I Love my Library

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Whenever I move to a new town one of the first things I do is locate and join the local library. I grew up going to the library after school and always had my nose in a book. While over the years I have bought many many books (often second hand) much of my reading is thanks to the library.

A lot of the books I read these days are out of print and I buy them second hand, however some books are full price and you can’t always justify the cost. My library is brilliant since its joined together with all the neighbouring counties and you can order books from other branches (costs 70p but still cheaper than buying new). Here is a peek of what I have out at the moment.

Cook Books: I do have a lot of cook books but I only like to buy the ones which I know I will make a good proportion of the recipes. If I can its often useful to get the book from the library first. Alternatively its just a good source of endless recipes to try (and note down your favourites). When the Gentleman of the House saw the film Julie and Julia he really wanted to read “Mastering the Art of French Cookery” by Julia Child and last week there it was. He is also home brewing and I found a book

Craft Books: Learn a new craft! Im continuing my knitting (been learning from the internet so far) but its nice to take a look at a variety of books too. Also you can learn something new just on a whim and for no cost.

Ive got a big wish list of books on my account, I’m excited about reading them but have to order one at a time or ill never get through them.

If you’re not a member of your library you so should join, they do DVD rental too

Currently Reading: Stella Gibbons

Despite the fact that I’ve never actually read it first hand (seen the film, heard the radio adaptation) I love Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons. Recently Vintage Books re publisher some of her other works and I was quite intrigued.

Thanks to my wonderful Library network Im currently reading “Starlight” about two elderly sisters living in a dilapidated house in London who get a mysterious new land lady who moves in next door. Im only on chapter 8 but the plot has got really quite intriguing now as the life of the landlady’s daughter has now been introduced into the plot. The lovely librarian also went for a peek in the back room and found 1973 copy of Conference at Cold Comfort farm which I plan to read next. I never knew this existed till the reprint. (I also bought Christmas at Cold Comfort farm but I’m saving that for December)

September

Hello, it seems I unintentionally took the summer off from blogging but I’m back with the new season. Despite the glorious weather (which i’m loving) i’m feeling autumnal. I do love September, the delightful warmth of the summer but with the crisp freshness of autumn. I’m enjoying the sunshine while it lasts but still thinking about cozy stews and pies, baking with cinnamon and spice and cozy mulled drinks and knitting.

September brings with it that back to school new beginnings vibe and its great for trying new things and setting goals and challenges. My August goal was to learn to knit with 2 colours (stripy scarfs ahoy!) which I managed in one Sunday afternoon (more on that later). Autumn for me brings a lot of excitement about food and out will come my winter cook books. Last year I learned to make a Kugelhopf (something which I never got round to blogging but I promise I will this year)

I thought I would set my goals for autumn down in my blog, then I’m sure to do them and I can let you know about my progress

• Make stripy scarfs (in progress)
• I’ve enrolled in some sewing workshops to try and get to grips with sewing again. Many years ago I bought a sewing machine, lots of fabric and a dress and skirt pattern. Sadly I never really got to grips with things and was too scared to cut the patterns. I found a great course called “Making the most of your sewing machine” where I can learn a lot of the basics and how to use the machine properly. You bring your own machine so this is even better. Ive also signed up for the vintage embroidery class (mainly because of the pretty picture). I thought this would be rather fun as I haven’t done any embroidery since the sixth form.
• Learn to knit dolls. Ive always wanted to do this and i found these lovely free patterns online. The plan is to try the rainbow babies and then the snowman however I have a little further to go with my knitting skills first (increasing and decreasing) so it may take a little longer but its nice to have a goal. Whats lovely is some nice people have offered to help.
• Bake scones (particularly savoury ones as i have some really yummy recipes)
• Mull things! Maybe wine, maybe ginger beer or cider but I’ve still never actually done this despite my plans, that is unless you found the winter spiced vodka (Nigella Christmas)
• Start swimming again
• Join the Women’s Institute. Ive been wanting to join for years and may actually get round to it next month!

Image Sources: Blackberries, Conkers.