All through my childhood years, even into high school, I frequented the library in my small town.  My sister Kristin and I would literally go to the library five or six days a week– check out books, return books, search for books at another branch, use the internet (our parents were a little slow to get online).  I loved that little library, which was really just two small rooms of books– but part of a bigger network so that we could order what we wanted.

I still love the library.  The library I use here in the Twin Cities is connected to the Hennepin County system, so I have access to even more books than I ever used to.  I reserve a lot of audiobooks to listen to on car rides, and I pre-order books I’m especially excited about, and I check out books all the time.

But I have a problem.  I get too impatient.

I reserve a book, and then when I see that I’m 9th … or 22nd … or worse (back when I was checking out Harry Potter), I get too riled up about it, and I just go purchase the book.

Sometimes I skip the library altogether.  I’ll read a review and decide, That simply must be mine.

Then I hop onto the Barnes & Noble website and order it up.

I really ought to read the book first, don’t you think?  Especially for authors who don’t have a proven track record with me.

I buy faster than I read: I have so many books around my apartment that I haven’t had a chance to read yet … and still I keep buying.  The loading dock guys at the university where I work know me because they are bringing 1-2 packages to my office each week from Barnes and Noble.  It’s quite addicting– I love-love-love purchasing new books.  If I get a coupon in my email, I will find a book to buy.

LIBRARY, JACKIE LEA.  LEARN TO USE IT.  REIN YOURSELF IN.

Take a look at the picture below, and let me know where I should start!

I still need to read these 19 … and have 7 more pre-ordered or on their way. I CAN’T STOP.