One of the earliest and enduring memories of my school days is the library period. Week after week, I used to wait in anticipation for the 30-minute period. The sheer potential of unread books in the library, with rows and rows of books neatly stacked was always overwhelming and exciting. And the sheer choice of books spread all around you me immensely heartening. Selecting just one book for the week was hard. I used to quickly finish a book and exchange with a friend as soon as I could. I loved seeing the filled up library card tucked at the end of each book with the name of the reader and date mentioned.
Since childhood, I have always treasured the feeling of filling my arms with books at the library, taking them to the counter and watching the librarian stamp or note the details with my precious library card in my hand. A library card was indeed a passport to a whole new word. For a nominal fee or just free.
As I grew, the magic of libraries continued. In colleges, universities, public libraries in the places where I worked and later in army cantonments when I married an Army Officer. Selecting the books was always a tough task, unless one had a few particular ones in mind. I remember, one library lending five books at a times and what a joy it was carrying them home and devouring them one by one. For many, books are magical for opening doors to exciting new worlds and experiences. And libraries are where these enchanting worlds are protected, preserved and shared.
For me, it was not just the books alone which made libraries magical and special. The hushed, cool ambience with only the sounds of footsteps, rustling pages, smell of books and subdued conversations for company, made it all the more enticing. Bigger libraries, with different levels and a plethora of sections and rows, always appeared majestic and steadfast. Like a loyal and dedicated friend, always there for you.
Each section and shelf in a library is an invitation to explore. From daunting volumes of literature, science, arts to fiction, non-fiction, poetry and references – one can never have enough. From the heady aroma of books, wood panels, reading nooks and musty carpets to the muffled footsteps and the whirring sound of fans and air conditioners – all add to the reading experience. Not to speak of the friendships made and romances kindled in the inviting and romantic environs of a library!
Visiting the library is both therapeutic and enjoyable for me. To physically visit a library and spend some time inside the building housing tangible books, the very act of strolling down those narrow corridors made up of bookcases, browsing the titles of books – all add up to a unique experience.
A few hours in the library always had a calming effect on me. The go-to place to enjoy a little quiet and be in the company of books, whenever my heart and mind troubled me. Whenever I had a bad day, a trip to the library or a book shop always helped. A place that is always warm, cosy, quiet and full of the comfort of endless stories and varied worlds.
Over the years, libraries have strengthened my relationship with reading and books. I am always attracted to the pile of books left by previous visitors on the long tables, wondering about those readers and their reading tastes and temperament. Many a times, I have stumbled upon gems going through the leftover piles.
The serendipity and the random discovery of books in libraries is one of the unique charms. As if that particular book was destined to beckon and befriend me. Such random serendipitous discoveries – finding a misplaced book on a cart, hearing whispers about a great book or readers eulogising a book with the librarian – can only be experienced in a library.
While I love to own books, I’ve always been fascinated by library books and the impressions that they leave behind, as they pass from one hand to the other over time. Each book has a unique look, feel and the aroma. Some brand new, some worn out, a few with broken spines and restored, different editions, hard covers, paper backs, tinged with matured and new smells – library books have a special character and belonginess. And you feel a kind of camaraderie and a sense of community with all other readers who had laid their hands on that particular book.
The journey of library books is equally intriguing. They travel from reader to reader, sometimes returning quickly to their homes and remaining longer with their hosts at other times. Some treat them well, taking care of their wellbeing and basking in their company while a few others treat them casually, forsaking or hurting them (torn pages, cover, dogeared pages!) and they return bruised to recover in libraries. Some books get lost in their journey and others are returned to their abodes following a long hiatus after being discovered by the borrower. I know of people who hate parting with library books, especially those which they get reissued again and again, either for their professional requirements, or for their obsession.
Rare and special books are found only in libraries and second-hand book shops. And the joy and gratification of discovery of such books is no less than coveted scientific discoveries! I love books featuring libraries or set in libraries too. Magical books and secret libraries are another irresistible combination.
What also make libraries stand apart are their guardians and their keepers – the librarians. Besides giving stern looks to chatty visitors and shushing visitors, librarians are some of the most dedicated and meticulous people ever. I have a deep reverence for librarians, for their vast knowledge of books, their curating abilities and for possessing a Super Power as well – that of knowing which book is housed in which section and self!. I have heard librarians shedding copious tears after retiring from their job, so great is their love, loyalty and attachment to books and libraries.
Sadly however, libraries don’t hold the same magic for the younger generations anymore, and their importance not considered paramount. Sure, students visit the libraries of the educational institutions that they attend but only to seek information and books which they otherwise don’t get on the Internet or in the market. The schools continue with the library period and also issue books but only a few students find it rewarding.
Many cities are losing their libraries and number of visitors to libraries too have been falling. Several modest lending libraries in residential areas have closed down. A few public libraries assume a forlorn look struggling to survive due to lack of funds.
And for all my deepest love for libraries, I have not visited one since the last two years or so. I continue with my reading spree. But the books are mostly obtained from book shops and e-retailers and downloaded on my e-reader.
Interestingly however, with changing times, libraries are also going through transformations and innovations of their own. Libraries are offering additional services like book reading sessions, meet the authors, story hours and summer programmes for children. Libraries are now equipped with computers, study rooms, meeting rooms and more. They have also begun reaching out to communities with book buses, mobile units, taking displays and activities into schools and public spaces.
Hearteningly, a few innovative libraries have continued to thrive with their advocates attracting readers of all ages. May their tribe increase! And it’s time we support our libraries to survive.
Libraries are not just treasure troves of knowledge, information and creativity, but are also important landmarks in a city’s landscape. They are a wondrous place of literature, learning and researching, inspiring people to read and dream. And worth cherishing. Where else can you access and stories and knowledge for free, seek vital information, be with books in peace and quiet?
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