What's Better Than the Library? Nothing.

I've been spending a lot of time in the mall and online, looking for those perfect gifts for the special people in my life. I'm so happy when I find the exact perfect match for that special person, at this particular point in time.

I love it when I'm on the other end of that deal, too. When I open a box and in it is exactly what I want at that moment.

But I'm lucky. Really lucky. I get that feeling of opening up a box and finding that exact special treat so many times every year. I get it every time I walk into my library.


I could never afford to buy all the books I read in a year. And often, books I do buy languish at the bottom of my TBR pile for too long -- those shiny new library books have a return date. When I'm the first one to snap up a new release, I feel guilty keeping it too long.

There are so many times I swear I will not walk into the library. I'm going to simply return what I've finished and tackle all those books I own. But the library's pull is too great. I walk in. I head right over to the new MG releases. Last week I picked up Neil Gaiman's FORTUNATELY, THE MILK. Then I try to check out and exit, but the YA section calls -- I'll just take a look. Ooooh! They have Rainbow Rowell's FANGIRL and Elizabeth Wein's ROSE UNDER FIRE.

Every trip to the library is like opening those gifts under the tree. Each book a surprise, waiting to happen.