As you may or may not be aware, yesterday the little corner of the book blogging community that I inhabit learned that an avid book reader, respected book blogger and tireless community builder had passed away. She was known as Dewey and her book blog was The Hidden Side of a Leaf. Few of us book bloggers knew she was ill; those of us who knew had no idea how serious it was. Dewey was online to share her love of books and ours was a better community for her passion.
I won’t pretend I knew her well or for very long. I knew her only through her blog but was always impressed by the energy I found there. My heart goes out to her family for their personal loss, which is much greater than we can imagine and certainly much greater than ours in our online community.
Dewey’s husband mentions the stacks of books that Dewey read around the house. I have been wondering lately what to do with my own stacks of books, particularly the books that I know I won’t be reading again or passing on to friends. I want to do something useful with them, something meaningful. The news of Dewey’s passing gave me an idea as to how I can do that as well as honour the memory of a passionate reader and book blogger.
For me, books have always been an escape as well as entertainment. Books can make time pass faster or make it stand still. Books let you travel to places you’ll never go and meet people you’ll never meet. Books let you take a break from reality for just a few hours so that you can keep going. So I’m going to share the love of books by passing some of my books to organizations that serve people who need a little escape to recharge.
It’s a small thing, but I’ll be thinking of Dewey when I do it and hoping someone discovers a love of books and a little escape along the way.
I think that is a wonderful thing you are doing, I’m sure Dewey would love the idea of spreading the love of reading to others.
Joanne´s last blog post..Volunteers for Dewey – please circulate!
You know, I’ve thought a lot in the past about what happens to my books when I pass away. I’ve always hoped that at least one of my children will inherit my love of books. In fact, my “keeper” books all have an inscription to my kids that says what I loved about that particular book.
I like your idea, though. Perhaps I should stipulate in my will that if my family isn’t interested in the books that they pass them on to a worthy organization.
Michele´s last blog post..Bookworm Awards and other Schtuff
Have you thought about donating some books to your public library.? Our small town library accepts donations. Items are checked to see if they meet the criteria to be added to the library collection. Those that are not added to the collection for patrons to check out are given to the Friends of the Library to be placed in their book sale. Money raised by the book sale is used to purchase needed items for the library. Our library is always grateful for any donations by thoughtful patrons.
What a great idea!
S. Krishna´s last blog post..The Election – Jen Lancaster’s Views
@ Michele, I like that you write messages in your books. I have a couple of my Mom’s old ones from when she was in her twenties and it’s neat to see the quotes that she’s starred — especially the ones about men and marriage (one is a book of quotes).
@ Cindy That would be good in a small city. I live in a large one and I’m thinking of people who can’t, for whatever reason, access the library easily like people in hospitals or women’s/teens shelters, etc.
Ann´s last blog post..Sad day in this book blogging corner of the Internet
anysia – this is such a well-written tribute. How nice that you’ve been inspired to do something with your stacks; I think Dewey would approve
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