Making my way into the new year, I am sitting in the library planning what to accomplish for 2025. While I achieved a great goal of writing about an event, using books from the library, for every day of 2024, I want to continue writing about books, just not the same way as last year. So one challenge: will be to write at least once a week about different books that may be interesting together, or unusual, or just new to me. I think it will be be pleasant to read about.
A second challenge: is to set up a book repair station. When one collects old books, there are always issues with paper rips or broken bindings, and various other issues. When I have an unusually rare book, I will not let my kids or grandkids handle them. Several books I only use white gloves when I touch them. Most other books, old or not, I let my family hold and use them with proper instruction. Accidents can happen, and they do…we just try to minimize them. I believe the act of allowing the young to hold and handle books with care, teaches them confidence and trust. I want my books to be used.
I trained once on how to repair books, and have occasionally repaired some book issues. There are plenty of resources here. I have many tools and cutters, book presses, glues and pastes, assorted tissues and papers – most of the stuff I would need. My wife just gave me permission to set up a large desk with my supplies for book repairs. I will have a permanent workshop for books!
Only stipulation was that I needed to also add some crafts (papers, crayons, pencils, etc.) for the grandkids. Great. One thought was if they helped ‘break” something, they are helping fix it, too (another confidence with responsibility project)…and they can learn to work on my pile of books with issues – just more crafts to work on that may keep them away from electronics.
There already is a substantial stack of books needing help to become user-friendly again. Some concerns are complicated, others can be easily done, especially with newfound help of grandkids. I can’t wait to get this set up, and then put to use. I think that writing about the processes of actual book repairs will also be interesting. I will write about different types of repairs-and the books being repaired.
A third challenge: is to write a few kids books that I have drafts, or ideas about. I have several that should “see the light of day.” This year, they will get some weekly attention. I have a goal of a specific book idea for this next Christmas season.
With all of this, I have of course, my wife’s ‘Honey-do’ list. Gotta keep that ‘work-life’ balance with her. Things can get pretty hectic. Remember that you cannot forget to breathe. And when I say breathe, I mean to just read. One should always find some time, even if only the last thing before going to bed. Read every day.
Speaking of reading, I would like to spend a few minutes on books I received for Christmas. One habit I have done during Christmas, is to buy books that I would like to add in my collection; and then wrap them with the label “To Scott, From Scott”. When passing out presents on Christmas, first with my kids reading and delivering presents, to now grandkids, they all laugh, and my wife rolls her eyes.
I have added two more volumes to my Landmark Books collection. This is a collection of books that I have used a lot.
I added three volumes to my collection of “Living Story Books” for kids from the 1960’s. These are wonderful doll and puppet illustrations. The dolls were photographed in settings to tell the stories.
I also added two books to my 1980’s collection of the same type children’s books. My kids and grandkids grew up with me reading books like these.
I also buy at least one pop-up book for Christmas to honor my mom, and keep that collection growing. This year I found two great books. The first is about the painter Monet.
Each page has a description of a painting. That word page then pulls down, and the painting then opens up.
It is a beautiful pop-up. My mom would have loved looking it through.
The other pop-up I received from myself is an elaborate book I ordered from China. I was worried, it took two months to get here. It has a beautiful front with real door handles that open the book up. There are various sites in Beijing represented in this pop-up.
I tracked down this book because it had a pop-up of the “Temple of Heaven” This is a fantastic building built in 1420. The Emperor would go to the “Temple of Heaven” every spring, and pray for a good harvest. I was able to see this building not too many years ago.
Not only did I buy myself books, but my daughter also bought me books. Two books this year! She understands me rather well. The first book is “There are Dads Way Worse Than You.” It is nice that she put my parenting skills on a scale. Also glad that I am not on the bottom of the list.
The other book is “The Christmas Flood” by Emily Kilgore. This is a book about the tradition of giving books for Christmas Eve in Iceland. It is a wonderful story. Book presents in Iceland is a really big deal. The practice is called Jolabokaflod (translates to Christmas Flood). It began during WW II. Paper was not rationed, so book giving became popular. Iceland is the most read country in the world today.
Books in Iceland are published between October and December. And, a publisher’s rating book, listing (and describing pros and cons) of each book that will be printed that year (usually between 500 and 600 books) is sent out free to every household. The family uses that catalogue much like I did with the Sears Christmas Toy Catalogue growing up, to circle the items wanted for Christmas. On Christmas Eve, the presents are unwrapped, and many people stay up all night reading.
My daughter buys the best presents! But this next Christmas…I will share what I hope will be a new wonderful tradition. Stay tuned for this plan. It is perhaps the biggest and most ambitious challenge for 2025.
Thanks for reading.
Librarytomes 