Why I Renewed My Library Card

I am a huge fan of e-readers, it’s so much easier to pack one lightweight tablet then a dozen big heavy books. If I’m not reading a book on my Kindle, then I’m probably listening to it on Audible – which is even more portable. Thanks to these two things combined I haven’t read a physical book in I can’t even tell you how long.

But the other day all that changed.

I met a woman who was telling me all about the book club she was part of. As she’s telling me about their current book she pulls it out of her handbag. I couldn’t believe it. Not only was she reading an actual hard copy book, but it was a book she had loaned from the library! Gasp!

It’s been a long time since I last stepped foot in a library.

The more I thought about it though, I realized this woman was totally on to something. If I’m being honest with you it’s not often these days that I finish a book. Having a e-reader allows me to read a few pages while I’m on the subway or waiting at the dentist, which means I don’t make as much time to sit down and just read!

Without a physical book I find myself getting distracted too easily. Since I know all my books are stored right there in my Kindle there’s nothing forcing me to finish them. Knowing I can go back to them at anytime really brings out the procrastinator in me. With library books there’s only a certain amount of time you can loan them, which puts you on an automatic deadline. It’s now or never!

So feeling inspired I made my way to my local library and renewed my membership. I chose a fiction book, as most of what I read these days is non-fiction. I thought it would be good to have a break. Now I’ve got two weeks and I’m ready to throw myself into it. I’m really excited at the prospect of spending dedicated time to read. I know it sounds strange but with technology and instant access to everything I need to slow down a little bit.

When I called my Mom to catch up I told her about about renewing my library card, I could hear her smiling as she reminded me that the library was always my favorite place as a kid. Growing up — I was always at the library. I loved to read and the library enabled my addiction providing access to hundreds of books and all for free.

Going back to the place the first fostered my love of reading feels like an Oprah full circle moment and I’m more inspired than ever.