A Trip to the Library (with questions)

As part of our cutting down on costs plan we've decided to stop buying books just because. Jonathan still "needs" the occasional business book and sometimes it's easier to buy a book Jess needs for school, but the "let's get Starbucks and hit the bookstore" trips are on hold for a while.

So I decided we would have Family Library Night.

Now I realize that this is going to be no regular occurrence. I'm pretty much the only one into it. Well, Jonathan thinks it's a great idea but I'm not sure how often he'll be around to participate. Claire is game and actually enjoys going. Hannah's at school so she doesn't really count right now. It's Jess that isn't thrilled with the idea. Strange considering she inhales books like I do.

Tonight was our first trip. We went to the Rehoboth library because I thought they'd have a bigger young adult section (which they did). When we got there I thought, it sure is noisy in here for a library. Turns out they have a LEAP meeting there on Wednesday nights and the children's section was filled with DOGS! Neat program though.

So anyway.

Claire stayed in the children's section, Jess went off to look or sulk or whatever and I wander over to the fiction section wondering how to look for books in this library. When I go to Lewes I head straight for the new releases section and start reading spines. I didn't see a section like that in this library.

Then I realized I have an odd way of picking out books. At least, it seems odd to me. I can never remember author names I like. Well, I know a few but I've read so many of their books that I like to venture outside my box. And I never have a specific book I'm looking for. So I just wander the isles and start pulling books. If the cover looks interesting a do a QUICK skim on the inside flap and make a decision. Takes me about 4 seconds. Tonight I picked
The Cinderella Pact and A Conventional Corpse. That second one is 13th in a series and I've not read any of the first 12 so I'm hoping I can catch on quickly.

By this time the kids were done so we checked out. Walked the long way around to the car since it was so nice out and headed home.

My question to you is: How do you pick out books? Do you have a plan or just wing it? Do you even go to the library? Heck, do you even READ?

Until tomorrow...