The Ravenstones

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about Richard Nixon.

But not just Nixon. I’ve also been entranced by a now-famous Botswana detective agency.

And a certain well-known Belgian detective traveling on a train through pre-war Eastern Europe.

And a Norwegian police detective dealing with both murder and his personal demons in Oslo.

And an honourable police inspector investigating crime amid Venice’s hidden byways and scenic canals.

Hmm, do I see a pattern hear? Crime, detection and punishment?

Well, not completely. There’ve been a few odd ones on my list, even some Canadian content, this one, a classic from Robertson Davies, the first book of a trilogy, a humorous take on amateur theatre in small-town Ontario in the 1950’s.

And one of the masters of English literature, a collection including some of his most famous works: Heart of Darkness and Typhoon.

And a bit of early 20th century British history.

All these unexpected treats came into my life via our local neighbourhood little library. You take one and leave one, and always bring them back. A library, even a small one, can bring the world to the reader.

What a great resource, especially for folks not able to make the trek to the nearest public library. The books illustrated here were but a small slice of what I’ve come across in the last year; already plenty more lie on my reading pile. In my old home town of Victoria, such libraries proliferate. In fact, according to the local press, the city has the highest density in Canada.

Such outposts of literacy grew exponentially throughout the pandemic and have become more than just a book exchange. In fact, they’re now viewed as real community assets. I’d say the little libraries are here to stay, and to all those volunteer groups and individuals who build, feed and maintain them, I say thank you very much.