The Pie Whisperer

I’m a book snob. At least, I used to be. I refused to read books that had bent spines - books I’ve read look like they’re brand new. I refused to read hardcover books to the point that I’ve actually gone out and bought paperback versions of books that I’d previously received in hardcover. Yes, I really was that much of an elitist when it came to books. Not anymore, though.

I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. So much so that if I kept up at the pace that I’ve been tearing through books, I’d be spending well over $100 a month on books, which isn’t so bad except for the fact that I’m already spending well over $100 a month on comics and in these lean economic times, any place I can cut back on the spending is appreciated.

Thankfully, the interweb works in strange and magical ways. As I was contemplating this book spending dilemma, Barron twittered about re-newing some library books on his library’s website, which prompted me to check out my local library’s website to see if this was a feature they offered, which they do… and much more.

Now let me step back a second. As a result of my book snobbery, I hadn’t stepped foot into a library (let alone have a library card) in about 15 years. The last time I checked out out a book, there was a little card in the back that the librarian stamped with the book’s due date, so needles to say, I was a bit surprised how much the library experience has changed since then.

Now (being a proud library card holder!) I can go on to my library’s website, see what books are available, if they’re out see when they’re due back in and then reserve them, which is quite possibly the best part of my library experience. Now I don’t have to go looking for books. When I reserve a book online, I get an email confirmation letting me know it’s ready to pick-up and all I need to do is grab my book(s) off the reserve shelf, turn around 180 degrees, scan my books, swipe my card and grab my receipt. I can be in and out in less than five minutes and with absolutely no human interaction which for me, really appeals to both my geeky and anti-social instincts. To top it all off, I can also reserve audio books, DVDs and - coming later this month - even video games!

So now I’m hooked and am preaching the word of my public library. If you haven’t been to your local library in a while, it might be worth checking out.

(Pun intended.)