a quintessential autumn weekend in new england... When people hear that I live in Maine, I often get asked how I can live in such a cold place. Truth be told, Maine winters don't bother me a bit. I find them rather contemplating. But if those same people spent one Autumn weekend up here in Maine, they would never even think of asking me why I live here. Without a doubt, autumn in northern New England is visual bliss. Autumn also represents the season often filled with my favorite family memories dating all the way back to my childhood.
My family and I are fortunate to be living the our simple, good life here in New Gloucester. This old, country village is full of farms, winding roads, and lots of quiet. If you want to just run out to the supermarket or shopping plaza, well, that's a bit of a drive. But if you are looking for the most delicious brick-oven pizza, well then that's just a short drive down the road to the Village Store located in the heart of the town. And by town, I mean the four antique buildings that also house our library, town office and meeting hall.
Today has been the day I've been waiting all year for. My absolute favorite thing about living in New Gloucester is the yearly book sale at the New Gloucester Public Library. All my friends aren't quite sure what to make of my book sale obsession, but all I can say is that this is my Christmas, Easter, and birthday all rolled into one.
Each year, during the first weekend of October, dozens of us local folk gather in line outside the library steps, L.L. Bean tote in hand, awaiting the signal from the librarian that the book sale is officially open. We wade into the basement of this beautiful, antique building and set straight to the task of selecting our books. The prices are not to be beat. 25¢ for a soft cover, 50¢ hardcover. I came home toting five big bags full of books for only $20. Not too shabby.
Of course, I'm obsessed with collecting books. That is not in doubt. I completely treasure today's finds, like this handbound leather poetry book from 1927 and a nature journal whose inscription reads, " James Albion's gift to Grace P. Bankes, 1926. When the Bankes family bought his camp on Chebeague Island, Maine."
It's not just vintage books that can be had, the sale is brimming with current books of fiction, reference, history, and children's book. I'm a reference book nut, so I made sure to add to my cookbook and gardening collections each year. Honestly, the book sale is just a part of what makes this day special. It's the sense of community that exudes all around you as people, whom you've never met before, but are probably neighbors with, chat with you about their favorite whoopie pie recipe or the coming winter. This is small town life at its finest.
6 comments:
Autumn in New England has to be one of nature's wonders as there is somthing almost magical about the dazzling array of colour!
I'm a lifelong book buff and one of my earliest memories is of going to the library with my mum and older sister. I've been going, and reading, ever since but I'm not a book collector although I have kept some favourite books.
Lovely post, with superb photos, and a nice blog which I've added to my list of 'Lawn loungers'.
Thanks also for stopping by and commenting on 'Flighty's plot'. xx
thanks so much for dropping by Flighty! It's great to have discovered your site too. I'll definitely be coming back to your blog to see how your seed addiction is handling during these upcoming months of seed catalogs :)
I am an Autumn person too. Although I now live on the west coast of Canada, I was born and raised in Ontario. This time of year, I get homesick so badly...fresh McIntosh apples in my pocket and long rambles through the colours and the leaves. I also miss the fall fairs in the small towns of Northern Ontario.
I love book sales too. we are just about to enjoy out annual Rotay Club Book Sale - a week long and a masterpiece of organization.
Thank you for the Fall pictures
What great pictures of fall colour. I live in Ontario, but it seems that your fall colour is further along then mine. Then last few nights have been quite chilly, so I expect a good show soon.
I am also a bit of a book collector, we had to build more bookcases in our living room, now the "library". I love gardening books, have over 500. It is great until you have to move them, then box after box.
hi there Miss Paper Dolls and Deborah! i am always so enamored by fall, but i am also so aware of how fleeting it is from the start of the leaf change to the time when the trees go bare. i went away out of state for a few days and i've just returned to a yard full of raking and stark branches. i guess peak color has officially passed :)
and books... glorious books. i probably over indulged at the book sale, but seeds and books are the one area where i give myself free reign on. and Deborah... 500 gardening books? i think i'm coming over to your place!!
I'm enjoying catching up on your blog posts this morning and glad I went back to the beginning of October. Otherwise, I would have missed this one -- you've given me a glimpse of New England in Autumn and a blissful day in your small town.
Lovely photos and lovely post about elegant, "well-dressed" trees, charming buildings, friendly folks and treasured books, each with its own history and story to tell.
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