I was just walking past Wilson Library today and I confessed to Mindy that I always plan my walks around campus to go around the front of Wilson Library because that way I can get my fix of that library smell---the heady combination of ink and aging paper and leather and whatever else. There is something with the pressurization of Wilson that whenever the door opens there is a gush of air following and I try to coordinate my big gulp of air to coincide with the door opening....mmmm...
Mindy, however, does not seem to share my love of libraries because she thought I was crazy and used such words as "icky," "musty," and "gross" to describe the smell. What does she know?!
It's very nostalgic for me and reminds me so vividly of all my years hanging out at the old Carnegie library in Mankato and picking out books for the summer reading programs, and then working first in the new Minnesota Valley Regional Libary (fancy way to say Mankato Public Library), and then in the Entomology, Fisheries and Wildlife Library at the U of Minn, then the Forestry Library, and finally Walter Library. I spent a lot my my formative years smelling musty old books.
Today is commencement for the Carlson Undergraduate Program which was why I was wandering over to the East Bank and it was really nice. Every year I am amazed at how many students I have never met! I would have been one of those students back when I was in school, though.
OK...back to work.
1 comment:
I must say I was attracted to Wilson Library because on a cold wintery day, I would feel a warm burst of air as I walked past those doors!
Post a Comment