Update on #OWS Library Trashed

At first the story was the library was trashed. Then the story was it wasn't trashed. Now the truth is it WAS pretty much trashed. Hard to keep up? Read the details HERE and consider donating to the rebuilding of the resource.

You can donate to the library by posting books to:
The UPS Store
Re: Occupy Wall Street
Attn: The People’s Library
118A Fulton St. #205
New York, NY 10038

#OWS Library Trashed by NYPD

Were you aware that a library of over 5,000 books was trashed by police clearing out the Occupy Wall Street protestors?

In response, an emergency online library was set up. You can read about it HERE.

But a more recent article says the books are available to be picked up although there is no mention of the more permanent structure that was provided by Patti Smith.

The End of Libraries and the Future of Books?

Not exactly. But this article (from the Huffington Post 11/16/11) shows how library funding continues to be under fire across the country bringing many to the brink of extinction. The most interesting comments are those that indicate that people don't see what is happening until it is too late. Is it because we are distracted in our daily lives that we don't pay attention to what our leaders are doing until they make an unpopular decision? Or is it because there is no way for us to be engaged in ongoing dialogues about how our community and country is run?

The End of Borders and the Future of Books (Businessweek)

"In November 2010, a 30,000-square-foot outlet of a bookstore chain called Davis-Kidd Booksellers, in business in the city for 30 years, had closed as well. With the shuttering of the Brentwood Borders, there wasn’t a store within 22 miles of Nashville that specialized in new books." (Businessweek November 10, 2011)

Interestingly enough the conclusion of the article is that the bookstores in Nashville didn't fail because they weren't profitable, they were "undone not by the collapse of the local market but by the bankruptcy of the parent company".

Towards the end of the article the prediction is made that the bookstore concept has come full circle. That it is likely that smaller bookstores of 2,500 square feet will fill the void left by the implosion of the big book stores. I hope writer Ben Austin is right.

Read the whole article HERE.

The Most Dangerous Thing (2011)

The Most Dangerous Thing by Laura Lippman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In The Most Dangerous Thing author Laura Lippman describes a childhood that resembled mine. Seemingly carefree days of playing with friends in the woods unencumbered by the safety concerns and over-scheduled days kids encounter today.

Lippman's writing is graceful, as always, but the structure of the novel was disorienting. Five friends went into the woods in 1979 and a terrible thing happened. What is the truth of the secret that so many have kept close for so many years? When one of the five friends dies, more questions arise. Was it an accident or suicide? Circling closer and closer to the truth through the voices of those remaining, the truth is ultimately revealed.

Although this is a stand alone story, Tess Monaghan, Lippman's reporter turned PI from her very popular series makes a cameo appearance.

View all my reviews

Houzz.com

I have discovered Houzz. Visit the site to see fabulous home libraries. This one made me want to curl up in that cozy spot and read. What's your favorite? Look HERE!

traditional family room design by los angeles interior designer Susan Jay Design