Rising from the tomes

RE “When You’re Buried in Books” [Aug. 11]: My husband and I are trying to move 29 years of accumulation into my childhood home and, if we’re not careful, getting to 30 years hangs in the balance. The bone of contention is my “library,” otherwise known as my collection of dust magnets. I did manage to cull my collection before moving them back home where they wait in the garage. My husband warns me that he can see the gleam in my eye when I look at the 10 feet of empty wall in the living room. He knows I’m envisioning the floor-to-ceiling bookcase of cherry wood that I must win the lottery to afford. You just know that a wall that size is begging for a proper bookcase.

I had intended to give my extra (notice I didn’t say “unwanted”) books to my old high school, but I’ve since learned of a friend with a husband in Iraq. She’s already sent him some of the books that I’ve given her and says that they could always use more. That’s my kind of recycling project.

CHRISTINA ST. JOHN

Montebello

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I have never been able to put into words why I can’t part with my 1,000-plus books. My collection varies from the complete books of Thomas Hardy to “Miss Pickerell on the Moon.” Carol Mithers’ article says it all: They carry a weight of history.

I’m in the midst of packing my books (from the many built-in shelves I finally got after years and years ... ) to a new home with no shelves. Building new shelves will be a priority, and I’ll miss my books until the shelves are built.

CHRISTINE APOSTOLINA BEIRNE

Ojai

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I enjoyed your article on book lovers’ dilemmas. I have found a way to try to control the deluge. I store my beloved paperbacks behind the hardbacks by the same author, and I do try to give away books that I didn’t enjoy. I still have books stacked everywhere! Every book means something.

GAIL GRONER

Tarzana

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WHEN one is “buried in books,” a donation of books to your local library’s used book sale may help reduce the clutter. The Palos Verdes Peninsula libraries have used book sales at two of the branches every month. The funds are used by the library district for all sorts of materials and programs. The library volunteers can be reached at (310) 377-9584, Ext. 553, for more information.

FRAN WIELIN

Rolling Hills Estates

Wielin is president of Peninsula Friends of the Library.