Abusing My Library Card
In addition to buying too many books, I also check out from the library. This usually ends up being a mistake because I forget to return them. I also forget to read them. Every week I visit the library at least once, accompanied with my trusty list of reading material. While gathering the books on the list I usually hear other books calling out my name. These books always have a catchy cover or poetic title promising hours of entertainment. Needless to say, they must come home with me, doomed to sit together in a pile until they are overdue.
I have the best intentions of reading these books, but somehow they remain unread as I move on to some other novel I read a review on or even a book that just happened to be resting beside my bed. Last week I had to pay $4 in library late fees. In my head I was cursing myself and thinking of the $1 hardbacks on the For Sale table, and the four treasures I could have found.
After being inspired by Nick Hornby’s essays on buying books and then not reading them, I will try to establish some library accountability by posting a list of library books I check out. Maybe this will help me read them. Or maybe it will just reveal the depths of my illness.
Before I share my list keep in mind that I have an explanation for checking out each book. Something led me to each one.
The Song Reader- Lisa Tucker
Anthem Of A Reluctant Prophet- Joanne Proulx
Big Mouth & ugly girl- Joyce Carol Oates
Swann’s Way- Marcel Proust
I will keep you updated on my reading. Or maybe my disappointment in myself for allowing them to collect dust and more late fees.
