Lost in Books
I stopped into Longfellow Books last night. They bill themselves as a 'fiercely independent community bookstore'. They are one of the last local bookstores holding out against the Amazons of the world. It's located at Monument Square, and it was packed with parents and kids. You couldn't tell that from this photo. This room was so quiet with everyone thoroughly engrossed in their reading. These two fellers, in this comfy couch, have launched themselves into a world of their own. They remind me so much of my years sneaking away to the Burbank Branch Library at the bottom of Pleasant Avenue. It didn't have an overstuffed couch like this, but the books were enough to take me away. I especially enjoyed taking my bike there on Thursday evenings. The library was open to 7:30 PM, and I could use the light on my bike to get me there and back. It was adventurous. It was another time. I remember I was really into Robb White novels set at Annapolis. Midshipman Lee of the Naval Academy, The Lion's Paw and Up Periscope are three that I remember reading. We played army a lot in the summer, and I got a lot of ideas to use reading these fictional adventures. Buddy and I even used our flashlights to signal back and forth between our houses. We did lots of these clandestine operations at night.
It was another time.
As a matter of fact, if this couch was there amid all the books, I might still be there.
I milked my imagination as much as I could.
From the appearance of their clothing, I'd say the weather outside must be helping. :-)
ReplyDeleteNothing like a good independent (fiercely) bookstore. Ours are mostly gone, but the folks who patronize the local Barnes & Noble also like to sit about on couches and chairs with a cup of coffee while they read their favorite author's latest attempt at making sense of the world!
ReplyDeleteJohn's Library is Burbank & we both love it so much! And Longfellow, I was there in December & they had some books no one else on the coast had & it IS a wonderful place & such a great location!! I'm glad it was full of families! As you might guess, I love this post. Someday I'll have to tell you my relation to my town library during high school: Let's just say that perhaps I spent more time there than in school!! (My favorite high school book was Grapes of Wrath..)
ReplyDeleteI buy all my books online these days, I have a library card but I haven't used for several years. At the moment I am trying to read the latest William Gibson novel, but i'm finding it hard to concentrate on my reading.
ReplyDeleteI really love a good old bookshop, we're lucky enough to still have quite a few. I love to see young people reading :)
ReplyDeleteI like to handle a book, read the first few pages, the back cover...before I buy it. Good to see kids enjoying books!
ReplyDeletewhat a neat shot. we need more of this. :)
ReplyDeleteVery few independent book stores left here in Oklahoma and the Barnes and Nobles are turning themselves into something, I don't know what. The libraries are turning themselves into internet cafes for the homeless.
ReplyDeleteI used to go to the local library weekly as a kid and come home with all sorts of books. Lots of Hardy Boys mysteries.
I distinctly remember when the reading bug got me and I would spend hours at the library. No big sofas like this there either but, I loved being there.
ReplyDeleteYeah, comfy chairs are history out here at both libraries and bookstores due to the homeless situation. Our indie bookstore was established in the early 1900s, but there's nothing quaint about it anymore. Nice selection of books and then a second floor full of Hallmark stuff. Really don't understand what books and Hallmark might have in common, but then, I'm not a retailer.
ReplyDeleteIndependent bookstores are in danger here too but our library system is extremely well used so that is encouraging! I have an e-reader but really prefer a book.
ReplyDeleteThis certainly looks like a comfortable bookshop, and any way to get kids to read is a good thing. Hook them on it early, and they'll read for life.
ReplyDeleteI love that some stores make browsing so comfortable. The one indy I can think of (in the next town over) is very packed with new and used books. Not much room to sit and hang out though they have a respectable selection for a smaller shop.
ReplyDeleteNice to see these two young men enjoying their books. Nothing like a great bookstore, or library, for that matter.
ReplyDeleteWhether bookstores or libraries, it is hugely important that young people be encouraged to develop their imaginations through reading.
ReplyDeleteOh I do hope that the store continues to be successful! Love seeing the kids reading on the couch!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like it was a good day.
ReplyDeleteThat's inspiring. I was one of those kids who read under the covers with a flashlight. My daughter reads to my little granddaughter every night, even though the only word she's managed so far is "doggie." Some people keep the torch burning.
ReplyDeleteI've read somewhere that there are more bookshops only in Paris than in all USA .I could not live in a country where there are no bookshops . We resist rather well to amazon here , and I'm proud of it.
ReplyDeleteWhat? No electronic gadgets in sight? We do not see this every day...
ReplyDeleteNow that is a purty sight!
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