For many years I had a strong yearning to return to college and immerse myself again in an academic atmosphere.
I wasn’t sure what has tempered the urge to the point that it no longer arises, but on the way to Iola the other morning I hit on the catalyst: reading, plain and simple.
I’ve always enjoyed reading and in the past few years I’ve fallen into a habit of devouring books and magazine articles with the same zeal of a good many who turn to television for daily entertainment.
That’s not to say I don’t watch the telly, but I am picky — occasional sports, History and National Geographic channels and news, albeit you have to filter a bit with the 24-hour channels.
For so long I chose only non-fiction — “like to keep learning,” I told friends — but more and more I have turned to fiction and things much lighter. I even slipped into what I first thought would be more to wife Beverly’s liking, Kati Marton’s memoir about her life and loves in Paris.
Recently I have charged through an anthology of Jack London stories, replete with excruciating detail and sometimes a social message. I then dove into an Earl Stanley Gardner book, following the legal machinations of Perry Mason and his sidekicks, Della Street and Paul Drake.
Virtually everything I read comes from my home library, an eclectic collection I’ve mostly accumulated over the years by prowling bargain tables in book stores.
Having a vast number of books at hand is not necessary.
Iola and Humboldt libraries have fine representations and widespread offerings, as well as videos, audio tapes, and computer consoles at the ready. If they don’t have what you want, it likely is available through the Southeast Kansas Library System, and usually arrives quickly.
The smaller towns in Allen County also have libraries that offer a trove of adventure and information.
In Moran, the now vacant First Baptist Church soon will provide more generous quarters to the town’s library and permit Librarian Cindy Chalker to expand long-awaited programs.
So skip surfing TV channels in search of entertainment, and pick up a book.
At Week’s End: Reading satisfies academic cravings
