I was down at the Elk Rapids Library again, picking Jackie Weber’s brain about matters editorial and genealogical, when I made a wrong turn and ended up in the place where they keep the illicit substances. Used books, neatly organized by category, filled all the shelves along both sides of the basement hallway. There were books to suit every taste, including tastes that haven’t been acknowledged yet. The books are donated by library patrons, de-accessioned from the library’s own collection, and–based on my experience in my own house–probably reproducing at night. The library sells them very cheaply–for a free-will donation in fact–and collects a tidy sum to buy more books. Such a concept. So what was I to do?
Fortunately I had my sturdiest cloth grocery bag with me. I filled it right up, tossed some bills in the kitty, and hightailed it north before I decided to add the Dictionary of American Slang to the pile. I don’t know which annoys me more: that I bought more books or that I didn’t buy that dictionary.
It’s supposed to freeze tonight, and judging from the way the temperature’s plummeting in here we are headed that way. I don’t want to think about that. I’m going to bed with my treasures. I’ll read to them from the new books. I’ll bet they really like The Red House Mystery, although Miss Sadie thinks we should start with White Teeth.
Torch Lake Views 
La Mirada Bob
May 24, 2011
Your photo of the books illustrates why I stopped going to the La Habra Salvation Army Thrift Store. I was even getting books for my stepson there.
Unfortunately, after I quit buying books, they sold out to Goodwill Industries and all the books are gone.
Gerry
May 25, 2011
That gives us an idea of how many books you were buying. Once you quit, the whole enterprise just faded away. All of which is evidence that this particular apple did not fall far from that particular tree.
Joss
May 25, 2011
I like that you can donate your own books to the library sale. Our libraries are heaving with used books of their own as it is so I don’t think they’ll be wanting to shift any more. Books are only allowed to stay for seven years max before they have to move on. That aspect of purchasing policy will hopefully be revised in the latest round of spending cuts. When I was school librarian I hated having to turf out perfectly good books.
Gerry
May 25, 2011
Oh yes. We joke that we rent books from the library’s used book sale. Read and return for someone else to buy. People secretly drop off whole shopping bags full, too, as if they were zucchini in August. I did that once, but then a week later I found myself buying two of the books back.
Dawn
May 25, 2011
Yes books DO reproduce when we’re not looking. But who could resist new used books? Enjoy!
Gerry
May 25, 2011
Not I, and I will. But I have a new book coming, too–there’s another thing I can’t resist, an excellent new book.
P.j. grath
May 25, 2011
I went to the last hour of the 3-day AAUW sale, and the ladies were disappointed that I only spent $48. A bookseller becomes more selective over the years or goes out of business fast. Gerry, when you’ve read Zadie Smith, give me one or two sentences in review. I haven’t read her yet.
Gerry
May 25, 2011
Hmmm. Sometime when you’re over on this side of the Bay you might want to take a quick tour of the ER Library basement! There are some astonishing things there. Also a lot of just what you’d expect. Anyway, I will certainly report on Zadie Smith. I’m interested in how people stare at each other across cultural divides and try to decide whether to fight, flee, or build a rickety bridge.
Kate
May 25, 2011
Oh you got The Red House Mystery! I’m seething with jealousy! I’ve had that one on my wish list forever!
Enjoy!
Gerry
May 25, 2011
Well, you’re one up on me as I had never heard of it before. I gather it’s out of print, but I’ll bet it turns up in library used book sales now and then.
isathreadsoflife
May 25, 2011
I think I would love this library as much as you do, Gerry. Could not resist buying more books although there are some on my shelves that are waiting to get alive, that is being read ! Which one did you start ? I would choose Kennedy´s Novels.
Gerry
May 25, 2011
Well, I chose to begin with the mystery because I was tired and out of sorts and wanted something light. As it turns out, I fell asleep with the book open on my chest, so I get to choose all over again tonight!
Anna
May 25, 2011
LOL You sound like me concerning used books… getting the books and the one left behind. I once donated a pickup truck load of books to the library because I over-runneth with books. Well, I am getting there again and I do not wish to part with one book!
You wrote: There were books to suit every taste, including tastes that haven’t been acknowledged yet.
I really like that!
Well, it is cold and very wet here as it has been raining all day. And this is May! Weird weather.
Say, that White Teeth book sounds intriguing just by the title. 🙂
Gerry
May 25, 2011
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It’s cold and rainy here, too–which is uncomfortable, but better than it might be. If I get my assignment done I’m going to snuggle under the comforter early and read myself to sleep. Again.
I’ve made a commitment to PJ to review White Teeth, so in the fullness of time you can read more about it right here on TLV.