I made a hasty last trip to the library yesterday since they will be closed today. Evidently, even librarians need to take holidays. I had a heavy sack to return with two books that I was sure other patrons were eagerly awaiting (The Widow by John Grisham and The Black Wolf by Louise Penny). I was correct as the computer dinged as each of them was checked in to notify the librarians that someone had a “hold” placed on them.
My returns and pickups seem to be a good metaphor for the turn of 2025 to 2026 as well.
According to Oak Grove Public Library records, I have saved $1,312 by checking out their books instead of purchasing them during 2025. I’ll list just a sampling that added something to my life this year.
Wonderful debut novel – Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland
Super middle grade read-alouds that I shared with grandsons – The Bletchley Riddle by Steve Sheinken and Ruta Sepetys with Benjamin and My Louisiana Sky by Kimberly Willis Holt with Owen
Help with what life has tossed our way – The Thirty-Six Hour Day by Mary Moore and Peter Robins, and Loving Someone with Alzheimer’s by Pauline Boss
Learning more about my surroundings – The Great River by Boyce Upholt
Relatable and interesting memoir – Quilt of Souls by Phyllis Biffle Elmore
Nothing but pleasure – a number of mysteries by Louise Penny and Jacqueline Winspear
Emptied of the returns, I refilled my sack with the books I had on reserve to start the new year, heavily leaning toward the pleasure reading with recommendations from friends and my retired librarian daughter. The librarians even added a “happy” with a hot cup and cocoa mix that added to that pleasure to the first chapter of my new read.
Here’s hoping 2026 will make the same kind of pleasant entrance for all of us as my book refill!