Empty Bookshelves
When I was younger I was an avid reader and collector of books. Even now as an adult I covet entire bookstores. If I could make a bookstore my “literary love-shack” I would. My eldest son inherited this trait. His closet is stocked full of worn books filled with fold lines to remember his “spot.”
That’s why it’s a bit shameful to share that our actual family accumulation of see it-hold it-touch it-smell it- collection of books is sparse. There is no bookshelf in our home. What we do have are several devices that allow us to quickly download and purchase any book that we’d like. After all, we are living in the age of iEverything.
The other day, I passed an old wooden bookshelf thrown out for pick-up. I drove along for a bit thinking about that bookshelf, and thinking to myself that I’m depriving my kids (unintentionally, of course) of one of my fondest childhood memories.
Who here remembers sneaking books from the bookshelf for a bit of late night reading? Entire series of Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, and Little House on the Prairie read under a blanket while holding a flashlight.
I turned my car around. That old bookshelf had found a new home. As a family we plan on giving it a grand redo, equipped with plenty of books and cute little flashlights. I don’t want you to think that I’m bashing ebooks. We own many. As long as children are reading, in whichever format, I am happy. I just think there’s room for both- especially in our home. {Isn’t it rewarding to watch kids enjoy learning? It is never too early to prepare for top universities, online or otherwise. It all starts with a bookshelf.}
Does your family have a large collection of books in your home? Do you read them with your children?
{above photo from A Day in the Land of Nobody} {sponsored links included in post}
I haven’t embraced e-readers yet. I’m gonna fight it as long as I can (as I sling snot due to Borders going out of business). No large collection here, but it’s growing. I have favs that I read at least a couple times a year. Can’t wait to see the bookshelf when you’re done!
Stesha Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 10:18 am
@Donna L. Johnson, Borders closing their doors is such a shame. That’s another reason why I want to curtail the ebook buying back a bit. What about the mom and pop bookstores? We wouldn’t want to lose them too! I’ll be sure to post the grand redo of the bookshelf once it’s completed.
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
**also crying over the closing of Borders** That pains me both as a reader, and as a writer. I’ve just started my little guy’s book library. I definitely want to have a set of “real” books for him. I’ve collected so many books over the years that I finally had to donate and sell everything except my 50 favorites. I have a Kindle, but I still love “real” books. Good luck with the bookshelf project.
Stesha Reply:
July 21st, 2011 at 1:55 pm
@MrsTDJ, I’m trying to imagine what’s included in your collection of 50 favorites! You have to list them one day:) The only aspect of the closing that has me the least bit excited is the possible sales.
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
We have a large bookshelf in the front room and all of the kids have bookshelves in their rooms. And all of them are overflowing with books. We just acquired some more books and we have nowhere to shelve them. They will be boxed for now until we get more space. I am a huge advocate of books (esp. for kids) so i am glad you went and got that bookshelf.
Stesha Reply:
July 22nd, 2011 at 8:51 am
@K. Rock, For now we’re on an ebook buying hiatus:) I’m interested to know where do you buy the majority of your books? I’m thinking about thrift stores, garage sales. There’s also an indie bookstore in our town. I’d also like to take advantage of possible sales from the Borders closing. Oh, and Swap Mamas! Okay, now I’m rambling. Sorry:)
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
Well since I’m typing this comment on my iPad I feel my book buying days are over. At least until I get a house. A tiny NYC apartment doesn’t leave much room for the library I’d like to have. I adore books and I’m not really sure how I feel as i dive into an “e-reader” but I’ll keep you posted.
Love your blog! Thanks for stopping by mine
Stesha Reply:
July 24th, 2011 at 4:33 pm
@Patty, It’s funny! I’ve read two comments today about the lack of space in NYC apartment. My family of 9 would not make it there. We need wide open spaces:) I’m sure you’ll enjoy your iPad. I love the Kindle but I really, really want an iPad. I blog mainly from my iPhone. Imagine what I’d be able to do with an iPad… LOL! Dangerous:)
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
I use the Kindle app on my Evo and I allow my children to play around with it as well; but, there is NOTHING like actually holding a book and reading it.
We have bookshelves in my home, we visit the library, and I also visit thrift stores to get books for myself and my children. I’m not sure what happened to these books, seems as though they just disappeared. I do plan to re-up though.
Stesha Reply:
July 24th, 2011 at 4:36 pm
@Rae, Ha! I’m sure we’ll have lots of “disappearing” books thanks to the little ones!
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
Guilty of the flashlight reading … but it wasn’t always what I was supposed to be reading – gasp!
Good for you for going back to get the shelf!
Winks & Smiles,
Wifey
Stesha Reply:
July 25th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
@Wifey, Lorraine, Lorraine! Scandalous! It’s funny. I was just thinking about you, and all you’ve accomplished with running. I linked to you in my “Happiness List” post!
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha