Book Worm

It seems like I have been reading a ton of books lately, and this may in fact be true. I do work in a library after all...

But no really, the reason I've been reading so much lately is because of people (namely Sam and Tia) suggesting/letting me borrow books to read. It's also summer and I have time to spare for this sort of thing. But even with that in mind, the only things that seem to consistently occupy my time are work (at/for the library), the gym(which I usually bring something to read to for post-workout sauna), and doing art. That's really one activity that captures my full attention. Otherwise, I read during breakfast, after the gym, sometimes during work, and before bed. Though this lifestyle began somewhat earlier.

Here's the back story, junior year I just about stopped buying textbooks altogether. Except for the ones that seemed interesting to me and that I would like to keep on my book shelf indefinitely. Otherwise, if I felt as though a reading was important, I would just go to the library. I had the rare opportunity to experience libraries from the perspective of a student/patron as well as an employee. I was familiar both with where the books come from, and also where they go and what happens to them. I learned what each number on that little sticker meant, where it came from, and where to find it. I also became aware of the sheer amount of manpower it takes to keep something like a university library in working order. Not only that, but hundreds, maybe even thousands of books have passed through my hands.

The library. Interesting place. Each library on campus has a very distinct personality. Powell (uncommonly and otherwise known as "the college library") is very large and regal with high ceilings, chandeliers, and enormous glass windows, big leather chairs and reading lamps shaded with green glass. It's all so....collegiate and intellectual. It gives off the aroma of antiquity, spacious and cold. Dark and mysterious, like the kind of library that characters in books have adventures in.

But then of course, not all can be like that, the Arts library for example is pure chaos. There are five floors, accessible via clunky elevator, or if you must, a narrow metal staircase much like one you would find on board a submarine. I've spent a lot of time here, especially in the nearly secret reading room on the fifth floor as well as searching for books to do research. It's arranged in much of the same way you might imagine an old scholar's personal library to be arranged: no discernible order whatsoever. But it's an arts library, what do you expect?

YRL is something a little different. It is the most like a public library only if that public library were trapped in a 1960's-1970's time warp. Everything is seemingly outdated and dreadfully cluttered. The walls near the elevators are brick for heaven's sake. Who uses brick? characterized by hidden bathrooms, narrow hallways, it's not the most user-friendly place ever. It's almost like being inside a museum exhibit, except that museum exhibit is really annoying. Though in its defense it is air-conditioned.

Personality aside, in these libraries one can find just about anything. Even if that "anything" is a secluded, spot to be alone, a couch or chair to nap on, or perhaps just a computer to check your e-mail or facebook. These libraries have it all. Even if you want to find a dictionary of archaic and provincial words and phrases from the fourteenth century, or maybe an encyclopedia of plants used by man...trust me, it's there.

I guess there was really no point to that other than to show some library love. Plus it's been on my mind a lot since I spend roughly 30 hours a week there processing books. Not to mention the growing stack of books on my desk waiting to be read. But I think that's a good thing