Takin' It To The Streets

I started reading a book today. "Daughter" is taking swimming lessons to lessen the effect gravity seems to have on her in the water, and instead of spending forty-five minutes a day for the next two weeks staring at scantily clad soccer moms, and sweating near a pool I can't go in, I decided to read. It doesn't matter what book it is really, but suffice it to say I may be the last person in America to finally pick up this tome about some code or something.

I used to read all the time. Then it started to seem like the only reading I got done was while I was sitting on the porcelain throne. I enjoy reading in the bathroom. It's a fine place to skim a magazine article, but not to enjoy major works of fiction. After a while, my legs fall asleep and I'm stuck there until I can summon what's left of my pride to call for help. "Wife" and "Daughter" read all the time. "Wife" finds time while riding the train to work and "Daughter" is a kid, what else does she have to do?

Today something happened that transported me back to a simpler time when reading was a big part of everyone's life. A time before TiVo, computer games and slutty Britney Spears videos. The bookmobile came to our neighborhood.

I was sitting in the "office" when I heard what sounded like a Mac truck park across the street. "Daughter" came running in and declared that there was something so cool outside I had to come and see. There it was, a veritable rock and roll tour bus for literacy. It was painted in Partridge family colors with a literary theme. I could sense "Daughter's" excitement. It was pretty cool. What a throw back to a time gone by. I expected to have to push past Ritchie, Potzie and the Fonz to get in. I went in with "Daughter" and was greeted by two kindly librarians who were right out of central casting. They had sweet dispositions and were helping kids find books to suit their reading levels. The ladies were so helpful and informative, it made me feel guilty for calling everyone nerds under my breath.

I think this is a great idea. The bookmobile gets kids excited about books. It's hard not to think it's cool when the library comes right to your house. It also gives lazy people no excuse for not getting their kids to the library. The only way it could be easier is if the librarians actually threw books right through people's windows. I know next week we'll be watching for the Bookmobile with the same anticipation I used to reserve for the ice cream man. Back to my book. Later...Brian