Off the Rack
After fifty-one weeks I was able to enter the library. They have pickup services. That is like offering lap dances while my wife is in a coma. I did not like the "One shot, one kill" method of picking up the requested item.
Fun Fact: I placed a hold on The Creative Curve by Allen Gannett.
They had a couple copies and at that time? I could check out anything that was available. I have books around the house that have been read. Owned books lack the urgency of the three week deadline for library items.
Central Library is not properly open. The Quiet Study areas which date back to high school for me (my life is eerily similar to that period) is not open and people are not allowed to gather. There is a fifteen minute limit although that is enough time to check the shelves.
Thank God I worked over the last year. Unemployment and underemployment were enhanced by the library. With no job and no library? There are fates worse than death. Two libraries opened in the system.
Today I visited the one where I took my sister as a baby. My father took me to bars at a young age. We go where we go regularly. I recall putting the Attorney into her stroller and walking to this library.
At that age I did not take her anywhere else. When she was old enough to walk I took her to the park which was a productive use of summer mornings. Recollections like this remind me why I need libraries in my life.
The pandemic seemed to eradicate every enjoyable part of life. Bars, events, libraries, movies, theater, concerts, hugging and general interaction subsided. I don't have many of those options although there is a pile of library books for the first time in too long. This gives different options.
Visiting different libraries also gave me the opportunity to visit different businesses in the area. Too much of the pandemic was going from Point A to Point B. Early in the game it seemed like a special occasion to visit Big Lots. They were open and I cannot go to work, the store and home every day.
Last week I found myself in a waiting room. Some friends take me to the nicest places. As they were buying a car? I waited and read magazines. There were no periodicals at the library today.
Just like the Fairfax libraries? They are open for a quick in and out. Back at the dealership? The magazines were old. What did you expect? Seeing Departures Magazine reminded me of travel.
That magazine is a perk of the American Express Platinum Card. There are young people who refuse to take on credit- only putting items on debit cards. With credit cards? The sky is the limit. As for Debit Cards? The limit is the sky.
Reading about fashion designers, South Africa and exotic watches? This was a good way to pass time in an industrial area. I have not pulled out my airline magazines which I still enjoy. Ideas from books and magazines plant seeds to cultivate a better life. Even if you cannot afford travel? Anyone can afford the library and at this point? They are opening gradually. It's a nice slice of normal life that has been lacking and with new books? There are new possibilities.