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Aristus

(66,075 posts)
Tue Apr 20, 2021, 07:20 PM Apr 2021

Another sign that things are getting better.

I went to the public library this afternoon for the first time since the pandemic started. I got to experience again the joy of wandering among the shelves, looking for good prospects for checking out.

I actually went there with a mission. I became obsessed with the history of the Byzantine Empire last summer, and immediately ran through both books I have on the subject in my own library. So I went to check out some more on Byzantium. The library has four books; I checked out three of them.

If you don't hear from me, I'm reading...

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hlthe2b

(101,699 posts)
1. Now that is one place I'd not mind visiting in person with caution. Skip the restaurants, bars,
Tue Apr 20, 2021, 07:22 PM
Apr 2021

theaters, health clubs. I think it would be cathartic to bury oneself in a few good books.

Aristus

(66,075 posts)
2. Mask-wearing is required, and a security guard is standing by to enforce the requirement.
Tue Apr 20, 2021, 07:25 PM
Apr 2021

There are social distancing stickers all over the floor and carpet.

And there was only one other patron while I was there.

dameatball

(7,380 posts)
4. I like our little town library. Free books, end of year book sale and ten cents a copy to use the
Tue Apr 20, 2021, 07:50 PM
Apr 2021

printer.

PoindexterOglethorpe

(25,746 posts)
5. Lucky you.
Tue Apr 20, 2021, 08:50 PM
Apr 2021

I'm in Santa Fe, NM. Our libraries all closed last March, and are still not reopened. We've been able to check out and return books, which works for me, but I really miss being able to browse, chat with the librarians, read magazines. I was picking up books today and asked the employee if they had any idea when they'd reopen, and all he could tell me was that it's being discussed.

And according to another librarian, they are actually checking out at least as many books as before the pandemic. I do know that I've often made purchase suggestions, and they've gone through as readily as in the past. Same with inter library loan.

I love libraries. I'm honestly glad that the change in my financial situation which meant I could no longer afford to buy books when I moved here which made me go back to the library was one of the best things that could have happened to me.

mnhtnbb

(31,315 posts)
6. Our county libraries are still checking materials out by reservation only
Tue Apr 20, 2021, 10:50 PM
Apr 2021

here in NC.

I really miss being able to wander among the stacks and pick up a book from an author I haven't read, just to try it out.

I have had a library card for every county where I've lived in NC: Orange, Carteret, Wake, and now Durham.

sarge43

(28,939 posts)
8. You might like
Wed Apr 21, 2021, 02:04 PM
Apr 2021
Lost to the West: The Forgotten Byzantine Empire That Rescued Western Civilization by Lars Brownworth

He gives them the respect due without hand waving away the eye gougings, castrations, assassinations and other shenanigans.

A well balanced survey

Aristus

(66,075 posts)
10. That's one of the books I checked out.
Wed Apr 21, 2021, 04:07 PM
Apr 2021

I'm currently reading "A Concise History Of Byzantium", by Warren Treadgold (what a great name!). "Lost To The West" is next.

The third book I checked out is "Constantinople, Capital Of Byzantium", by Jonathan Harris.

Got some great reading ahead...

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