Library Card and the Joy of Function
There are many ways to tidy a home, and the KonMari Method® is what worked for me. One of the things I like best about it is the emphasis on using and appreciating what I already have. I derive more pleasure from my possessions now than I ever did before tidying.
The joy of function. It’s a concept that comes up during tidying for many of us. Does your winter coat spark joy? Does the warmth it provides you spark joy? Especially if you only have one, and you live in Pittsburgh?
My library card sparks so much joy for me. It’s not that I have a passion for little rectangles of plastic with rounded edges. In fact, I often avoid plastic. My library card sparks joy because of what it enables me to do.
In fact, I borrowed Marie Kondo’s book from the library to do my own tidying festival. I didn’t purchase my own copy until after I became a consultant.
When a client reaches the books category, I typically take a few minutes to help them (and me!) clarify their vision for books. I ask questions like:
In your ideal lifestyle, do you read books?
Are they for pleasure or work?
Do you prefer paper books, digital books, or audio books?
In your ideal lifestyle, do you use the library?
Library date! First trip to the library after moving back to Pittsburgh.
Not everyone enjoys the library. For many people, there is something special about buying and owning each book they read. I, however, LOVE the library. When my husband and I decided to move back to Pittsburgh, one of the first things I said to him was, “We get to have the Carnegie Library again!”
I couldn’t begin to guess the amount of money I have not spent, because of the library. Similarly, I couldn’t guess the amount of paper that has not been used (and plastic and metal for DVDs), because of the library. Goodness only knows how many library ebooks I read during lockdowns.
A particular library joy of mine comes when I end up with an ebook I don’t like, and I just click “return.” A paper book or DVD in which I’ve lost interest goes directly to the library drop box. For me, this is much easier than trying to sell or donate it.
If you are feeling inspired after all of my rhapsodizing, you can apply for your own online here.