The library. What's that?

In my free time, what little of it I have left thanks to 2 small people (kids, not midgets), you can find me doing one thing: reading. My kids take about 78% of my time; my husband, oh, 20%; the remaining 2%, I split between my mom and dad and my grandparents, an occasional tennis ball toss to the dog, or visit with the neighbor. (You'll notice a shower doesn't get much percentage there. Not an accidental omission.) Otherwise, if I had my druthers, I'd be behind book. You know, a bound item with pages covered in words.

Yes, I have an I Pad (that nifty thing brought to us by a little company called Apple). Do I read on it? No. Why not? Because the library is down the street. It is teaching my daughter responsibility by ensuring due dates. It is teaching respect for older things like books and puzzles. You don't just throw them out, another person can enjoy them.  I run into my grandpa there (He's 87 and goes there weekly.) It smells old and feels smart. In order to find what you are looking for, you actually have to search and use your brain. I like to read magazines, books, and newspapers. Geez, I'll read the neighborhood flyer. I like paper and I respect local journalism. I don't mind black ink on my fingers. So, as long as I am around, I'll be visiting the local library once a week.

Am I preaching from my soapbox? Maybe. Is this some kind of lecture? Not really. Is it a challenge? Most definitely. Refrain from ordering that book for your I Pad, Kindle, or Space-machine. Instead, hit up your local library. It might take longer than hitting "Send" or "Return," but you should feel better about it. "Should" being the key word.