I was mullioned, unexpectedly, and through no fault of my own; attacked as I entered the hallowed halls of the public library.
Mullioned. On a bright and beautiful Saturday afternoon, doing what I do best; accruing as many books from as many libraries as I can, often in a single day. I know, I know, I need help, but, what is a girl to do who loves books and bookish places?
I had several library books to return and made excuses to myself that I should go into the library rather than use the return box available in the parking lot. Yes. I needed to go in, just in case there was a book – or two or more – sitting on the new book shelves or the shelf in one of my favorite libraries, cleverly called “Your lucky day”. There was one waiting, just for me. My lucky day, indeed, or so I thought as I was then lured upstairs and came down toddling down with several audio books to boot.
Heavily laden with a half dozen checked out items, I hobbled over to my car and suddenly remembered a book that Rachel over at BookSnob reviewed that I knew was at a neighboring library. So, what did I do? You know me well. I motored five miles, then around several blocks as I skirted a neighborhood celebration, and into another parking lot in my library hopping marathon. I entered the vestibule, where I checked out the sale books. At 10 cents a book, I just could not pass up the racks and took a quick look.
Restraining myself from grabbing a few books to purchase, I opened one of the two glass doors to enter the library as a man pushed the other one outward to leave. It was then that I was mullioned! That center beam of heavy metal, the mullion, came loose and whacked me on my left shoulder. The exiting man pulled if off, with an “Are you okay?” . Momentarily breathless, I was mostly stunned and it hurt more than a bit.
Still holding the mullion, he called to a librarian, who showed great concern for me, offered me ice – or an ambulance. I could move my shoulder, raise my arm, nothing was protruding. I knew I would have a colorful bruise, but, that I was otherwise alright. Mostly, I was so very grateful that this heavy metal hit me and not a child, who would have surely been badly injured, and I said as much. The librarian was very nice and called me the next day to see if I was okay.
So much for reading in “stile”, wouldn’t you agree?
Would you like to see what I’ve been reading?
“Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food, and Saving the Family Farm”, by Forrest Pritchard was a delightful, informative, and often very funny book that I suggest all who are interested in sustainable farming, farmers’ markets, locally grown meat and chicken, and the slow rise of a downed family farm should read. It was my lucky day find, which I finished in a few sittings.
“Laura Lamont’s Life n Pictures” by Emma Straub first came to my attention at A Work in Progress where Danielle wrote an intriguing review about a girl from Door County, whose parents run a summertime theater. When tragedy strikes her family, Elsa Emerson vows to one day flee to California and become a movie star. Elsa does, first marrying an actor from the summer playhouse, then heading for California, where he gets bit parts in movies while she is home, having babies. After meeting the powerful Hollywood executive, Irving Green, at a studio party, Elsa life changes. Irving tell Elsa, who is pregnant with her second child, to have the baby, lose 30 pounds, change her name to Laura Lamont, and come see him. He will make her a star, and he does. The book spans 50 years of Elsa/Laura’s life and the studio system era of Hollywood.
“Code Name Verity” is a young adult book about a woman who is a secret agent during World War II. Captured by the Gestapo, she confesses secrets to save her life. Or does she? After surviving the gauntlet at the library when I went in to check it out, I’m really looking forward to reading this. I’ve linked to Rachel’s review of the book above.
Oh Penny, you do have some adventures. What you will do to find a good book! I’m so glad it wasn’t worse, but it still sounds like quite a whack. I guess you’ll have to lie down and rest now, with the help of a good book to read.
Now your post has put an idea in my head, and tentatively, I ask a favour. I have a dream of getting my new book, Spirited Ageing, into libraries in the USA. Over here, all we have to do is to make a request to our local library, and they will order the book in. Would that be possible for you? They can order it direct from my website, http://www.julietbatten.co.nz. (It’s also on Amazon, but still has to be posted by me from NZ, and I end up with very little in my pocket as Amazon takes so much, and also I have to pay US tax.) Please disregard if this doesn’t feel right for you.
And I wish you a good recovery.
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Right you are, Juliet. I’m fine. Just some bruising that is now fading to a mere memory of my “whack”.
That’s a great idea, and a dream I will try to make come true. I’m not sure how libraries actually order here in the states, but, I will do my best to see if I can start the ball rolling here. The library where I had the little accident is where my card comes from, so, I will start there. They ordered a book for me a few years ago that was new, so, I’m pretty sure they will do this for me. Just give me a week or two and I’ll see what I can do.
It feels right.
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Thank you so much Penny, that is kind of you, and I’ll be intrigued to see how it all works. Here in NZ our library websites have a tab on the toolbar that says ‘can’t find it?’ or ‘suggest a purchase’, and we fill it in online.
So glad you are recovering from being mullioned (marvellous coining of a word, by the way; it makes me chuckle)
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Oh my gosh what a true reader will go through in her search for the perfect books! And these do sound perfect. You are (except for the mullion part) lucky to have so many libraries within driving distance. I could so easily live like that! I get happy just walking into a Library ….. and can easily spend half a day (even in the tiny one where we stay in Oregon). I hope you are not too bruised and battered and I hope they fix that before it happens again..
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I am very lucky, Sallie. There are at least 5 that I pass or come near on any given day with errands and what one doesn’t have, the other does. I’m like you, happy to walk into any library. In fact, we like to visit libraries when we travel. They speak quietly of the soul of the people who live there. There was a library in a quaint town in Vermont (well, all towns are quaint in Vermont) that was in an old house. It was closed when we discovered it, but, it didn’t stop me from peaking in the windows from the big, old front porch. Enjoy that tiny library whenever you can there in Oregon. It’s a treasure, I’m sure.
I’m fine. The bruise is fading and the librarian called the next day to ask how I was and say it was being fixed.
Thank you, Sallie.
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Penny, I suppose if you are going to get hurt the odds are that it will happen in a library considering you spend so much time in them! I hope your injury is on the mend and no worse than you thought initially. Thank you for the great book reviews and recommendations!
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Ha! That’s the truth, for sure, Janet. I’m no worse for the wear, as they saying goes. The bruising has faded to a mellow yellow and the incident gave me a story to tell.
It was so nice to see Kate. The book about Laura Lamont was the one I was telling her about. So many of the characters in the book were reminiscent of actors of the time period and of the old studio system.
You’re welcome.
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All of these sound like thumping good reads, especially the one about Laura Lamont. I had been wondering what you are reading now that summer is winding down.
Such good news to know you weren’t seriously hurt AGAIN! I had a flashback to the gift shop incident. Bless your heart.
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All good reads in their own ways, Marilyn. I was first drawn to Laura Lamont because of its connection to Door County, which really is a place in Wisconsin and where there are summer theaters and an area we have visited often. Then, there is the lure of that interesting time in early Hollywood. It’s a fast read.
I do have a chance meetings with glass doors, don’t I? I just kept thinking, what if that had fallen on a child (or my poor nose). All’s well that ends well.
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Oh, my gosh! Things like that happen so fast, don’t they? Or they might seem like they are happenening in slow motion, but nothing you can do to stop it. Hope it led to just a bad bruise like you thought.
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They do, indeed, Joyce. One minute I was going in, the next I was being clobbered by a beam. You’re right. It seemed like slow motion at first. Thank goodness the gentleman could grab it and lift it off. I wasn’t quite sure what to do – or if the whole encasement would come off. The bruise is fading fast and it was just a bit tender to touch. Thank you, Joyce.
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Penny, when we meet, I am going to make sure to hold every door open for you. I hope you are ok and not sore.
As to the books, I absolutely understand. 🙂
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Oh, Andra, if you do that you won’t have a funny story to tell. I really am okay. It was a bit tender and black and blue, but, is now a shade of yellow and I just won’t wear my strapless gown to the grocers, yet. (I told you, I like eccentrics)
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As usual, you know how to make a grand entrance. You can’t just walk quietly through a door, you make a big deal out of it. Just kidding, and I am so glad you weren’t hurt any worse than you were.
The books look great, but I’m not looking too close. I am reading two currently and am on the list for Maisie Dobbs so I am afraid to look at any more.
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Ah, Janet, only you would know after more than four decades of visions of my grand entrances. I think I’ve secretly yearned to be Loretta Young (remember her entrances on television?) Poor Tom. I come home and he just looks at me in wonder at the Lucille Ball-ish circumstances I seem to find myself in.
I know what you mean. I’m always into a few books at the same time. No wonder I walk into doors.
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So sorry you were mullioned, Penny!! Hope that shoulder has no ill effects. Your books look wonderful, and it is the final one, set in the Second World War, which I think I might procure for Maddie. She would love it.
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A mullion-in-one chances that this could happen, and it happened to me. I’m fine, Kate, thank you. The shoulder was tender and all shades of purple, which is now fading like a sunset. I’m glad it wasn’t a small child who was hit.
I’m anxious to start it, Kate. If you come back and see this, do click on to Rachel at BookSnob’s link up in the 4th paragraph. Rachel, one of your own countrywomen, writes superb reviews. She is currently working toward her degree, certification, not sure of the proper name, but, she will be teaching young adults around Maddie’s age. It will give you better insight as to the content.
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Oh Penny, I am laughing and I’m not! You poor dear….please read my last post as soon as you can. LOL! On the same day I DID end up with an ambulance ride to the emergency room. We were kindred clumsy spirits, you and I, close to the same time of day, I suspect. I’m fine, by the way. But the event! Good grief.And do you know that while I was waiting to get stitched up I did think of you. I honestly did. You and several of my friends who seem to somehow take falls. What is it that we do, although you were mullioned, this time. I understand the books from several libraries, too. Yesterday when I picked up a book that was on hold, the librarian looked at me and said, “did you know you have two on hold at another branch.” Yes, I knew. Now if I can stop launching myself to the pavement long enough to enjoy some quiet reading time. I’m glad you’re not seriously hurt, but I don’t think you and I could ever walk and talk together. It would be dangerous! Have a quiet, peaceful, event-free weekend, my dear! oxo
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I see this occurred on Saturday but you posted on Thursday. My accident was on Thursday. I’m glad you’re okay!!
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I’m glad you are laughing, Debra, but, I am not. Oh my. I’ll be off to read you asap. Sorry to hear you needed stitches. Now, why would you think of me? Gosh, these things hurt, don’t they, but, we do recover better with a sense of humor, and that you have in spades, Debra. You are my kind of book lover, Debra. I’ve had the same thing happen. Here’s hoping your weekend is peaceful. Off I go to check up on you.
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Oh gosh, Penny, I’m so glad your accident wasn’t worse and hope that your shoulder is starting to feel better. I had to laugh however at the thought of a book-addicted Penny, driving from library to library to gather enough books to satisfy her need for a fix. 🙂 I’m very lucky that I can get books from any library within our county system sent to my local branch to satisfy the requests i put in online.
Your current reading sounds fascinating and you’ve just reminded me that it’s a long time since I did a book post……
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I’m glad you laughed, Perpetua; I was hoping this would illicit a smile or two and you describe my need for a bookish fix perfectly. Our library system will actually do the same, but, I do enjoy visiting other libraries when I can. Isn’t it amazing what we can do online? I’ve renewed many-a-book in my pajamas!
I hope you do one soon. I’m finding the best books from recommendations of bloggers.
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Who knew that a trip to the library could be so dangerous! Glad you are OK and have good books to read while you heal.
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I seem to step into these situations, Belle. Oh well, it didn’t stop me from finding the book. I’ve been checking your posts, Belle, but, have just been a bit busy for commenting. Just wanted you to know that I’ve been by.
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I’m glad I’m not the only one that is crazy about books. I realized a couple weeks ago that I had 4 books from my neighbor, a book each from two other friends, two books from my daughter, a book from my Church’s library, a book from a nearby town’s library, and several books from my own town’s library! Besides that, I have lots of my own books, both read and unread. I am slowly plowing through the borrowed books and not allowing myself to take out any more library books until I’ve returned most of the ones I’ve borrowed. 🙂
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Susan, you have just described me. Book lovers we are then, are we not? I have gotten a little better at telling friends and family thanks, but, I’ve too many on the pile. That, of course, does not stop me from going into every library I pass by.
Thank you for commenting here.
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I have heard the expression ‘this book hits you where it hurts’ but have never experienced it.
The dangers of library visiting are not nearly exposed enough.
Glad all is well and I hope that you ‘injuries’ allowed you to spend a day resting up – with a good book, naturally.
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Very funny, Friko – I lived to tell about that book.
I did come home and nestled myself on the couch, and started reading “Gaining Ground”, enjoying it immensely. I now have but a mere fading bruise to remember.
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Oh dear! What a thing to happen. Glad to hear that you’re okay (well apart from a dashing bruise, I’m sure). Have you heard of Joel Salatin? The first book that you mentioned sounds like a book he wrote so you might be interested in that one too.
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The bruise is a fading memory now, Laura. I was just so glad it didn’t hit a small child, or the story would not have ended as it did.
Yes. I have heard of Joel Salatin. He wrote the forward to “Gaining Ground” and is mentioned quite prominently in the book and had a profound influence on Forrest Pritchard. I will be looking for Joel Salatin’s books as well. I thought of you and your husband a few times as I read the book, especially the stories involving Mr. Pritchard’s goat.
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Yes, that would have been very unfortunate.
I highly recommend Joel Salatin. I have read two of his books so far and i hope to read them all! I will have to get my hands on Gaining Ground though, it sounds very interesting!
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I’ll be on the lookout for Joel Salatin’s books. Thank you!
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Oh no! I’m so sorry! I’m sorry both that you were mullioned and that I didn’t read this post sooner. I saw it but didn’t take the time to read when I first glanced at it (as I wasn’t going to be able to focus right then or take the time to truly read it) but now I missed that you hurt yourself and haven’t checked on you. I don’t know how you managed to be the 1000 customer greeted with a broken door post, but like you mentioned, it’s good that it wasn’t a child.
The book about the farmers markets etc. sounds very interesting.
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You are so sweet, Katy. Thank you for coming back to read this when you had the time. I am fine, just sporting a now faded bruise, not unlike many others I’ve worn. This time it wasn’t my own tripping that caused it, though. It was rather heavy and I was, indeed, glad it was me and not a child. Thank you for your concern.
It is interesting, and funny as well. I gained a lot more insight on sustainability and knowing what you eat, how it is grown or raised. I really admire the people who run these farms.
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[…] ~ Gaining Ground: A Story of Farmers’ Markets, Local Food, and Saving The Family Farm by Forrest… […]
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[…] a small library with a healthy tax base in the next town over. It is the library where I was ‘mullioned” a few years ago. They are such nice folks, recognize me, and are part of a very large […]
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