Libraries and Bookstores

I own and have read an obscene number of books.  I share and I donate many to my church for our annual bazaar but I still have too many.  Another weeding-out project awaiting me in the new year.

As habits go, it's not a bad one but I must be frugal.  No more strolling through the bookstore and buying whatever strikes my fancy.  So, today I dusted off my library card.  Did you know that you can practically check out an unlimited number of books?  Seriously, I asked.  The limit for one visit is something like 125 books.  I want to interview the person who does that.

It's not the same as cracking open a brand new book and enjoying the tactile experience.  But it's pretty darn close.  (And free.)  I found several titles in my favorite categories.  My nightstand stack is full.

Now I must learn not to dog-ear the pages or write in the margins.  I can't afford to have them revoke my privileges.

A Love of Reading

While doing some research today, I stumbled on some statistics that shook me. Just because there's that old joke, "Statistics prove statistics are true" doesn't stop the fascination.

Here are a few that caught my interest:

1/3 of high school graduates never read another book for the rest of their lives.
80 percent of U.S. families did not buy or read a book last year.
70 percent of U.S. adults have not been in a bookstore in the last five years.
Each day in the U.S., people spend 4 hours watching television, 3 hours with the radio and 14 minutes reading magazines. (Books didn't even make the survey.)

I love to read. Anything! The last time I was in a bookstore, which was just a couple of days ago, my friend said, "Should I get a UHaul?" I have stacks and stacks waiting for my attention. They are my friends.

It's not just books. After I hit the "on" button for coffee, my next priority is the newspaper. I must read certain magazines. (I don't know half of the people they're profiling as stars in People Magazine but I still read it.) I actually like reading business plans. I miss the days when the teenagers in my life wanted me to read and comment on their essays.

Like all of you, time is short. I don't have a lot of reading time. I try to schedule it before bedtime and then I fall asleep without getting far. Maybe that's why I love to be on a plane -- cell phones off and a book to enjoy at leisure.

Idiots and Dummies

I'm a huge fan of the books that simplify things: The Idiot's Guide to (Put subject here) or (Put Subject Here) for Dummies. You know I like things explained to me like I'm a 5-year old.

Hangdog is in the hospital. Nothing urgent or life-threatening, just some tests to hopefully resolve some ongoing stomach issues. (Enough said or you might lose whatever is in your stomach.)

Headaches and stomachaches have not made his index finger immoble. He can dial that phone.

If I could stop answering the phone, running to the Home, running to the hospital, etc., I might put a book proposal together. I'd have to go through the proper channels because they own the copyright. I'm considering:

The Idiot's Guide to Oldies
Conquering Oldies for Dummies
The Idiot's Guide to Homes, Hospitals and Healthcare
The Sandwich Generation for Dummies
The Idiot's Guide to Cooking Like an Oldie

I have more but you'll have to wait. Maybe I'll see you in the bookstore.

Gift Cards

I used to be kind of a snob about gift cards. In my mind, it meant that I wasn't willing to take the time and thought to buy a personal gift. I have been converted.

There is not a person in my world who needs another posession. They certainly don't need me picking out a knick knack for them to stash and probably sell later on eBay. Yes, my parents have been giving me a book store gift card for years. It's my favorite! I have a book fetish and I want to pick them out myself. I have a Target problem and it's oh so fun to have a gift card and get to discover the treasures for myself. Maybe I want shoes or maybe I just want to stock up on toilet paper.

The oldies love the warehouse stores. They also love the bakery around the corner. For his upcoming birthday, I may get a gift card and he can fall into the beloved sugar coma.

Last Christmas, the daughter gave me a gift card for a massage. It was truly one of the best gifts I've received in years.

It's really fun when you stumble on something that's a perfect fit for a person in your life. It's not fun when you're racking your brain and scrambling for a gift when they would probably prefer to pick something out themselves.

I know it's crass that everyone knows what you spent. I've moved on. Unless something jumps out at me, I'm declaring the upcoming holiday season, "The Year of the Gift Card."

Ten dollars goes a long way in that $1 section at Target.

A Love of Books

I'm a nerd. I love research and I love books. I loved school.

My aunt used to take me to the library. I always tried to check out more books than allowed. Then she would take me to Dunkin' Donuts for a treat.

The bookstore is still my favorite escape from the oldies. My dad gives me a gift certificate for my birthday and Christmas. I've never run out of books to buy. Fiction, non-fiction, reference, business, spiritual -- I've yet to find a category that isn't interesting to me.

I tried to join a book club but it didn't work for me. In the allotted time, I'd read the assigned book and three or four more. Maybe I'll start my own book club. You've got 48 hours -- Go!

In college, I could spend hours in the stacks. I love the smell of old books. I love the feel of the pages. I love the crack of the spine. I love learning and the age old pursuit of knowledge.

I track my favorite authors and note the release date of their next book. I trade books with friends.

I do most of my research online these days. When the workday is done and the computer is idle, I crawl into my favorite chair and crack open a book.