Monthly Archives: February 2022

Resign yourself to the lifelong sadness that comes from never ­being satisfied.

Posted on February 18, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

I recently stumbled upon an interesting take on the “rules for writers” list from the great British author Zadie Smith. Her list offers an excellent balance of the practical, the philosophical, and the emotional. When still a child, make sure … Continue reading →

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Book House Library

Posted on February 17, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

These days it seems that the most innovative libraries are found in China. The  luminous Pingtan Book House Library is a new library in the rural village of Pingtan, China. It takes shape as an ‘infinitely looping’ staircase enclosed by a … Continue reading →

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Follow That Author

Posted on February 16, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Bookfeed.io is a simple new way of following your favorite authors. You provide a list of writers you like, and Bookfeed generates an RSS feed with their new books. The website is a tool that allows you to specify a … Continue reading →

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The Enemies of Books

Posted on February 15, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

The Enemies of Books is a book on biblioclasts and book preservation by the 19th-century bibliophile and book collector William Blades. The book was first published in 1880 and has been republished in different editions many times since. In the book, Blades, a well-known collector, … Continue reading →

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Another Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

On February 14, Americans celebrate love and friendship by exchanging cards, flowers, and candy. Although the origins of Valentine’s Day are murky, ancient Romans celebrated the feast of Lupercalia, a spring festival, on the fifteenth of February. Like so many holidays, … Continue reading →

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Light Show

Posted on February 13, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

After many visits to Iceland, we were finally rewarded with sightings of the spectacular Aurora Borealis three nights in a row on our last trip. I didn’t take any videos, but I just ran across this wonderful short film compilation  … Continue reading →

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Books Are The Muse

Posted on February 12, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Over the years, I’ve been intrigued by the renowned photographer Mary Ellen Bartley’s use of books and libraries in her work. Bartley is known for her photographs exploring the tactile and formal qualities of the printed book, and its potential … Continue reading →

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Mapping The Way

Posted on February 11, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Waymap:  Is an exciting concept for hyperlocal mapping software that can turn most smartphones into personalized guidance devices. Originally designed for people with visual disabilities, the app can provide local navigation directions for anyone in unfamiliar territory. “With Waymap, anyone … Continue reading →

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Library Lovers’ Month

Posted on February 10, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

Innerpeffray Library, Innerpeffray, Perthshire, Scotland is the oldest lending library in the nation, founded in 1680 by David Drummond, 3rd Lord Madertie. The original library collection was only 400 books, but eventually grew to over 5,000, including rarities, first editions, … Continue reading →

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Evil Books

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Brian D. Butler

 

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