Yours,

Li Hua

3 . As a college student in Boston, I formed the habit of buying used books. I enjoy the hunt, the good price and the unrecognized treasures. I find old textbooks, ex-bestsellers, and books on subjects I’ve never heard of but now I must learn all about. I don’t search for rare books, first editions, or leather-bound editions but books that are worth reading.

Rereading, for me, is a pleasure during retirement. The theater and the concert hall become less appealing to me, along with crowds. Staying alone and reading books have become extremely important to me. Literature needs the flesh of experience to have its full effect. Different books offer me insights and ways of expressing that stuck in my mind as grains of sand in an oyster — now shine like pearls. My taste in books improves with age.

While packing for a move, which occurs at intervals of five to seven years, I clear my shelves and pick my books. I abandon a few, later regret my decisions, and look for them again. Several years ago, I got rid of books related to my job — architecture. Some were design guides, reference books, product catalogs, and things that went out of date. Some were historical or centered on a period or an architect. These had given me many hours of pleasure. Will I ever open their covers again? Certainly. I held on to the red bulk of Sir Banister Fletcher’s A History of Architecture and books on Paris, Rome, and Boston.

I gave away drafting equipment and instruments. I threw out rolls and rolls of paper, and old drawings of projects completed long ago, some of which had even been damaged. This time, I stay put in a cottage that suits my status and I’ve moved on in spirit. No doubt I will acquire more used books and throw away more books as passions grow and fade, like feathers changing with the seasons.

4 . Maybe, you are one of those who just paid a visit to a library several years ago. If so, you may be surprised to learn that libraries have changed for the better.     1    . They have transformed themselves into places where you can develop your love of knowledge, meet interesting people, or find out how to start a business.

Check out a book. While libraries still loan out (出借) books, you’ll find it easier to get a copy of whatever you’re looking for, thanks to cooperation among the area libraries.     2    . Once the book you’ve requested is delivered to the nearest branch, they will inform you by e-mail, so you can pick it up.

Search for other items. The library is now a multimedia zone, loaded with information in many forms. You can borrow movies on DVDs, music on CDs, and popular magazines.     3    . If what interests you isn’t available at the moment, the library keeps a list of such requests, they may bring it in when enough interest is shown.

Join targeted reading groups. Libraries will often hold reading-group sessions for various age groups.     4    , and the library may sponsor one you could join. If you have difficulties reading, ask about special reading opportunities. And you might find it relaxing to bring your small kid to a half-hour Story Time while you sit quietly in a corner with a good book.

    5    . If you want to do so, your local library can become a launch space for it. In library books and computers, you can find the needed information. Many libraries will help you with locally supplied information about management shared through companies, factories and government agencies, and they will offer printing, faxing and database services you need.

Best regards,

Li Hua