Stacks
Early in my collegiate career, the only way I could do any serious study was to head to the stacks. Trying to get work done at my desk in the dorm just wasn't working. I needed to get away from all distractions. Now the stacks that I'm talking about, in no way looked like this. In back of the circulation desk at the Library, there was a narrow stairway that that led up about four flights of stairs to countless books and matters of research. My destination was a few cubicles that looked out on the rolling fields, through a bank of hardwoods towards the distant Thruway and solace. Three or four hours spent here got the paper written, the research completed or hundreds of pages read. The pages of Wuthering Heights, Tristram Shandy, Moll Flanders, Tom Jones, Kidnapped, Treasure Island, Great Expectations, Moby Dick, The Adventures Huckleberry Finn and many, many more would all run together, if I didn't find a get-a-way place of quiet. With a test every Monday morning over the assigned reading, an island of calm and solitude was of utmost importance, and I found it here. And yes, I've been awaken from a restful sleep on more than one occasion with the haunting question on my lips. What novel is assigned this week?
I'm having trouble posting on your blog.
ReplyDeleteAh, one more try. Love the looks of this place; one can never have enough books. By the way, is this your room that you're gearing up to clean?
ReplyDeleteone of my workstudy positions in college was shelving books at the graduate library at the university of maryland. you describe beautifully the deeply satisfying feeling of being in the stacks.
ReplyDeleteI also love books and I admire your talent to write!I think it's really wonderful!Congrats!
ReplyDeleteLéia
That is quite a stack of books you've got pictured here.
ReplyDeleteWhoah - crazy stack of books. . . but what a diligent student you were. . .
ReplyDeletei sure hope your clean-up area doesn't look like this now...
ReplyDeleteToday you're showing a picture of paradise to my eyes...
ReplyDeleteThat is a big stack of books in your office! ;-))
ReplyDeleteIs that your picture stuck in the window pain?
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if you crawled up that narrow stairway 'cause you sound like a real bookworm to me!
ReplyDeleteI too had a place like you describe in my college library -- they are wonderful spots -- barbara
ReplyDeleteGreat looking collection of books reminiscent of my basement. Think we all had special study places to focus and concentrate.
ReplyDeleteLet me in there!
ReplyDeleteAnd another piece of the Puzzle falls into place. In a lovely way!
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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An English major? This could be your stack of books but I'm guessing it's your favorite used book store. Fits with yesterday's post title too.
ReplyDeleteThere's something about a stack of books that can induce a sense of calm, I just don't see that happening with a kindle!
ReplyDeleteDid you really need to read a novel per week?? oi
ReplyDeleteWith a view like that, how could you concentrate on studying?
At the new and modern UGLI (Undergrad Library) I remember most the many coffee places, the noise, and that it was rumored to be the best place to find boys. But the Graduate Library was the place to study and to feel serious. The creaky stairs up to the stacks, the opaque floors, the narrow passage between thousands of old books, the musty smell and lack of air made for a rarefied air of scholarship. And one little graffiti, so true: "God gave us the Sabbath; U of M took it away."
Oh, such pleasant memories of studying in college! (for me, it was a student lounge in our student union. But please oh please, can you reveal to us, where THIS stack of books is???
ReplyDeleteA hoarder's delight!
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