Some observations about libraries in general .....

... which of course fit our library in particular. This is from Tyler Cowen's rather grumpy 'What are Independent Book Stores Really Good for? Not Much' article in Slate.com. After dissing independent bookstores, he suggest the discriminating reader go to ... the local library!

Spend more time in public libraries, which offer many of the best features of indie bookshops, including informed staff, diversity, and offbeat titles. Of course, public libraries aren't exactly atmospherically "cool." The clientele is often young children, women over 40, and retired men. I visit five public libraries on a regular basis, and each one makes me feel old. But they deliver the goods.

Now, as my sister-in-law helpfully pointed out in the middle of our wedding ceremony six years ago, we are already old. So it doesn't make either me or MFH feel any older to spend time at the library. Although MFH complains about parents who simply drop their kids off at the library for the whole day with nothing to do, as a type of free baby-sitting service.

And then, there are always these types of patrons, who show up NYT's bestseller list in hand;

Many customers want very recent best-sellers, often so they can feel they are reading something trendy, something other people are talking about. Of course, that's its own kind of affectation—and not an entirely pleasing one.

Once again Cowen is spot on. So do yourself a favor, go to the nearest library and wander, browse, paw through the stacks, cast your eye o'er many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore. If you are forced to chose between reading an off the wall book you've found in your hand, and something someone has recommended to you - go for the odd. 80% of my learning I got that way.