Thing #14

LibraryThing as part of 23 Things on a Stick. Is a pattern emerging? Pattern or no, I used this online tool this weekend and cataloged a small selection of the Hutton book collection, just the signed copies. In somewhat un-librarian fashion, I've never inventoried our collection. While there is a general order to where titles sit on the shelves, it is probably more "bookstoresque" than "libraryish."

The collection of signed titles is an odd assortment of books purchased over a long period going back to the days when I would willingly lug home pounds of new books after standing in long lines for the coveted signature of a Newbery Award winner. Most are children's books with a small selection of adult titles. There are classics as well as a few titles of which I am the only LibraryThing owner.

Some titles have been unopened for years. Cataloging them offered the opportunity to experience forgotten details --- the choice of paper and font, illustrations in subdued hues or bright colors. As well as bits of history tucked inside --- the forgotten bookmark (did it mark a once favorite passage or is this simply where it was left as I finished reading), a charge slip (not mine but belonging to the person who gave me the book 29 years ago.) Even more wonderful, the signatures of the creators --- small, tight script or flourishing pen strokes. Well worth toting home all these titles from so many author presentations.

Bookjacket art is missing for 1/3 of the entries and the LibraryThing generic brown cover is ugly. Another project for another winter weekend (there are still a few more despite 45 degree temps today) will be to scan the cover artwork.

Presidents Day

Good things about Presidents Day (For those wondering if it is President's Day, Presidents' Day or Presidents Day, check Apostrophe Ambiguity.)

• Blue sky (at least in Rochester)
• A day when the SELCO office is closed
• Wandering through Barnes & Noble after lunch
• Picking up The Crown of Valencia (Yes, I could have checked it out of the library but much prefer to have a personal copy of the latest publication of a local author and former SELCO/SELS Board member, Catherine Friend)
• Catching up on all the 23 Things blog posts (There are over 100 - 23 Things blogs registered in SELCO/SELS with the rush before the official registration deadline)