That by writerly licence, turner of pages, bastion of books,
ambles into the empty library and, notepad open, takes a corner chair.
One hour passes.
Cramp prompts perambulation towards the fiction shelves,
to commune with the Abernalds and Abernathys, the Bagshawes and Baileys,
and while a further hour.
Despite nodding graciously at a couple of oblivious locals,
who rapaciously clutch the bagged imagination of Arthur C. Clarke,
only lunchtime approaches.
Sandwiched between history and psychology, consumed by mystery,
the writer eats secretly, surreptitiously sliding crumpled cling film
between dog-eared tomes.
At four, children bring giggling and in-tow mothers, who skirt
the perimeter of their once-upon-a-times; riding paperback dragons
over the broken back of the day.
As the last book closes, the resident writer gathers all thought
and prepares for another night precariously shelved, wrapped in the cover
of a contemplative manuscript.
I love how you captured the atmosphere and the feeling of the time spent in the library. Always a pleasure to read.
Thanks Audra 🙂 I would like to spend more time in libraries. They are a valuable part of our towns and cities.
Yes they are. Thank you for saying so. I love when I’m in the library in the early morning before we unlock the doors. I sit in peaceful silence and absorb the spirits.
Clever write Julia and I am especially tickled by:
‘surreptitiously sliding crumpled cling film
between dog-eared tomes.’
So long since I have visited a library – last when a student nurse (eons ago) – but I remember the smell and the strained ‘silence’ of libraries when I was an even younger thing…
Thanks for bringing them back to life for me.
Anna :o]
Ah, Anna, good to hear from you. I remember Milly Molly Mandy books – then later, rather imposing buildings. It made reading seem antique. Nowadays, things are a lot more light and airy. I wonder what the future holds for our libraries?
This is ME! I spend all my time in the library! And my friend Jane the head librarian loves this too.
Yes, you are the library man Dunc x
Gosh. I’m flattered. thank you.