Tuesday, February 11, 2020

More About Books

I just loved your comments on my recent post on books! If you enjoyed that post but commented early (or skipped reading the comments) they are well worth a read! You shared so many of your favorites and how you like to read and so much more, some of which I've incorporated here as we keep the discussion going!


One thing is sure and reiterated by almost all of you: You love books. You may find challenges in having too many or what to do with the ones you are done with. You may have special types of favorites (or maybe you love them all). You may be a minimalist who has gone to digital reading -- or perhaps done so because you are clearing out your physical books as you downsize.

Or, you may have special shelves or libraries for your books. They may be stacked on stair steps or in attics or in the basement. I was delighted to know I wasn't the only one who kept books in the bathroom! But you love books, whether they are hardcover, paperback or digital. And I just love you all for that!


I've loved reading since I was a child. And loving books long before I knew my alphabet! Shortly after I learned how reading could take me into stories I might never have otherwise imagined, my parents took me to the Adirondacks on spring vacation. They were both delighted and frustrated that I hardly saw any of this trip as my head was in a book the whole way!

 From the comments, I learned that many of you developed your love of reading as children. You couldn't get enough then, you can't now.


I also learned that we all have lots of ways of tracking our reads, getting our books, storing them and (sometimes) letting them go!

Pat wondered if I got books from the library or purchase them new or used.

It depends on the book. If it's one I think I'll keep and refer to or add to a series, I'm inclined to buy it new (usually online) or possibly get used if it's in excellent shape. I have two friends with whom I trade books (see purging question below!). We'll send books we're done with to each other. Some of those move on again, others stop on my shelf forever. Finally, and this is mostly for a book club read of a current new book, I'll borrow from another Savory Sister (our book club). I did just get a library card (believe it or not -- my first since high school!), so who knows what might change.


I found that a lot of you use the library and three cheers on that! A recent Gallup Poll found that in 2019, more people went to the library than to the movies and I think that says great things for this valuable institution!

And what do you do with them after? How does one purge books when they are hard to part with?

Well, as you might guess, there are a lot I keep and they get shelved (see below). Others I might save for my friends Joan or Suzanne or another friend who might like something specific. (I was thrilled when an MSU theatre student took several boxes of stage bios, plays and more from my theatre library last year!) Our bookstore takes used books in good condition and for those recent ones in good condition that I know I'll not keep go there first. We get either cash or a store credit. If none of the above fly, they go in the donate pile. I have rarely put a book in the trash.


A lot of you have the same problem, I'm happy to say! Many of you said you took books to the library for their sales after and Penny was fortunate in being able to donate a large collection to a senior citizens community for their library or to use as a fundraiser. (That's a great idea I will remember!)

And here's a good question from Joyce F. -- What do you do with an old World Book Encyclopedia? That's a good question -- loads of volumes; lots of the info out of date. I remember doing school reports from those -- but I was in fifth grade then. Six decades later, I don't think my 60s World Book would have much value, at least till it's a little older! (I did once buy a 1940s World Book at a sale. It was only one volume and given the time it was published, fascinating.) Any ideas?

Someone else asked "How do you organize your books?"

The short answer is "badly." I do try to keep the mysteries together by series. And, as many of the England/France books that will fit on the shelf together (there are always strays in this category). The same for the bios on the Royals. (I was relieved when at least one of you said your shelves were double-deep, too!

As for the rest of it, wherever it fits on the shelf!

I'm happy to note I'm not alone in the organizing department! Elizabeth and Mae said they had their books all over the house and in fact more than one of you had books in every room of the house! Erika says there has to be a really good reason for her getting rid of a book, and some of you either have or are hoping to convert spare rooms into libraries. (I'm a little envious!) Others still have part of their book collections at the home of a parent (especially children's books).

How Do You Track Your Reading?

I keep a little notebook with the title, author and number of pages and try to set a goal each year. I've done this for eons. My current paper record goes back maybe 15 years (I should check!) but I remember doing this throughout high school and college. I know others of you track on Goodreads or through your blogs, and perhaps notebooks.

Erin has come up with something interesting in her recent post. She's tracking plenty of things -- titles, challenges, and even money saved by using the library! Check out her post to see how well she did in January -- I was impressed!

Kindle or Paper? 

I don't read well on a screen and I love the tactile feel of paper, being able to take notes if I want. Maybe someday...what about you?


I was glad I asked! I learned that many of you who have let your physical books go are reading on Kindle or Nook. And, as several of you said, that way you never have to worry about running out books when you are finished with one! Rick told me I could download books from the library, which I never knew. Barb says she must read on Kindle, though she prefers the other, due to an allergy to the formaldehyde that is in paper. I had no idea about the formaldehyde in paper. Her story is fascinating. Others read that way because it is portable. .

And others? No way that Kindle is coming into use unless physical circumstances mandate it! I fall a bit into that camp and was glad there were at least some "Kindred Kindle Spirits" out there with me!


Some of you also listen to audio books and enjoy those tremendously, even having favorite readers. I do recall some road trips back during the books-on-tape days where we listened to some good books. I might have to revisit that for travel.

What About Children's Books

Several of you mentioned that you still have some of your favorite children's books -- and wish you had more. Others have picked up children's books as adults, simply because the illustrations are so beautiful.

Storytime at the lake with my Aunt Grace and Cousin David.

Some of you, like Lisa, are building libraries for your children. These (mostly) moms spend a lot of time reading with their children.


And still others are introducing their children to the local library.

The first time I read "Little Women," I was eight and it was abridged. By sixth grade I was ready for the real deal!

I spent a lot of time in the library as a kid. I could ride my bike down to the local library before we moved and then it was the school and city library. What a feast!

And Magazines? How Do they Play Into It?

I didn't ask about magazines in the post but many of you said you had the same problem with magazines as I do -- they are hard to get rid of, for some reason.



I've pondered this. I think probably the best strategy would be to rip out the pages I want to keep and say goodbye to the rest. And I do that -- but not often enough. They grow like tribbles. I have considered, and probably will, take some of more universal interest to my next doc appointment and leave them in the waiting room as an alternative to those who don't want to read "People" or "WedMD" magazine!

Here are some book tips for culling down your stack -- Do as I say, not as I do!


Many of you mentioned you are in the process of downsizing and bidding farewell to books. Some, because of moves, others to get a better handle on space in your home or simply because it's time to let go. Here are a few ideas if you're in that position -- and if you have others, add them to the comments!

  • Share with a friend. Not a loan. Forever. Then it's their problem -- and they get to read a good book!
  • Donate to your local library. But first, check to see what they want. They're not a dumping ground. Trust me on this! (Vivian Swift fans will know what I mean!)
  • Drop them off into Little Free Libraries you might find on the street. (Good LFL etiquette -- ask the owner before you dump 20 books into their stash! They might have preferences!)
  • With thematic books, check with related groups, such as an academic department at a nearby university (such as I did with that theatre student I mentioned above.) I've also passed on many of my astrology books and others that target specific interests.
  • Check with local used book stores. Some will give you half of their used selling price or store credit.
  • Try a yard sale. Not my cup of tea and no guarantees they will go, but if you're having one anyway, give it a shot. Price appropriately! I've found wonderful books at yard sales and more (possibly better ones) at estate sales.
  • Try online sales -- Not my thing either and I've heard mixed results with this but if it's something you're comfy with, give it a go.
  • Pull a few to use for craft projects and/or decor. Consider art groups that might do mixed media for some that may be particularly interesting.
  • And if all else fails, recycle! After all, there may not be a big market for a 40 year old calculus book. 
I do hope if you have a chance, you'll weigh in on some of these points and ideas in the comments or for a lively discussion, check the comments on the earlier book post here. I would love to have included every single one!


Meanwhile, you'll find me reading somewhere! Just don't interrupt me at the good part!

58 comments:

My name is Erika. said...

This is another fabulous book post Jeanie. First I must say I love the old photos. You are so cute in them. Isn't it funny how most of us who are readers have been readers since childhood? I had gone back and read the comments a few days ago and they were fascinating. I am so glad you decided to share bits with us and talk more about books. Thank you. Hugs-Erika

Susan Kane said...

Agreeing with Erika here.

Those precious photos will make me smile for a while.

Misadventures of Widowhood said...

You sure had the same smile as a kid that you have now. Love all the pictures.

Joyful said...

I too love all the old photos of you reading Jeanie. How wonderful to have so many, I do not have one photo of me reading, not one. TBH, I don't even remember owning many books or reading much at home while growing up. But I do remember always loving books and being in the library and using books for reference and research and just for fun. Maybe that's why I love the library even to this day. I didn't mention in your other post that I often give away books through my local chapter of Freecycle. I post photos of books in group of 8-10 and put it out there. There are always people who will take the books as they are free. I often gift them to the local thrift store too and some times I gift a book or two in excellent condition to friends. All in all, I've never had to throw any books away. That wouldn't come easy to me.

I love that there are so many people who love to read. I have downloaded a lot of books onto my ereader but have only read about 6-7 books over the years. I've tried listening to audio books but couldn't keep focussed on the storylines. My preference is paper books though certainly if I change over to primarily ebooks that would solve having paper books to get rid of.

Valerie-Jael said...

Fun photos. Books and reading are always important. We don't need Ms Kondo, we need new shelves. Hugs, Valerie

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

As always, your wonderful old photos are fabulous. Like you, I started reading young. I have to admit (and don't hate me for this, please) I picked up a set of world type books that had been put out for a local trash clean-up. I use them in my art. I'm a person who reads so carefully, you wouldn't know the spine had been opened or disturbed. I never EVER write in my books, even my beloved statistics books. However, I will cut, tear, and remove pages from old books like the world books so they can be used in my art projects. I specifically like them for my ongoing 7 Continents project. It's fascinating to find old photos of say Cordoba, Argentina, to use alongside those I find in travel magazines I get.

So glad you are continuing this conversation. It's fascinating.

Iris Flavia said...

Jeanie, I am tempted to show pics of our "bathroom" :-)
Attic! Basement, oh, my, we do not have that, either. My parents did and those places still freak me out (I really still have nighmares of the cellar!).
I never ever put a book into trash! Nonono!

You inspired me. Reckon I might ...

"Badly", Jeanie, you have me laughing here!

I used to track my reading indeed. But then, with amazon... DVDs took over mostly (mostly, not totally!).

Kindle is handy to me. Ingo hates it. Whenever we wait for something I pull out that slim, lightweight thing and am "gone".

Audio, though. Nada.

I love.love.love all those pictures you posted!!!

"Then it´s their problem", oh, Jeanie, I´d love to meet you in person, guess we would laugh our heads off. (Not good).

NOW!!! I did! I dumped a math book!!!! I guess. Maybe I dumped it on my Brother, though...

Sketchbook Wandering said...

Jeanie, this is a FANTASTIC essay, connecting the comments & extending your original post. My past professions included bookseller and children's librarian, and yes, the physical aspect of paper books seems more artistic than electronic. These days I can't sit for long for novels (back issues) and I love audio books anyway. A lot of my reading ia about art, and French language.

Have you read The Library Book by Susan Orlean? (NF)

I adore the pics of the little girl you with books.
I still love children's books and here are some rec's for you and family:
The Library by Stewart and The Highest Mountain of Books in the World. Also: Write to Me: Letters From Japanese American Children to the Librarian They Left Behind (NF)

I wonder what you think of the growing movement of graphic novels?

I would never remember titles without my notebook. Can't wait to read the post about tracking, and go back to the comments on your post. Wow!



David M. Gascoigne, said...

It is quite remarkable that you have this kind of photographic record, Jeanie. It must have been the cue for someone to pick up a camera when you picked up a book! I think that you quite literally have more pictures on this one post than I have from my entire childhood. In fact I am sure you do.

Sami said...

Love your old photos Jeanie, how interesting that you always had a book with you.
My Mom used to read to us when we were kids, but from the 3 of us I seem to be the only big reader. My Mom still reads a lot and she's even published 2 novels, a poetry book and just published a children's book in November and has another one to be published soon.
I also read to both my children, but my son never really enjoyed reading, while my daughter reads voraciously. She's like you, when she visits and we travel she's reading a book instead of looking out the window. I can't read in the car as I would get headaches and motion sickness.
I have a couple of boxes with old encyclopedias and have tried giving them away to a "repurpose/upcycle group" who would be able to use them to make tables, crafts, etc, but no local takers yet.
Great post again :)

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Jeanie

I enjoyed seeing all your old photos, you look adorable! I do enjoy downloading my library books on the overdrive. I am sure if you have those cute little free libraries in your town, they would love donations. Enjoy your day, wishing you a happy week ahead!

Carol said...

So interesting to see you with so many books in your hands as a child. My girls never enjoyed reading as children, but one does now. My son, however, loves to read as do I. Matter of fact, I don't have the grand doll today so I might get to read my book.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Jeanie,
First of all, I can not believe all the old photos of you reading!! Another great post on books....I used to buy books at our church flea market where we sold them for 25 cents for paper backs and 50 cents for hard covers. But our priest has now dome away with the flea market. So I will have to find another church flea market that sells them or at the library which I plan on joining when I start to dwindle down all the books that I have in hopes of reading them. When I do read them, I will donate them to Salvation Army or another thrift store so they can be passed on to someone else to read....
I hope you are having a great week!!
Hugs
Debbie

La Table De Nana said...

You are SO lucky to have all these adorable pics of you reading..so fortunate!

I love reading on my tablet now..one hand..in bed..lying down..it's so convenient..
except you know art and cookbooks..

and yes you can borrow from a library through Libby.. the bestest app.
We have a small vintage library..like in a movie..in an old building..it's part of our charm..basement is called the bunker which is like a yr long every Sat.sale of treasures..proceeds go to the library.They have a book sale too..and someone in our town takes the rejects and offers them..it's an affair of the heart here.
Love the Jeanie pics.

La Table De Nana said...

PS When our first grandson was born..Jacques started a collection of large multiple issue bound SPIROUS for them..he loved them as a child..
Sadly none of our grandsons find reading an enjoyable pastime.
It's more a chore..or a punishment lol..
And they were read to,especially one of them..mom is a teacher/avid reader..
The advent of tablets and games has changed the world I find.

thepaintedapron.com said...

Such adorable pics of you growing up Jeanie, your smile always shining through! I have always loved books too, but have donated most of mine to the library, keeping only favorite cookbooks and art books... I am a huge kindle fan, so easy to take with you whether to Dr. appt or on trips, plus I can read the same book with the app on my phone. Once you get used to it, you won't miss lugging heavy books around! The kindle books are cheaper if not free!
Jenna

Lynne said...

Loved seeing the pictures of you reading.
It made me think back on my “reading chairs, spaces, places!”
I am loving the flashbacks.

I remember our first really “big move” from Wisconsin to Michigan.
One of the very first things I did was to find the library and go for a visit.
During that time, in the mid seventies, books a plenty, non stop reading
became my saving grace. I can “feel the comfort” of the chair, window, place
in our new home. And how that time and space filled my heart as I
adjusted to a new home, city, people.

Another flashback . . . I remember my mom and dad reading.
I can see them, book in hand, lost in story and history.
Now that takes me way back!

Thank you Jeanie.
I am loving your posts on books, reading, doubled up shelves, mysteries, royals,
places, libraries, keeping track, notebooks, favorite books, magazines . . . on and on.
You are a jewel . . .

crackercrumblife said...

These photos of you reading are so great!! I feel inspired to keep taking photos of Wyatt reading - I already have a collection of them lol. But seeing how it is such a great look back, I am going to keep it up!

Thank you so much for including me in your post! I am so glad that you liked my idea and what I have been doing. :)

And I really loved reading this round up of opinions and reading habits. It made me nod along in agreement, like yes, I do that! To most of it. I do read on a Kindle but not as much as I read physical books - hmm. Maybe I should start tracking that too!! Lol.

Have a great one Jeannie!

Joanne said...

As far as old books for crafts go, google "book folding". You will go down many rabbit holes with possibilities! I even bought a new book about cats once ... to "book fold" into a sitting cat ... as a gift for my cat loving sister! Have also used print pages for oragami inspired items. My best loved one is a three dimensional star for hanging. This is a lovely post about our attachment to all things book related :)

Mae Travels said...

You have assembled an amazing compendium of book habits and book memories here! Not to mention the wonderful portraits which (if I recall correctly) your photographer father took throughout your childhood.

I could say a lot, but I'll just tell one anecdote from an old friend. He said that at one point, he decided that he owned too many books, so he gave away the ones he had read. Unfortunately the remaining ones were the books that he had given up on, so he found himself with only books that in actuality didn't interest him at all. And nothing to read.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

I also LOVE the pictures of you reading as a little girl. Those are priceless! You are so lucky to have all these photos! I was the 4th child so there just aren't a ton of photos of me because my mom had her hands full - ha! There are photos but mostly from special events like bdays and Christmas. One benefit of the digital age is how well-documented Paul's childhood will be. I don't develop a lot of photo but I do make 'chatbooks' which are books of 60 pictures. He loves to look through them (as do mom, dad, and the grandparents). I have so many pictures of him reading and being read to. He is a total book worm and has been since he was very very young. I read to him when he was a baby even though I knew it was more for me than him but that habit was effective and now he just adores books.

I wish I had access to a library when I was a child. I lived in a teeny tiny town with no library besides the school one and that was closed during the summer. I was a voracious reader so I would beg my mom to buy me books. She obliged as much as she could but I would have read way way way more books if I had access to a library! We have a library about 1/2 mile from us so Paul will grow up going to the library. He's not quite interested in checking out books yet - he prefers to play with the toys in the kid section. But eventually he is going to adore having access to all those books!!!

Lovely post, Jeanie! Makes me happy that reading is alive and well!

bobbie said...

Another great "Books" post, Jeanie! I come by my reading habit/addiction honestly ~ I inherited it from my mom! The woman ALWAYS had her nose in a book!
As for organizing ~ alphabetically by author's last name...
And yes, I keep books in my bathroom ~ not quite hygienic, but what else is there to do ?!?!
Hugs ~

Barb said...

I love your book posts, Jeanie and reading the comments. I was reminded while reading the post that up to 6th grade I hadn't been in a library. Our classrooms only had little bookshelves in the back of the room (we lived in a small town). When I was a child, my father bought me a book a week when I went grocery shopping with him - I loved standing at those spinning wire racks and choosing my new read. When I went to Middle School, I entered a library for the first time and was in Heaven! So many books! I was thrilled. Now, because of my formaldehyde allergy, the Kindle is my best friend. I read every day, sometimes before dawn while I wait for sunrise and always just before I go to sleep. It's a good way to start and end the day.

Barb said...

PS Your childhood photos are a treasure!

Polly said...

What an excellent post Jeanie, and wonderful photos of you. You were such a bonny baby :-)

Pam Richardson said...

Love this post, Jeanie because I love books. I started reading as a child and it has been a life long passion. I am out of space for any more books, I can’t let go of any of them. I am reading on my IPad because my eyes need cataract surgery, but I much prefer to hold a book. I will be following all the comments. Thank you for opening up this topic. I may have to write a blog post about my reading!

DUTA said...

You were cute then (as a child) and are cute now (as an adult).
I used to be a 'bookworm' in my younger days, but now at my advanced age, I know that books are secondary to life, not life itself. We tend to forget that.

Prims By The Water said...

I liked sharing with a friend and it is their problem. LOL Janice

Pam said...

Oh how adorable! I love that you have always been a reader and you cont to read even now.

Victoria Zigler said...

This is another fascinating bookish post. I love hearing all the different things people do to organize their books, and all about everyone's different reading habits.

Some hospitals take book donations too. I know ours does. They have books people have donated that are available for sale near the help desk by the main entrance. Then the money goes towards costs of hospital supplies. I personally hate giving up books, but if you wanted to, that's another option to potentially look in to. Just a thought.

roughterrain crane said...

I am very glad to know you love books. Good books have brought us lots of entrances to new worlds we have not known yet.

Jean | DelightfulRepast.com said...

Love this post, Jeanie! And the photos are adorable! I have purged a number of books by taking one along whenever I walk in the neighborhood and dropping it off at a Little Free Library on the route. And about your childhood encyclopedias--hold onto them. I've held onto mine ever since we got them when I was in fifth or sixth grade!

Sandra at Maison De Jardin said...

Jeanie, when I saw this post I knew I had to wait until this morning to read it(doctor's app. yesterday) I knew it would be a treasure and it is. First the photos are absolutely grand - love them. Loved the idea of books on the stairway. They could be easy to organize in such a place, but I can hear hubby screaming now, he would really think I had gone around the bend. He is close in those thoughts now. But this post really helped me know I am not alone in my reading addiction and I do thank you for that. And, I will always want a book in my hand as opposed to a Kindle.

As for the encyclopedias, before I retired our school system was accepting donations of old encyclopedias and any and all textbooks. They were shipping them to third world countries, where books were almost non-existent. To my understanding, there were several school divisions throughout the country participating in this wonderful program. So, of course, my old World Books where happy donated. Folks may want to check with their local school system or perhaps libraries.

Again, a wonderful post and many thanks for this, Jeanie. Happy Valentine's Day to you and Rick.

Evi Erlinda said...

Oh Jeanie, you are really bookaholic since you're baby, and kindly you also read them to your baby dolls :) and thank you for helpful tips.

gigi-hawaii said...

Incredible that you still love to read books. Most people tend to focus on the computer, instead. You were so cute as a kid with that curly hair.

Sandra Cox said...

What a pretty little girl! You still have the same beautiful smile:)

Anca said...

Awww, what a lovely blog post. I loved books since I was a child, borrowing books from my school's library. Like you, I prefer real books, not ebooks, as the feeling of flipping through the pages is amazing.
I usually keep the books I have. Some I give away to charity shops, but a very small amount of fiction books.

Carola Bartz said...

I love your book posts, Jeanie! Probably because I love books and enjoy when others share that love. I'm currently on my second audiobook - it's an audible trial. I was just too curious to see whether I'd like it. This one - "One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow" by Olivia Hawker - is fantastic, read extremely well. The voice of the reader fits the book perfectly. It's perfect to listen to a book while I'm knitting. But I'm not sure whether I will stick with it after the trial period.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

All the photos of you as a child reading are wonderful, Jeanie! You were always a cutie --then and now!
Your mother was a good photo taker. My mother always bought Golden Books for me on grocery shopping trips and I still own them and have shared them with my grandchildren over the years. Now my children buy books for my children from Scholastic and Osborne books fairs and flyers and through friends that sell them.
Thank you for tagging my blog in this post with the question I asked about where you get your books. I enjoyed reading 1everyone's comments on your first post about books, and also this one, It's wonderful there are so many book lovers.
I have an old Kindle that a friend gave to me that I tried using for a while but I really prefer actual books. That said, I was thinking of getting a new Kindle as my local library has so many wonderful books that can be downloaded--so tempting!

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Jeanie, a really great post. I went to the library all the time during my childhood. The trip itself was joyous as we lived out in the country and my mom didn't drive so we had to wait for neighbors to give us a ride into town. My best choice of authors was Albert Payson Terhune writing about his collie dogs. I loved them. I loved all your photos especially when you were reading to your dollies..You were, and still are, a cutie..xxoJudy

anno said...

A book & reading post! My favorite!

Loved seeing the pictures from your childhood.... your parents had a great eye for good pictures. These are lovely.

As for my own reading reading habits.

I read while brushing my teeth. If I didn't read while in the bathroom, I would probably never have time or place to read.

It took me a while to get on the Kindle bandwagon, but after nearly giving up on a couple of truly excellent books (And Ladies of the Club; Master of the Senate) because they were so big and the long printed lines were so hard for my eyes to follow, especially with progressive lenses, the Kindle is now my favorite way to read a book. It helps that our home is so well-decorated with books (every room!) that there's little reason to add more. Except for art books and children's illustrated books), of course.

Given the amount of time I spend on my weekly commute, audible books sure seem like they would make sense, but somehow they just don't connect with me. Maybe because they demand attention rather than letting me simply give it.

Thanks again for a thought-provoking post!

R's Rue said...

Beautiful. Happy Valentines Day.

GretchenJoanna said...

Your family obviously appreciated the value of books and reading - I wonder if anyone else from that era has so many pictures of herself reading, year after year? In my family many of us were in fact reading around the house every day but no one would have thought of taking our picture. I don't think my mother read a book the whole time I knew her, but my father read for hours every day, and built bookshelves that filled the wall of our living room on either side of the fireplace.

I did take a few pictures of my own children reading, but I have not one of myself. It is a great gift to give to a child, if you have it to give, that love of reading. When Dana Gioia instigated a study of the nation's reading habits by the National Endowment for the Arts more than ten years ago, it was found that merely having lots of books in the house makes children much more likely to become readers as adults, even if they don't see anyone reading them!

How much more of an impact it makes, when the parents enter along with their children into the rich world of people and places and ideas that are available to them in books. Since I became a parent, reading with my children has been one of my greatest joys and most satisfying activities. We homeschooled for 25 years and that made reading, and reading together, a huge part of every day. I'm so thankful.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Jeanie,
Oh how I have missed you! Thank you so much for your kind words and coming over to visit.
I love your book post, and the photos are so sweet.

You are needle felting? I must see. How wonderful. I think I will look on your older posts to see if I can find photos of your work. I am humbled that if any way I was an inspiration, but you are so very talented, I am not surprised at all.
blessings,
Penny

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Jeanie, the photos of you are so sweet. How special to have these. I don't read too much. I keep saying I should make time. I also use my table to reading. I just purged some books and magazine in the study. Happy Valentines sweet lady. xo

Sarah F said...

I know this is something that not everyone may think of, but I have a friend that donates her books to jail libraries. A lot of them desperately need books and reading is a very positive activity for inmates that they may decide to continue once they come home. It’s something you wouldn’t normally think of, but still a nice gesture if you have books you’d like to donate but don’t know where to donate them!

xo, Sarah
http://www.hustlababy09.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeanie! Oh, forget the books - look at your darling little cute self! You were the most beautiful little girl. Look at those curls! You still have the sparkling sweet smile. Loved seeing you and your books!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Louca por porcelana said...

Amazing photos!!!

Lowcarb team member said...

A most wonderful post, and I have so enjoyed seeing your old photographs.

To read is so enjoyable, and I am so pleased the grandchildren enjoy it too.

Enjoy your weekend.
We have rain, rain and more rain …

All the best Jan

Beatrice P. Boyd said...

What a great idea, Jeanie, to include these vintage photos of yourself and your book reading addiction. I will be catching up on the previous posts as we were away for a few days last week. I have been reading books on my Kindle since the start of this year because it's easier to travel with a few books on it, then to carry physical books, A;; of my Kindle downloads are from the local public library so are free and expire automatically after 14 days so no late fines to worry about. I also enjoy holding a physical book and that will never change. I buy books at the annual library book sale and thrift stores and rarely at book stores.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

I love all those photos! They are a treasure! I love books - I won't buy a kindle, because I like the feel of the book in my hand, the turning of the pages..and yes, the dogear habit of holding the place when I set it down. When I'm done with a book I determine whether I want to keep it or give it away. I installed a Little Free Library at a town owned community "farm" property where we hold an artisan market, there are hiking trails, a community harvest garden, a pavilion for events - and I bring books I've finished there to share with whomever. I absolutely love the concept of the little Free Library and it is used all the time - many people have joined in and donate or borrow or keep books from it.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

My mother didn't take photos of me reading although I spent so many hours doing just that. She seemed worried that I read too much. I say I can travel the world right in my chair.

Miss Val's Creations said...

These old photos are adorable Jeanie! I have always been a big library fan. A big money saver! I usually download 5 books at a time. I need to set up an account on Goodreads. It is entertaining reading comments on there after reading a book. Great ideas here for cleaning up old books.

I need orange said...

Count us in the library pile. :-) Number of library visits, and numbers of items checked out, are among our superpowers. :-) :-) :-)

My mom took me and my siblings to the library every week when I was a kid. Kids were limited to 10 books (Why? That was not enough for me, especially in summer!) and I checked out my 10 every week. The person who checked me out one day asked me what I was going to do with all those books.

"Um -- READ them?" Sheesh. READ THEM, of course!!!

As adults, we rarely go by the library without stopping in, and may visit more than one branch in one day, depending on where our errands take us. :-)

I will also put in a cheery hello to inter-library loan. It was cumbersome and painful in the olden days, but now is easily available to us online. Our local library, now, is full of musical instruments and giant toys to check out. They are cool, ok (especially the dino kits, with lifesize casts of things like a T. rex claw!). But where are the novels? Especially novels which were published 10 or more years ago??? Thank goodness we have access to the novels in other libraries around the state!

I will say my husband has a kindle which he totally loves. Instead of carrying 5 pounds of books on a trip, now he just has his little kindle. And he can add new books to it whenever he wants, which also is really handy for traveling. (He gets his kindle books through our library, too, so he's not contributing to evil online empires.)

Another nice thing about the kindle is that you can set the print size to suit.

I do not have an e-reader, but I do have audiobooks on my phone. So I can listen anywhere. :-)

Hooray for books!

Sherry's Pickings said...

yes i keep track of my reading on goodreads! very useful. we have street libraries here (you probably do too) so we can just leave pre-loved books in the cases with shelves in the street. or they go to op shops.

Marilyn Miller said...

This is an amazing post on books. I love everything about it.
I mostly buy, but often used. Then I pass many of my books to my sister. Though there are some I know she wouldn't like I try to pass them to someone else. I believe I have even sent to you. I have two book shelves, but try to not keep many on it. I keep poetry, fiction, and tea books in their own shelves. Also have a shelf for children's book I just can't part with. Then another shelf for art books. That's about it.
I love the pictures of you with books. They are amazing! I wasn't encouraged to read as a child and we didn't have many books in the house, but once I learned I could ride my bike to the library I started reading.

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh my, you have always been a book lover - I didn't know that! I never tire of seeing your treasured old photos. They are sincerely wonderful, and they must bring back so many cherished memories. You were such a cute little girl.....and still are. ; )

~Sheri

William Kendall said...

I started reading before I was in nursery school, and in some ways I've never stopped.

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