment to the power of Heyer’s wriring!
Patricia, that’s a very backhand compliment to the power of Heyer’s wriring!
Patricia, that’s a very backhand compliment to the power of Heyer’s wriring!
Patricia, that’s a very backhand compliment to the power of Heyer’s wriring!
A useful new word, Susan! Love it. *G*
A useful new word, Susan! Love it. *G*
A useful new word, Susan! Love it. *G*
A useful new word, Susan! Love it. *G*
A useful new word, Susan! Love it. *G*
Ant-ic-ipation….Just like Carly Simon sings!
Ant-ic-ipation….Just like Carly Simon sings!
Ant-ic-ipation….Just like Carly Simon sings!
Ant-ic-ipation….Just like Carly Simon sings!
Ant-ic-ipation….Just like Carly Simon sings!
Laura, you most certainly are not alone! It’s so nice to think that a used book doesn’t just contain a story, but has a story of its own.
Laura, you most certainly are not alone! It’s so nice to think that a used book doesn’t just contain a story, but has a story of its own.
Laura, you most certainly are not alone! It’s so nice to think that a used book doesn’t just contain a story, but has a story of its own.
Laura, you most certainly are not alone! It’s so nice to think that a used book doesn’t just contain a story, but has a story of its own.
Laura, you most certainly are not alone! It’s so nice to think that a used book doesn’t just contain a story, but has a story of its own.
My mother owned a used bookstore when I was in high school. I remember the gorgeous smell.a combination of old books, new books, really old hardcovers, and gourmet coffee as we also sold coffee beans. I can’t drink coffee anymore as it now upsets my tummy, but I make it at work and I always feel comforted and I suspect this is why – the connection to the endless opportunities waiting between the covers of the books on the shelves.
Later in life I walked into our Government Archives in Victoria and because we were pushing buggies, we went in the back on the wheelchair entrance. It led tthrough yhe stacks of old hardcovers and I stopped just to inhale the aroma. I asked the archivist who let us in if I could move in and live there. She smiled.
My mother owned a used bookstore when I was in high school. I remember the gorgeous smell.a combination of old books, new books, really old hardcovers, and gourmet coffee as we also sold coffee beans. I can’t drink coffee anymore as it now upsets my tummy, but I make it at work and I always feel comforted and I suspect this is why – the connection to the endless opportunities waiting between the covers of the books on the shelves.
Later in life I walked into our Government Archives in Victoria and because we were pushing buggies, we went in the back on the wheelchair entrance. It led tthrough yhe stacks of old hardcovers and I stopped just to inhale the aroma. I asked the archivist who let us in if I could move in and live there. She smiled.
My mother owned a used bookstore when I was in high school. I remember the gorgeous smell.a combination of old books, new books, really old hardcovers, and gourmet coffee as we also sold coffee beans. I can’t drink coffee anymore as it now upsets my tummy, but I make it at work and I always feel comforted and I suspect this is why – the connection to the endless opportunities waiting between the covers of the books on the shelves.
Later in life I walked into our Government Archives in Victoria and because we were pushing buggies, we went in the back on the wheelchair entrance. It led tthrough yhe stacks of old hardcovers and I stopped just to inhale the aroma. I asked the archivist who let us in if I could move in and live there. She smiled.
My mother owned a used bookstore when I was in high school. I remember the gorgeous smell.a combination of old books, new books, really old hardcovers, and gourmet coffee as we also sold coffee beans. I can’t drink coffee anymore as it now upsets my tummy, but I make it at work and I always feel comforted and I suspect this is why – the connection to the endless opportunities waiting between the covers of the books on the shelves.
Later in life I walked into our Government Archives in Victoria and because we were pushing buggies, we went in the back on the wheelchair entrance. It led tthrough yhe stacks of old hardcovers and I stopped just to inhale the aroma. I asked the archivist who let us in if I could move in and live there. She smiled.
My mother owned a used bookstore when I was in high school. I remember the gorgeous smell.a combination of old books, new books, really old hardcovers, and gourmet coffee as we also sold coffee beans. I can’t drink coffee anymore as it now upsets my tummy, but I make it at work and I always feel comforted and I suspect this is why – the connection to the endless opportunities waiting between the covers of the books on the shelves.
Later in life I walked into our Government Archives in Victoria and because we were pushing buggies, we went in the back on the wheelchair entrance. It led tthrough yhe stacks of old hardcovers and I stopped just to inhale the aroma. I asked the archivist who let us in if I could move in and live there. She smiled.
Wow, Karen, I think if anyone in my family had owned a bookstore I would have wanted to live there all the time too! It’s fascinating to see how strong those emotional ties between childhood and the scent of things can be, and the effect it can still have on your mood even now.
Wow, Karen, I think if anyone in my family had owned a bookstore I would have wanted to live there all the time too! It’s fascinating to see how strong those emotional ties between childhood and the scent of things can be, and the effect it can still have on your mood even now.
Wow, Karen, I think if anyone in my family had owned a bookstore I would have wanted to live there all the time too! It’s fascinating to see how strong those emotional ties between childhood and the scent of things can be, and the effect it can still have on your mood even now.
Wow, Karen, I think if anyone in my family had owned a bookstore I would have wanted to live there all the time too! It’s fascinating to see how strong those emotional ties between childhood and the scent of things can be, and the effect it can still have on your mood even now.
Wow, Karen, I think if anyone in my family had owned a bookstore I would have wanted to live there all the time too! It’s fascinating to see how strong those emotional ties between childhood and the scent of things can be, and the effect it can still have on your mood even now.
When I was a child, we lived in the country and the Bookmobile brought books on a regular basis. I was always allowed to take the maximum number of books. If I had had my way, I would have lived in the Bookmobile, because of that smell of many books in a small place.
Later, I was blessed to become an unpaid librarian in a small town when we were trying to get a library certified and up and running. We started with all donated books, and we were in a closet sized room in front of the fire station. I loved working there. I cataloged among the smell of older books and it was heaven to me.
For me, the smell of books is a reminder of times in my life when I had the joy of being able to be surrounded by books.
Have I mentioned I am addicted to reading? And yes, some of the books donated to the library had to be thrown away (I nearly cried) but they smelled of mildew. We could not have that in a library.
When I was a child, we lived in the country and the Bookmobile brought books on a regular basis. I was always allowed to take the maximum number of books. If I had had my way, I would have lived in the Bookmobile, because of that smell of many books in a small place.
Later, I was blessed to become an unpaid librarian in a small town when we were trying to get a library certified and up and running. We started with all donated books, and we were in a closet sized room in front of the fire station. I loved working there. I cataloged among the smell of older books and it was heaven to me.
For me, the smell of books is a reminder of times in my life when I had the joy of being able to be surrounded by books.
Have I mentioned I am addicted to reading? And yes, some of the books donated to the library had to be thrown away (I nearly cried) but they smelled of mildew. We could not have that in a library.
When I was a child, we lived in the country and the Bookmobile brought books on a regular basis. I was always allowed to take the maximum number of books. If I had had my way, I would have lived in the Bookmobile, because of that smell of many books in a small place.
Later, I was blessed to become an unpaid librarian in a small town when we were trying to get a library certified and up and running. We started with all donated books, and we were in a closet sized room in front of the fire station. I loved working there. I cataloged among the smell of older books and it was heaven to me.
For me, the smell of books is a reminder of times in my life when I had the joy of being able to be surrounded by books.
Have I mentioned I am addicted to reading? And yes, some of the books donated to the library had to be thrown away (I nearly cried) but they smelled of mildew. We could not have that in a library.
When I was a child, we lived in the country and the Bookmobile brought books on a regular basis. I was always allowed to take the maximum number of books. If I had had my way, I would have lived in the Bookmobile, because of that smell of many books in a small place.
Later, I was blessed to become an unpaid librarian in a small town when we were trying to get a library certified and up and running. We started with all donated books, and we were in a closet sized room in front of the fire station. I loved working there. I cataloged among the smell of older books and it was heaven to me.
For me, the smell of books is a reminder of times in my life when I had the joy of being able to be surrounded by books.
Have I mentioned I am addicted to reading? And yes, some of the books donated to the library had to be thrown away (I nearly cried) but they smelled of mildew. We could not have that in a library.
When I was a child, we lived in the country and the Bookmobile brought books on a regular basis. I was always allowed to take the maximum number of books. If I had had my way, I would have lived in the Bookmobile, because of that smell of many books in a small place.
Later, I was blessed to become an unpaid librarian in a small town when we were trying to get a library certified and up and running. We started with all donated books, and we were in a closet sized room in front of the fire station. I loved working there. I cataloged among the smell of older books and it was heaven to me.
For me, the smell of books is a reminder of times in my life when I had the joy of being able to be surrounded by books.
Have I mentioned I am addicted to reading? And yes, some of the books donated to the library had to be thrown away (I nearly cried) but they smelled of mildew. We could not have that in a library.
Hi Annette, thank you so much for sharing your memories of the bookmobile and town library, and the way that the smell of books reminds you of those happy times. I am loving hearing all these stories of what the smell of books means to people!
Hi Annette, thank you so much for sharing your memories of the bookmobile and town library, and the way that the smell of books reminds you of those happy times. I am loving hearing all these stories of what the smell of books means to people!
Hi Annette, thank you so much for sharing your memories of the bookmobile and town library, and the way that the smell of books reminds you of those happy times. I am loving hearing all these stories of what the smell of books means to people!
Hi Annette, thank you so much for sharing your memories of the bookmobile and town library, and the way that the smell of books reminds you of those happy times. I am loving hearing all these stories of what the smell of books means to people!
Hi Annette, thank you so much for sharing your memories of the bookmobile and town library, and the way that the smell of books reminds you of those happy times. I am loving hearing all these stories of what the smell of books means to people!
There are lots of smells that evoke memories for me. More than anything else smell is the greatest reminder of things. I lived in my books growing up. I guess I was kinda lonely growing up as I only had brothers and we lived out in the countryside. I still have books from my childhood and when I take them out and that musty bookish smell hits me, gosh I could be nine or ten again.
When I visit my home place sometimes a smell comes to me from something of long ago. I don’t know where it comes from but I can instantly picture a beautiful sunny morning standing at the side of the house, which has been much altered now, and I can hear the cock, who’s long dead, crowing and I’m just there in that time. This probably sounds weird but I’m not fanciful or anything. Maybe I just read too much:):)
There are lots of smells that evoke memories for me. More than anything else smell is the greatest reminder of things. I lived in my books growing up. I guess I was kinda lonely growing up as I only had brothers and we lived out in the countryside. I still have books from my childhood and when I take them out and that musty bookish smell hits me, gosh I could be nine or ten again.
When I visit my home place sometimes a smell comes to me from something of long ago. I don’t know where it comes from but I can instantly picture a beautiful sunny morning standing at the side of the house, which has been much altered now, and I can hear the cock, who’s long dead, crowing and I’m just there in that time. This probably sounds weird but I’m not fanciful or anything. Maybe I just read too much:):)
There are lots of smells that evoke memories for me. More than anything else smell is the greatest reminder of things. I lived in my books growing up. I guess I was kinda lonely growing up as I only had brothers and we lived out in the countryside. I still have books from my childhood and when I take them out and that musty bookish smell hits me, gosh I could be nine or ten again.
When I visit my home place sometimes a smell comes to me from something of long ago. I don’t know where it comes from but I can instantly picture a beautiful sunny morning standing at the side of the house, which has been much altered now, and I can hear the cock, who’s long dead, crowing and I’m just there in that time. This probably sounds weird but I’m not fanciful or anything. Maybe I just read too much:):)
There are lots of smells that evoke memories for me. More than anything else smell is the greatest reminder of things. I lived in my books growing up. I guess I was kinda lonely growing up as I only had brothers and we lived out in the countryside. I still have books from my childhood and when I take them out and that musty bookish smell hits me, gosh I could be nine or ten again.
When I visit my home place sometimes a smell comes to me from something of long ago. I don’t know where it comes from but I can instantly picture a beautiful sunny morning standing at the side of the house, which has been much altered now, and I can hear the cock, who’s long dead, crowing and I’m just there in that time. This probably sounds weird but I’m not fanciful or anything. Maybe I just read too much:):)
There are lots of smells that evoke memories for me. More than anything else smell is the greatest reminder of things. I lived in my books growing up. I guess I was kinda lonely growing up as I only had brothers and we lived out in the countryside. I still have books from my childhood and when I take them out and that musty bookish smell hits me, gosh I could be nine or ten again.
When I visit my home place sometimes a smell comes to me from something of long ago. I don’t know where it comes from but I can instantly picture a beautiful sunny morning standing at the side of the house, which has been much altered now, and I can hear the cock, who’s long dead, crowing and I’m just there in that time. This probably sounds weird but I’m not fanciful or anything. Maybe I just read too much:):)
Teresa: there is NO SUCH THING as reading too much! *G*
Teresa: there is NO SUCH THING as reading too much! *G*
Teresa: there is NO SUCH THING as reading too much! *G*
Teresa: there is NO SUCH THING as reading too much! *G*
Teresa: there is NO SUCH THING as reading too much! *G*
I just wanted to say “aye aye” to this. The eBooks do make it SO MUCH EASIER to carry books with me everywhere. It’s lovely not having to lug that weight around. Conversely, there is just nothing like the weight (and smell) of a book in your hands. *sigh* I think I have to have both. 🙂
I just wanted to say “aye aye” to this. The eBooks do make it SO MUCH EASIER to carry books with me everywhere. It’s lovely not having to lug that weight around. Conversely, there is just nothing like the weight (and smell) of a book in your hands. *sigh* I think I have to have both. 🙂
I just wanted to say “aye aye” to this. The eBooks do make it SO MUCH EASIER to carry books with me everywhere. It’s lovely not having to lug that weight around. Conversely, there is just nothing like the weight (and smell) of a book in your hands. *sigh* I think I have to have both. 🙂
I just wanted to say “aye aye” to this. The eBooks do make it SO MUCH EASIER to carry books with me everywhere. It’s lovely not having to lug that weight around. Conversely, there is just nothing like the weight (and smell) of a book in your hands. *sigh* I think I have to have both. 🙂
I just wanted to say “aye aye” to this. The eBooks do make it SO MUCH EASIER to carry books with me everywhere. It’s lovely not having to lug that weight around. Conversely, there is just nothing like the weight (and smell) of a book in your hands. *sigh* I think I have to have both. 🙂
I used to love the new smell of books. Having said that, I work in the library (cataloger) and had to handle books that traveled to China probably in a container ship. Also they were old books. We had to use masks and gloves to handle these stinky books. They also left flakes on all our clothes. So now I try to read as many e-books as I can. I think you can understand. 🙂
I used to love the new smell of books. Having said that, I work in the library (cataloger) and had to handle books that traveled to China probably in a container ship. Also they were old books. We had to use masks and gloves to handle these stinky books. They also left flakes on all our clothes. So now I try to read as many e-books as I can. I think you can understand. 🙂
I used to love the new smell of books. Having said that, I work in the library (cataloger) and had to handle books that traveled to China probably in a container ship. Also they were old books. We had to use masks and gloves to handle these stinky books. They also left flakes on all our clothes. So now I try to read as many e-books as I can. I think you can understand. 🙂
I used to love the new smell of books. Having said that, I work in the library (cataloger) and had to handle books that traveled to China probably in a container ship. Also they were old books. We had to use masks and gloves to handle these stinky books. They also left flakes on all our clothes. So now I try to read as many e-books as I can. I think you can understand. 🙂
I used to love the new smell of books. Having said that, I work in the library (cataloger) and had to handle books that traveled to China probably in a container ship. Also they were old books. We had to use masks and gloves to handle these stinky books. They also left flakes on all our clothes. So now I try to read as many e-books as I can. I think you can understand. 🙂
My favorite childhood memory is of summer break and walking the four blocks to our small, town’s library. Now, if I walk into a place, no matter where on earth, that smells like books, I’m right back there.
My favorite childhood memory is of summer break and walking the four blocks to our small, town’s library. Now, if I walk into a place, no matter where on earth, that smells like books, I’m right back there.
My favorite childhood memory is of summer break and walking the four blocks to our small, town’s library. Now, if I walk into a place, no matter where on earth, that smells like books, I’m right back there.
My favorite childhood memory is of summer break and walking the four blocks to our small, town’s library. Now, if I walk into a place, no matter where on earth, that smells like books, I’m right back there.
My favorite childhood memory is of summer break and walking the four blocks to our small, town’s library. Now, if I walk into a place, no matter where on earth, that smells like books, I’m right back there.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing
Thanks for sharing