!Mobile Library
Since the idea of going travelling was mooted I have, of course, given much serious thought to the pros and the cons. High on the list of cons will be the loss of my library.
Admittedly, my library has been shrinking as we have made our way North over the years. Various charity shops and friends have done well out of my de-stuffing, each time we packed the house-moving boxes. I do still have five Billy bookcases stuffed to overflowing, and various heaps of unconstrained books around the house.
It is obvious that my books cannot go with me but I cannot just ditch them, not all of them. What about my Folio collection, for instance? I spent many years collecting my Folio editions in preparation for retirement. Ironic then that in true retirement, I shall not be able to have my horribly expensive collection with me. I hope to find a like minded soul with room to store some book cartons for a few years until I come safely home again.
It is equally obvious that I shall need some books with me at all times. I cannot not read. Space and weight considerations mean that not many can be carried at any one time. Financial constraints will mean that ad hoc purchasing and subsequent disposal will also be off the agenda.
Local libraries will not offer the solution, as I shall be of No Fixed Abode and unable to earn borrowing privileges.
Which leaves Bookcrossing. It may make a merry pastime, to chase books in the wild in strange and foreign places.
Over the next couple of years I will complete the task of listing my entire library at the Bookcrossing site. Then I shall have to release into the wild in quantity. It will be a massive job. I hope to offer books to requesters on a permanent basis, for free – with postage paid by the requestor. I shall post the list here also.
Ob: The Billy collection will also be up for grabs
