Discovering Literature: The Joys of Rejoining a Public Library

In a recent personal exploration of literature, Colm Keena rejoined his local public library in Drumcondra, Dublin. This decision was influenced by a growing collection of unread books at home and a desire to rediscover the joys of reading. The Drumcondra branch, one of four art deco public libraries commissioned by the Dublin Corporation between 1935 and 1940, provides a rich resource for both classic and contemporary titles.

While modern conveniences allow for online book requests, Keena opted for a hands-on approach on the day he renewed his membership. He browsed the shelves and selected two books that resonated with him. The first was Another Planet: A Teenager in Suburbia by Tracy Thorn, a memoir reflecting on adolescence during the 1970s in a green belt town outside London. The book, published in 2019, features diary excerpts that capture the essence of teenage experience, including feelings of boredom and self-absorption that many can relate to.

The second title, Dorothy L. Sayers: A Careless Rage for Life by David Coomes, offers insight into the life of the renowned English writer and public intellectual. Published in 1992, this biography details Sayers’ impressive academic achievements at Somerville College in Oxford, where she studied on a scholarship. Despite the university not awarding degrees to women at that time, Sayers became one of the first female graduates when the policy changed in 1920. The book paints a vivid portrait of a woman with a brilliant mind and a passionate approach to life, despite her struggles with personal relationships.

After reading these two works, Keena returned them to the library, contributing to the cycle of sharing knowledge and literature. In exchange, he borrowed three additional titles: Last Train from Liguria by Christine Dwyer Hickey (2009), Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang (2013), and Out of Romania by Dan Antal (1994).

Dan Antal’s book, particularly significant for Keena, recounts life in Ceausescu’s Romania and offers a personal narrative of resilience amid oppressive conditions. Keena, who reported from Romania during the winter of 1990/1991, vividly recalls the harsh realities faced by citizens under the regime. His experiences, combined with Antal’s account, highlight the universal struggle for dignity and human connection, even in dire circumstances.

Upon returning home with Antal’s book, Keena sought reviews and found a notable one in The Irish Times. The review, penned by Arminta Wallace in October 1994, described the book as a “unique and valuable, not to mention hugely entertaining, slice of social history.” Given Wallace’s reputation for discerning taste in literature, Keena felt reassured about his choice.

The act of borrowing from a public library not only alleviates personal clutter but also fosters a sense of community and shared learning. Public libraries, with their diverse offerings, serve as vital cultural hubs that encourage exploration and intellectual growth. By rejoining the library system, Keena has not only enriched his own reading experience but also reaffirmed the importance of supporting local resources that promote access to literature for everyone.