I definitely am not in need of visiting a library for more books as I have so many of my own vying for attention on my bookshelves – or in piles on floors! But I can’t stop myself from having a look on the Fife library catalogue, just to see what I might be missing. A couple of weeks ago I put the word ‘Virago’ into the catalogue search box because I like Virago books and I’ve already read all of my own Viragos.
I just chose two from the catalogue:
My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin
Wave Me Goodbye – Stories of the Second World War edited by Anne Boston
The third book that I requested was Magpie Lane by Lucy Atkins which is one that a blogger recommended – I think. I haven’t read anything by the author but apparently it’s part thriller and part love story.
Have you read any of these books?
Do you still feel the need to visit your local library despite having loads of books at home to read? I’m fairly sure that most local councils will be planning to shut yet more libraries in the future, so I’m doing my bit to keep their book lending statistics up!
I’ve read My Brilliant Career – really enjoyed it.
I can’t resist an opportunity to go into the library. Even if I’m supposed to be just returning books I absolutely have to have a browse. Inevitably I walk away with something I know deep down I have no chance of actually getting to read any time soon.
BookerTalk,
I’m exactly the same. It’s great that I can now update my books online as I rarely get them all read within the allotted time. I’ve just finished My Brilliant Career and I really enjoyed it.
I don’t go to the library as much as I used to, and the problem I have is that the TBR is so huge, I always feel guilty reading a book which isn’t off it. It does sometimes stop me buying another, though… ;D
kaggsysbookishramblings,
My TBR piles don’t feel too out of hand but I must admit I’ve never counted them!
The problem with working in a library is that I request way too many books and then I am less likely to get around to the books I actually own. I must do something to redress that balance. Wave Me Goodbye is a book I read a review of (somewhere!) recently and have been wanting to read. I just placed a hold on it after reading this post so you can see how well my library/personal books balance is going!
Jennifer,
I know it’s just far too tempting when you work in a library. Before everything was computerised I had dozens of index cards stuffed into one cardboard library card, being able to have loads of books out was just about the only perk of the job! I did enjoy those days though.
I’ve read My Brilliant Career and really enjoyed it.
I have so many books on hold at my library. I only buy books I truly want to own and keep these days so I am a heavy library user. That doesn’t mean I don’t have shelves of unread books at home though đŸ˜€
Stefanie,
I’ve just finished My Brillian Career and really enjoyed it too. I’ve seen copies of that book for decades in secondhand bookshops but had no idea what it was about, I thought it was about time I rectified that. I’m quite ashamed to say that I don’t often buy new books, the last one I bought was Mantell’s The Mirror and the Light as I just couldn’t wait to get my hands on it as soon as it came out.
I have not read any of these, but I should definitely read My Brilliant Career. I am already starting a list for the next annual book sale.
I can’t remember if I’ve read My Brilliant Career but I certainly enjoyed the movie!
I also liked Magpie Lane but I don’t want to spoil anything for you. That made it hard to write a review, actually.
I am in a library at least twice a week but I notice I am mostly picking up books I have put on hold whereas before one could do that so easily I browsed. I do have piles and piles of books (unread) everywhere so occasionally will tell myself to stop putting books on hold because things with a due date seem to get priority. I was listening to a fascinating book called Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow and suddenly the borrowing period was over and it disappeared from my phone. There are hundreds of reserves ahead of me but I managed to find a copy that is part of a clever program called “Lucky Day.” A few copies of bestsellers are put on a one-week circulation shelf – if you see it and can read it quickly, it’s your lucky day and you don’t have to wait months for it!
Constance,
I’ve just finished reading the book and loved it. I didn’t realise it had been made into a film.
What a nightmare – to be reading a library ebook that just disappears. I’ve never borrowed an ebook before, I do prefer actual books and don’t put loads on my Kindle, that would just be a pile too many! The “Lucky Day” shelf sounds like a good idea although I can imagine people haunting it so they can pounce as soon as books are shelved on it!