The Joys of Browsing

One of the best parts of being a librarian is when a patron comes to the reference desk and discusses a book that they discovered simply while browsing through the stacks and then found very meaningful. Likewise, a patron may be browsing and re-discover an old favorite. Some of these books are new and some I have read. This, to me, represents one of the great aspects of libraries – they enable both the mind and the individual to wander and encounter the known and unknown, the past and new adventures, and ways of looking at the world. There are particular books which patrons have found very meaningful and I recall our conversations about them with poignancy – both the books that have been meaningful to me and the books with which I become familiar with through our conversations.

The Alchemist by Paula Coelho has long been hailed as a modern classic of inspiration on the road of life’s journey. Its lessons are universal and the book speaks to many people at a deep level. The Alchemist is widely considered one of the great spiritual quest books of our time; and for good reason, as it delivers timeless messages about the nature of self-discovery and spiritual realization. This book, in particular, has been the subject of very meaningful conversations with patrons who have turned to it for greater understanding of themselves and the world. Many patrons have discovered this book by seeming chance while walking through the library and silently exploring.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is another book that has, over the last few years, become a book which a number of patrons have discovered while browsing. The story of a woman who, while attempting suicide, sees and experiences potential different versions of her life and discovers much about herself in the process. It is a story of one person’s vulnerable humanity and, ultimately, her connection to herself and to life.

Finally, one title in particular has come up in discussion with patrons who have often heard of the film but have not read the book upon which it is based. That book is Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick. It is a book that was inspired by his son’s real-life journey with Bipolar Disorder. The characters in the book face both internal and external obstacles that make their lives extremely challenging. While the story itself was inspired by his son’s struggles, the universal aspects of human struggle and overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles is something that each reader who has spoken with me finds resonance with.

There are as many meaningful books as there are readers – and patrons have talked with me about the books they have found deeply meaningful. While walking through the library browsing, people discover many different books on myriad topics and genres. Sometimes people discover themselves.

- by Chip McAuley, Hickory Corner Library