So Many Books, So Little Time

I read a news story the other day about a woman in Saskatchewan who is trying to save her house. The house is under duress because it contains a collection of 350,000 books. The very structure of the house is threatened. The foundation is sinking, the walls are collapsing, and the roof is falling apart.


The vast library is the problem. The books are too heavy--the weight about 60,000 tonnes--and the house cannot stand up under the weight. In fact, the woman had to buy a second property with a hosue on it in order to store the books.


The collection had belonged to a neighbour. When he died, the plan was to burn the books, some of which date back to the 1700s. Shaunna Raycraft came along and bought the entire library for $823.


Some of the books were donated to charity. Some were given away, but about 225,000 books remain. Shaunna's life has changed direction: she is now a single mother of three. Her ex is wanting to liquidate the family assets. What will become of the books that Shaunna saved from flames seven years ago?


Once again the books are headed for a bonfire. July 7 is the deadline date. Unless someone comes forward, to the flames they will go.


To most of us, the idea of burning books has overtones of 1984, repressive governments, and new world orders. Have books lost the importance they once had? Are there better ways of getting knowledge?


I'm not sure what the answer to Shaunna's dilemma is. There is something awful about the idea of burning books. I have been a book-lover all my life. I myself own many books, probably only about 1,200. I have books in every room in my house, and one room devoted to a library. I am hardly one to give advice about gathering books.


I am, however, on to something new. I am "plugged in." I have downloaded many free books onto my new Kobo reader. I am enjoying NOT buying books that take up space on a shelf.  I am working towards freeing myself from the weight of books. I'm not doing anything in a hurry, but I am thinking towards the future.


Who will want the books I have? How can I make my collection smaller?


Letting go. Maybe that's the problem. It's time to let go of some things.