I’ve been thinking more about Library Lover’s Month (check here to find out how you can help celebrate) and aside from a trip to the library yesterday I also remembered I had an ARC waiting for me that I would be perfect reading material for this – Free For All: Oddballs, Geeks & Gangstas in the Public Library by Don Brochert.

“Libraries are a footnote to our civilization, an outpost to those unfamiliar with the concept, and a cheap, habit-forming narcotic to the regular patron.”

I’m already near the end of the book and have had several good laughs. The author, an assistant in a suburban Los Angeles library, shares many stories of mayhem at the library; from patrons who blatantly lie to get out of paying a $2 fine to the drug bust of two drug dealers who had set up shop in the library’s bathroom.

My library seems so quaint and normal compared to his. Actually, I’m happy about that. Going to the library for me is always a relaxing time. I make sure to have a cup of coffee with me and I’m set for some time among the stacks.

So, about my library visit yesterday. I stopped in and read the latest issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine which has a special Ultimate Products Guide. I love it when crafty magazines have these guides. I have a list of new products I want to try now. I checked out Delirium by Laura Restrepo and The Wayward Muse by Elizabeth Hickey. And, last but not least I snagged a copy of BookPage. Haven’t checked it out yet but don’t worry I’ll come back and tell you which books made it on my wishlist.

I just love the library. You know how much I love it? I’ve memorized my 16 digit library card number but can barely remember any of my friends’ home or cell phone numbers. Shh, don’t tell.

Anyway, I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday. I plan to check in with more of the Sunday Salon participants and of course try to do some reading.

A bit of everything for tonight’s post. First, Melody tagged me on the Book Meme: Page 123

The Rules for this meme are:

• Pick up the nearest book (of at least 123 pages)
• Open the book to page 123
• Find the fifth sentence
• Post the next three sentences
• Tag five people

“I had felt the impotence and agony of childhood. I remembered, I did not remember. And the strange thing was, that, in the end, it came to exactly the same thing.”

This is from Engleby by Sebastian Faulks which is probably the next book I’m going to read.

Next, Bookie is spreading the love.

She sent me and some other wonderful bloggers some smooches and now I get to pass those on however I am being very lazy tonight… Notice I didn’t tag anyone on the Book Meme either. So if you are reading this, consider yourself smooched. Thank you for stopping by and commenting and always offering your friendship and book recommendations!

Finally I also need to thank Isabel for having sent me two books recently. She sent me Gilgamesh by Joan London and The Conjurer’s Bird by Martin Davies. Such nice copies and books I’m sure I’ll enjoy.

Well, I think I caught up on some stuff – heh. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend planned. We’ve got a couple of things going on this weekend but hopefully I’ll join in on the Sunday Salon so see you then!