The last town I lived in didn’t have a library.
Well, it did, but it was under construction virtually the entire time I lived there. When it finally reopened it was a very cool space – modern architecture mixed with a charming heritage building. I didn’t have much time with it but I did use it as a writing escape a few times.
I never did get a library card there though. For starters, the application process was a strange nightmare (I needed two official pieces of I.D. and it was going to cost me $15 – cash only). Their selection also wasn’t great. It was disheartening.
So imagine how excited I was to walk into one of Vancouver’s many public libraries only a few short weeks after moving here. I got my card (free and easy) and loaded up on books I’ve been wanting to read for ages.
Why more people don’t think libraries are the raddest shit ever is beyond me.
Don’t get me wrong: as a writer myself I love to financially support authors by paying for their work – when I can. Unfortunately, I can’t afford to buy all the books on my TBR list, and it sucks when money holds you back from being able to appreciate literature. So, being able to walk out with a stack of great reads without having to drop a fortune?
Sign me the heck up.
I feel like a dork for being this excited – libraries are nothing new. But they’re definitely under appreciated, so I wanted to share a bit of love.
Do you have a library card? If so, what was the last book you checked out? If not, why?
Also, if you have any book recommendations hit me up! I’ll need a new stack once I’m finished blowing through these beauties!
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