BOOK POWER TO BRAIN POWER

We were talking about books the other day, talking about book power, in our little salon.

You know it’s a salon when the other people have thousands of books in their home after a downsize.

How do you downsize a book collection?

Don’t ask me, I just make another bookcase, but there comes a time.

For some people, books are decorative and their intended message is show, don’t tell.

Books By The Foot works in this realm.

Someone signs a contract, gets paid, then buys their dream house.

Think of a pro athlete buying their starter mansion.

They went to college for a year and want to show it with books, but they don’t have any.

No problem.

Buy Bulk & Shelf Fillers.

If they have a particular interest?

Buy Books by Subject.

Does this look like a plan? Not for me.

I’ve got plenty of unread books on shelves already, including a set of Zane Grey I’ve had and not read since grade school.

I even have the tricky box the looks like a book, a leather bound book.

Like many baby boomers today I have an accumulation of books from past generations including travel books, cook books, history books.

Every place I’ve lived I’ve dragged my books along.

 

Reading Books, Re-Reading Books, Then What

If you read a lot, by which I mean reading as much as you watch TV, you’re probably pretty smart.

Your reading habit is a reminder of how smart you are, and if I read this correctly, you probably wish everyone read more.

Do I have the same wish? Yes, I do. And sometimes it’s fulfilled.

I spent years working in a museum where everyone was well read, well informed, and had opinions based on life experiences enhanced by deep reading.

It was a comfort being on that staff. Why?

Museum people bridge the looming gap between theory and practice, between a page and an object; they know what they’re looking at with solid research backing them up.

The sound you hear is a big sigh of relief, followed by another sound. Call it a gag reflex.

My trust and faith in what I hear and see, what I watch and read, takes a hit when the boss at the Smithsonian has to explain the work they do:

 

“While there will always be room for improvement, this report is not a fair characterization of the work and totality of the National Museum of American History.

At the Smithsonian, our work is driven by scholarship, accuracy and an uncompromising commitment to tell the fullness of America’s story.

As public servants and the keepers of this institution, we are charged with helping a nation find understanding, hope and clarity and as part of that duty, we are dedicated to excellence, reflection and growth.”

He continued: “We remain focused on what grounds us: a steadfast commitment to scholarship, nonpartisanship, independence, accuracy and integrity.

For nearly 180 years, the Smithsonian has worked alongside partners across government — from the White House to Congress to our governing Board of Regents — guided by our enduring mission to increase and diffuse knowledge.

That purpose remains: to pursue knowledge with rigor and to serve the American public with clarity and care.”

 

The Museum Collectors

Museum exhibits are built on a foundation of knowledge gathered by specialists in their particular field.

They “pursue knowledge with rigor and to serve the American public with clarity and care.”

That’s the goal of every museum worth its salt from sea to shining sea.

Can it be said any better than this from the Oregon Historical Society?

The library preserves the world’s largest collection of Oregon-related materials, documenting the people, places, and events that have shaped Oregon’s history.

If you have an idea, or question, about where you live, about your town, or a business in your town, go the nearest museum and start looking around.

Make an appointment with a curator. Ask which books they recommend.

If citizens are the riches of the city, why not add value to your citizenship.

Be informed, be better informed. Read a book.

 

PS:

One writer’s goal: Keep readers turning the page.

 

PS:

Writer’s goal, Part 2: Put something useful on the page to keep readers engaged.

Non-readers don’t lean on books, they have other props.

When a non-reader suggests a change in a museum like the Smithsonian, they might get an explanation that informs them why things are as they are.

What happens when a non-reader has enough backing to force a change?

Everyone has a vision of history, right or wrong.

For some, History Books By The Foot is the best answer.

An instant library that works well for any interior decorating, personal library, set decoration, and more.

Just make it pretty. Maybe some gold highlights?