ThE rOaD nOt TaKeN.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Although my entries are not as frequent as they used to be, I told myself that I should make each one as meaningful and not just record down the day to day things that happen.
After school on Friday, I made a trip via the MRT from Clementi all the way to the Expo to check out the Library Book Sale. Despite being a Friday(a working day), there were still many people at the sale. Most of the people I saw walking towards the MRT station were carrying at least one bag from the library sale. I could feel my excitement rising as I reached my destination.
I came back with 37 books from the sale, struggling to carry my three bags full of books that I had specially picked from the sale carts. It was quite fun to search each cart, hoping to find something of value.
The sad thing was as I continued my search, I began to notice why some of the books could not be used in the library anymore. Some books were filled with graffiti or scribbles from blue ink pens or torn. I saw some other books where the previous reader had written in pencil, the Chinese translations of words in the text. Part of me was happy that the reader was trying to understand the text but I was really saddened by the lack of respect for the books. Each book that is published serves to entertain, inform and brighten this world that we live in. By taking good care of books, we safeguard this fantastic wealth of knowledge for future generations.
Perhaps it is because I came from a relatively poor family. When I was young, it was a luxury for me to buy books. I remember one of the few times I had bought a book was because I had received a book voucher as a prize for doing well in school. So my only alternative was to borrow books from the library. We were only limited to 4 books in those days! So every trip to the library was a chance to find something that could occupy me for the entire week.
Nowadays, the library has been transformed into an even better place for people from all walks of life to get their reading fixes. Where else can you find a free supply of books to enjoy together with your favourite latte frappe? So don't take it for granted, enjoy your books and take good care of them!
Labels: library book sale
