My college is not a big one. We have a decent-sized library, though, with three floors of sprawling shelves of books. There are a few prominently placed shelves devoted to new “leisure reading.” These books are rotated out after a few months. I realized early on that the books that were rotated didn’t just disappear. But those floors upon floors of books intimidated me. Most of my classmates have abandoned our college library when it comes to finding what they want. They go to the local public library instead. That’s all well and good, but if something isn’t working for me, I have to figure it out. Nothing will deter me. I found the hidden novels last year. Now that I’m a senior, I’m still not sure where the real good stuff is hidden. (By which I mean I am trying to find something in between Twilight and A Farewell to Arms and am falling flat). Part of this is due to the strangest book filing system I’ve ever seen (whatever it is, it sure as heck isn’t Dewey Decimal). Part of this is due to the fact that they confiscate all of the dust jackets before shelving the books. (Maybe it’s a deep mistrust of college students? Maybe it’s some diabolical plot? I don’t know why they do this).
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Browsing in my college’s library is not for the weak of heart. I have an idea of the system now and even I get turned around. I could ask for help, but where’s the fun in that? In any case, it’s fun to experiment with not judging a book by its cover.
