Why Bookstores Beat Out Libraries -- Take 1

I can't stand libraries.

Yeah, yeah. I know that I'm a writer, book lover, yada yada. Libraries should be my best friends.

They aren't.

I used to think I had a disease. I mean, what writer doesn't like entire buildings devoted to books? But then I realized that it wasn't the books that sent an chill threading up my spine. It was the library itself.

Our city has two libraries. Neither are in good condition. Nor are the books. In the nearest library, the books are collected from merciful people who dump their first-grader's curriculum into the donation bin. Oh, and me, who gives them whichever books I've regretted buying over the years. Which means that the only novels there are either classics, thrashed ruthlessly by careless high schoolers, or my own donated books.

Any copies of Tolstoy or Shakespeare that I pick up? Yeah, I'll find love notes to Jason scribbled on page 131. Oh, and don't forget the whole missing section from Pride and Prejudice. (I know that Jane refused Darcy's first proposal because I watched the movie. But I'd like to read about it!)

So it's rare that I finish the books I borrow from the library.

Today I went to Barnes and Noble. The first thing I did upon entering was breathe in the sweet scent of paperbacks, printer ink, and unabused novels. Ahhh. Then I went through my routine of hunting out the Christian fiction section, skimming pages, prowling for that perfect novel that will make my next four hours out of reality worth it.

I walked out with one historical and an order for Sharon Hinck's latest, Stepping into Sunlight. Did you know that Barnes and Noble will now deliver book orders directly to your doorstep? You tell them the book you want, give them your address, pay for it, and in a few days you have a book. And they'll even cover shippping costs!

I could go on for hours why I love bookstores more than libraries, but I'll save it for now. Just be warned: if you hear a wild scream of ecstacy this week, know that B&N came through for me.