I went through a stage where I wanted to get my PhD. Not so much because I loved school, which I did, but because I wanted an office with lots of bookshelves.
I love bookshelves. I love seeing other people's shelves. Sometimes, when I'm looking at pictures on the internet, I see pictures of peoples homes. In every picture there are shelves, because everyone has shelves. But usually those shelves don't have books on them. A few nicknacks, some pictures, lots of empty space.
It's a cry for help.
I want to teach these people about reading and books. I know ebooks have changed the book world and maybe these people have large digital libraries. I can hope, right? And I'm a big fan of memories and pictures celebrating life. I really shouldn't say anything, as all my books and shelves are in storage right now. But, still, my heart breaks a little with each unused bookshelf.
How do you use shelves?
I use shelves for books, floor to ceiling. Can't curl up and read an electronic gizmo knowing a power failure or bit of malware can halt the world's greatest literature. Besides, books are great wall insulation. I need to smell the paper when I read, and know it's a renewable resource.
ReplyDeleteWall insulation. I'll have to remember that.
DeleteMy shelves are over-stuffed and bowing. I seriously need a library with wall shelves, ceiling to floor.
ReplyDeleteSomeday...maybe it will have one of those rolling ladders!
DeleteShelves were made for books! All ours are packed up too because we're moving in two weeks, and it's odd seeing the empty space. I'm quite glad of the e-revolution though, because we have no more room. We could double stack them, but that feels like burying books. We do have some pictures and ornaments the kids made in front of the books.
ReplyDeleteHope the move is going well. You'll have those books out in no time.
DeleteMy shelves are for books, and I will add in small collectibles or other personally meaningful stuff in front of the books. But their main purpose is to hold books, for sure!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have the personally meaningful stuff too. And sometimes I'll tuck in things I don't know what else to do with. If they're on the bookshelves I don't have to think about them.
DeleteOh gosh... there will never be a kindle in my house.... Just last week, I read a series of 40-year-old kids's books to my kids (after my Grandma had once read them to me...
ReplyDeleteAwesome memories... continuing...
How do you like dem bananas, Kindle? Huh? Cat got your charger?
:)
I always ask people do you like reading, or do you like books? The kindle just gives people an option on a different way to read. It in no way replaces books or family heirloom books. I have some of those that I read to my kids, too.
DeleteI feel the same way about shelves. Always loved Lewis' description of how his family home was overflowing with books on every surface. I miss my books that are in storage!
ReplyDeleteOoh, Mark, which books are those? I love kids' books.
Me too! Though I may get my books back before you.
DeleteFWIW, I have both physical shelves full of books and a big ebook library on my Kindle, too. ;-)
ReplyDelete