Most of my workday focuses on the world of the internet.  My livelihood is supported by PeKu and its presence on the web.  I love having this career, even with the occasional technical glitch.  However, when my projects are done for the day, I love to close my laptop and immerse myself in the world of print.

Maybe it is because my day is spent in front of a screen, but thus far I have chosen not to use an eReader.  Rather, I prefer to read from actual books.  There is something about the weight of a book, the sound of the page turning that comforts me like a fuzzy blanket.  It is a love that I shared with my children when they were younger.  I can’t imagine having read to them from a Nook or an iPad; the experience seems completely different.

Because of my love for books, I visit our library regularly.  I also am involved with our library, serving as the president of our Friends of the Library group.  We’re a small library with an even smaller Friends group, but we do manage to find ways to support our library.  Every year we purchase museum passes for the patrons to use.  We contribute to Love Your Library Month.  We provide funding for a small portion of library programming.  Currently, we are holding our annual porch sale, selling books for ridiculously low prices.  (Hard covers, 2 for $1.00, anyone?)

As I stop by the library to restock the sale with more books or to choose a new read for myself, I always feel so fortunate to be surrounded by so much literature.  Books own a large space in my life.  Whether it is a book I borrow or buy, it has a permanent place in my mental library.  Through reading I’ve experienced adventures and learned facts.  While I am not a hermit that doesn’t like to leave her house, reading gives me extra opportunity to see more of the world.

The next time that you have an hour of free time, consider spending some of it with a book.  Whether you grab a classic off your bookshelf, stop by the library, or visit your local bookstore, take time to reacquaint yourself with the beauty and wonder of written words.