smelling books....

[mainegal]

I would love to use the local library. If it had hours I could ever get to it while it was open, that is.

Oops!
I know libraries should have long hours like retail stores. But we do not bring in as much income.

I am a library director.
Our small library in a small town is open 10:00 - 6:00. I know 6:00 is not late enough. We experimented in adding evening hours one night in the summer. Not that many people come in. In the winter, no one wants to go out in the cold and dark.

We considered staggering morning and evening hours, but people said they like the same hours every day, easy to remember.


Next try is going close at 5:00 three nights a week, 7:00 two nights a week. Of course, people will not remember which is the late night.

Give me more money, I will hire more staff, and we will be open 9:00 - 9:00. That sure won't happen.

 

[dalt01]

Oops!
I know libraries should have long hours like retail stores. But we do not bring in as much income.

I am a library director.
Our small library in a small town is open 10:00 - 6:00. I know 6:00 is not late enough. We experimented in adding evening hours one night in the summer. Not that many people come in. In the winter, no one wants to go out in the cold and dark.

We considered staggering morning and evening hours, but people said they like the same hours every day, easy to remember.


Next try is going close at 5:00 three nights a week, 7:00 two nights a week. Of course, people will not remember which is the late night.

Give me more money, I will hire more staff, and we will be open 9:00 - 9:00. That sure won't happen.

i feel bad for libraries.....people do not respect them any more.........at least ours.........stuff is trashed or not brought back at all.........but then the place itself shows a lot of wear........budget, like you said.

 

[G66]

I don't have much time to post, but I figure I would get a quick post out. I actually demoed a Nook today at B&N. I'm kind of glad they didn't have any available for sale, because I would have walked out with one. It was nicer than I expected. I think it's probably best to wait and see how the roll out goes and how it actually performs in the real world. The touch screen was pretty usable once you got the hang of it, but it's slow. Not snappy like an iPod Touch or iPhone, it takes some getting use to. The dictionary function was not very convenient. I was talking to a Kindle owner as I demoed it and he agreed that they each have their advantages. All in all, it's not a Kindle killer from what I can tell, but it is stiff competition.

 

[robind]

Another book smeller here, love the smell of a new book. However, I also listen to audio books and read on my kindle iPhone app. As long as the airlines make you turn off all electronics I will always have a "real" book with me. I usually have 3 going at once. I'm currently listening the Definately Dead, The Sugar Cookie Murders paperback and a romance on my kindle app. Nothing too heavy this time of year.

 

[zuzu]

I wish you could buy candles or room spray of "book store" smell. And second to book sniffing, I also love the fine bouquet of a fresh box of Crayolas

 

[DisneyKevin]

My Kindle smells line a fine leather bound classic due to the Oberon Design cover it's wearing.

www.oberondesign.com

I own the Hokusai Wave cover.

Makes reading seem like a bigger event than it already is.

 

[mainegal]

I wish you could buy candles or room spray of "book store" smell.

You can!

It is called "In The Library". You can get it as perfume or room spray.

http://www.cbihateperfume.com/in-the-library.html

The Story
I love books, particularly old ones. I cannot pass a second hand bookshop and rarely come away without at least one additional volume. I now have quite a collection!

Whenever I read, the start of the journey is always opening the book and breathing deeply. Don't you find there are few things more wonderful than the smell of a much-loved book? Newly printed books certainly smell very different from older ones. The ink is so crisp. I've also noticed that books from different periods & different countries also have very different smells. And then there are the scents of different bindings: leather is marvelous of course but I find a peculiar pleasure in musty worn clothbound books as well. Perhaps just a hint of mildew!

The main note in this scent was copied from one of my favorite books – I happened to find a signed first edition of this novel a few years ago in London. I was more than a little excited because there were only ever a hundred in the first place!

 

[mainegal]

The library's books may smell good, but they offer very few large print books.

The Kindle makes everything I want to read large print.

I wouldnt be able to read if I didnt buy the Kindle.

Kevin, I totally understand you wanting / needing the kindle. If you want the smell confused3), you can visit your local library with your kindle.

For people who may not have the means to purchase and fill a kindle, their library is still an alternative. True, they do not have many or enough large print books on their shelves. But through inter-library loan, many books can be borrowed in large print. The trade off is that you will have to wait a few days for the book.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Kevin, I totally understand you wanting / needing the kindle. If you want the smell confused3), you can visit your local library with your kindle.

For people who may not have the means to purchase and fill a kindle, their library is still an alternative. True, they do not have many or enough large print books on their shelves. But through inter-library loan, many books can be borrowed in large print. The trade off is that you will have to wait a few days for the book.

The majority of books in my Kindle were under $2.00 or better yet...FREE.

In the thread stuck to the top of the Dis Unplugged Board (The DISer's book club) I have listed several free books by new authors.

Pretty much all public domain books (The classics) are FREE to download to your Kindle or Kindle app. Those that arent, are free at The Gutenberg Project (I think thats the name).

The device is currently $259....similar in cost to many popular electronic gadgets.

The Sony Reader...which does many of the same things a Kinlde does...is currently $199 and it allows you to borrow books from many libraries.

I guess it just depends on personal taste and your priorities.

 

[mainegal]

My Kindle smells line a fine leather bound classic due to the Oberon Design cover it's wearing.

www.oberondesign.com

I own the Hokusai Wave cover.

Makes reading seem like a bigger event than it already is.

Oh, Kevin! These covers are absolutely fabulous! I love 'em!

What a fine way to make reading "an event"!

 

[DisneyKevin]

Kevin, I totally understand you wanting / needing the kindle. If you want the smell confused3), you can visit your local library with your kindle.

For people who may not have the means to purchase and fill a kindle, their library is still an alternative. True, they do not have many or enough large print books on their shelves. But through inter-library loan, many books can be borrowed in large print. The trade off is that you will have to wait a few days for the book.

I just re-read your post and I thought I should explain myself.

I'm not looking to talk anyone out of borowing or buying paper books. I own too many to store myself.

I teased Julie about smelling books during the show but didnt join this coversation until Rotlex (Steve) suggested that he didnt understand why anyone would want a Kindle.

If you are happy borrowing from a library, more power to you. I've explained why that doesnt work for me.

If you want to buy paper books because of the smell....you are not hurting me or anyone else. If you enjoy it....go for it. I personally love the smell of Vicks Vapor Rub....always have. It probably has something to do with childhood or feeling safe....who knows.

The Kindle is an amazing alternative for those that want and / or need the things it offers.

Libraries are wonderful places that serve the community.

Bools stores and terrific in their scope and variety.

The important thing to me is that people read.

I've kept up the discussion of the Kindle because it is still somewhat of a novelty. Many people dont know it even exists or if they do klnow it exists...know anyone they can ask questions in regards to how it works or what it does.

I havent felt the need to "defend" libraries or bookstores as I think most people know they exist and how they work.

 

[mainegal]

The majority of books in my Kindle were under $2.00 or better yet...FREE.

In the thread stuck to the top of the Dis Unplugged Board (The DISer's book club) I have listed several free books by new authors.

Pretty much all public domain books (The classics) are FREE to download to your Kindle or Kindle app. Those that arent, are free at The Gutenberg Project (I think thats the name).

The device is currently $259....similar in cost to many popular electronic gadgets.

The Sony Reader...which does many of the same things a Kinlde does...is currently $199 and it allows you to borrow books from many libraries.

I guess it just depends on personal taste and your priorities.

This is what I think is really cool about electronic readers. It makes "the classics" available in a more "sexy" manner. And it is a great way to inexpensively give exposure to new authors.


The financials do indeed come to priorities.
We have many people who use the library because they can not afford to buy books and pay for every day expenses. There is no choice between buying a book vs. paying for food and heating oil.
Many people come to use the public computers because they do not own a computer, they don't have money to purchase even an inexpensive one.
Others bring their laptop computers to the library because new financial problems have forced then to drop their internet connection at home and they use the library's wireless connection.

 

[DisneyKevin]

The financials do indeed come to priorities.
We have many people who use the library because they can not afford to buy books and pay for every day expenses. There is no choice between buying a book vs. paying for food and heating oil.
Many people come to use the public computers because they do not own a computer, they don't have money to purchase even an inexpensive one.
Others bring their laptop computers to the library because new financial problems have forced then to drop their internet connection at home and they use the library's wireless connection.

Just as the folks in these situations are probably not part of this discussion...this is why I'm not part of the "Mega Yacht" or the "Let's buy an apartment in Paris" discussion forums.

 

[mainegal]

I teased Julie about smelling books during the show but didnt join this coversation until Rotlex (Steve) suggested that he didnt understand why anyone would want a Kindle.

Ah! This was from the email show that I haven't been able to listen to yet because it is not on iTunes yet. My tech ability can't get it except from iTunes.

Just as the folks in these situations are probably not part of this discussion...this is why I'm not part of the "Mega Yacht" or the "Let's buy an apartment in Paris" discussion forums.

Good point. Sometimes I slip into forums where "I don't belong". I really need to stop doing that!

 

[kaligal]

I smell my books. I also know what a new DVD player smells like. I think most people use their sense of smell. Not all, I'm sure, but most.

The one and only reason I would like a Kindle is to read the Orlando Sentinel and feed my addiction. But I'd rather get the actual newspaper.

I don't need or want to carry hundreds of books around. I have no desire to read a book on an electronic device. I would honestly rather read the book. I like my techie toys, but books and techie gadgets need not collide in my little world.

A kindle is fine for people who do want to carry around a bunch of books or who actually like the thing. And I think ereaders are wonderful for folks with vision problems.

I did once check the Kindle Store out. The selection is extremely limited. If you want Stephen King's Cell, you're in luck. Leon Uris' Exodus won't be found. If you wish to read about Chelsea Handler's sex life, you're good to go. Graham Green's Brighton Rock will require a shipment instead of a download. I understand not having some of the more obscure books, but there are many truly excellent books that just aren't there.

I hope and pray that one day there will be a better selection of books available (on ereaders or as large print books) for people with vision problems who aren't interested in Chelsea's sex life or Stephen King's latest book.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I smell my books. I also know what a new DVD player smells like. I think most people use their sense of smell. Not all, I'm sure, but most.

The one and only reason I would like a Kindle is to read the Orlando Sentinel and feed my addiction. But I'd rather get the actual newspaper.

I don't need or want to carry hundreds of books around. I have no desire to read a book on an electronic device. I would honestly rather read the book. I like my techie toys, but books and techie gadgets need not collide in my little world.

A kindle is fine for people who do want to carry around a bunch of books or who actually like the thing. And I think ereaders are wonderful for folks with vision problems.

I did once check the Kindle Store out. The selection is extremely limited. If you want Stephen King's Cell, you're in luck. Leon Uris' Exodus won't be found. If you wish to read about Chelsea Handler's sex life, you're good to go. Graham Green's Brighton Rock will require a shipment instead of a download. I understand not having some of the more obscure books, but there are many truly excellent books that just aren't there.

I hope and pray that one day there will be a better selection of books available (on ereaders or as large print books) for people with vision problems who aren't interested in Chelsea's sex life or Stephen King's latest book.

There is a giant hole in what's currently available for the Kindle and other e-readers.

Books published between 1924 and 2000 - 2001 fall into this hole. (Please dont hold me to these exact dates.

Books published prior to 1924, now fall into the public domain....unless someone has held onto the legal rights to a certain book.

Electronic publishing rights started to be aprt of contract negotiations in 2000 - 2001, so many newer books are available. Apparently, Chelsea Handler was an early adopter.

Some authors opt to not publish electronically. J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) is one of them. She believes that she has the right to decide how you read her work.

Books published between 1924 and 2000 all have to have their publishing contracts re-negotiated to include electronic media. In addition....each and every title has to be re-formated for electronic publishing. This has more to do with time than desire to control the vehicle in which a book is received..

With time.....almost all books will eventually be available. Until then, those wishing to read Leon Uris or Graham Greene will need have to resort to paper books or wait until these authors (or their estates) re-negotoate their publishing contracts.

I posted this elsewhere...but it fits here as well.

Jeff Bezos...the man responsible for Amazon has stated that for every paper copies of a book sold, 48 electronic copies are sold and that the number of electronic copies sold has tripled in the last year..

Luckily....we now have options in how we receive the written word.

 

[kaligal]

There is a giant hole in what's currently available for the Kindle and other e-readers.

Books published between 1924 and 2000 - 2001 fall into this hole. (Please dont hold me to these exact dates.

Books published prior to 1924, now fall into the public domain....unless someone has held onto the legal rights to a certain book.

Electronic publishing rights started to be aprt of contract negotiations in 2000 - 2001, so many newer books are available. Apparently, Chelsea Handler was an early adopter.

Some authors opt to not publish electronically. J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter) is one of them. She believes that she has the right to decide how you read her work.

Books published between 1924 and 2000 all have to have their publishing contracts re-negotiated to include electronic media. In addition....each and every title has to be re-formated for electronic publishing. This has more to do with time than desire to control the vehicle in which a book is received..

With time.....almost all books will eventually be available. Until then, those wishing to read Leon Uris or Graham Greene will need have to resort to paper books or wait until these authors (or their estates) re-negotoate their publishing contracts.

I posted this elsewhere...but it fits here as well.

Jeff Bezos...the man responsible for Amazon has stated that for every paper copies of a book sold, 48 electronic copies are sold and that the number of electronic copies sold has tripled in the last year..

Luckily....we now have options in how we receive the written word.

Kevin, I am holding you to those exact dates. I will now be searching the internet for one title in order to prove you wrong.

I don't need large print. Yet. Knock on wood. But lots of people do and I want all books to be available for everyone who wants them. I want them all on tape, too, for deaf people. If I were the First Lady, that would be my First Lady Cause.

I'm all for ereaders for people who want them. I'm also all for books for people who don't. Each side can argue that theirs is best for them, but you might as well argue that your iPod is better than someone else's...if you like your songs best, they're best for you.

And I don't care how many ebooks Jeff Bezos sells. If they told me that nobody but me bought paper books, I'd still prefer the paper books. My apologies to Glinda (the "ga" is silent), but popular isn't better. Not that popularity makes something bad, just that I don't care about it one way or another.

Now I have to go prove Kevin wrong...

 

[DisneyKevin]

Kevin, I am holding you to those exact dates. I will now be searching the internet for one title in order to prove you wrong.

I don't need large print. Yet. Knock on wood. But lots of people do and I want all books to be available for everyone who wants them. I want them all on tape, too, for deaf people. If I were the First Lady, that would be my First Lady Cause.

I'm all for ereaders for people who want them. I'm also all for books for people who don't. Each side can argue that theirs is best for them, but you might as well argue that your iPod is better than someone else's...if you like your songs best, they're best for you.

And I don't care how many ebooks Jeff Bezos sells. If they told me that nobody but me bought paper books, I'd still prefer the paper books. My apologies to Glinda (the "ga" is silent), but popular isn't better. Not that popularity makes something bad, just that I don't care about it one way or another.

Now I have to go prove Kevin wrong...

No laws have been passed that require everyone to own an e-reader......yet.

Much like the release of movies on DVD's...not all were available at first....they were released over a period of time....more and more books will be made in electronic format.

And then e-readers will take over the world and books will become obsolete (insert evil bad guy laughter here).

Seriously.....it's just another option for folks that love to read.

It's pretty simple....iIf you dont want a Kindle....dont get one.

I myself, dont want rollerblades, so I dont buy them. See how that works?

 

[Becx N Gav]

No laws have been passed that require everyone to own an e-reader......yet.

Much like the release of movies on DVD's...not all were available at first....they were released over a period of time....more and more books will be made in electronic format.

And then e-readers will take over the world and books will become obsolete (insert evil bad guy laughter here).

Seriously.....it's just another option for folks that love to read.

It's pretty simple....iIf you dont want a Kindle....dont get one.

I myself, dont want rollerblades, so I dont buy them. See how that works?

Is it mean that I would like to see you on rollerbaldes

 

[DisneyKevin]

Is it mean that I would like to see you on rollerbaldes

That falls (appropriate choice of word...no?) into the category of "ain't gonna happen".

I trip wearing sneakers.

Can you imagine the damage I could do on wheels?