Dear Library, I love you

So, I can't fight the giddy feeling that rises up inside me as I cast a glance over to the passenger seat of my minivan and gaze upon the stack of books I've just procured from my local library. I am brimming with excitement. Giddy, I tell you.

I am such a geek.

Last week I finished the latest book I was reading (A Hat Full of Sky, by Terry Pratchett, if you must know) and had absolutely nothing as a backup in my bag. Or on my nightstand. Or in the car. Or on the coffee table. (I'm not counting the outdated book I got recently about the dangers of MSG.) I always try to keep a backup. Somewhere. Today, I was unprepared, and as I waited for my bus this morning, was left with nothing but the Daily Texan as reading material. Not exciting. And ofttimes, may I say, a tad offensive. (I pick up this free campus newspaper for the daily NY Times crossword puzzle. Duh.)

Once seated at my computer, I plotted to remedy my booklessness. Searched the local library catalog for titles on my to-read list (thank you Goodreads.com) that were available RIGHT NOW at my favorite branch. Was pleased with the results of my search. Scribbled the call numbers on a notepad. Expectantly awaited the afternoon and ... the procurement. I am such a geek.

Ahhh ... beside me, in the passenger seat, my hand protectively resting upon the stack as I rounded each curve, were the following gems (I actually don't know if they are gems yet, as I have not read them, but that is part of the magic - the promise that they hold...):

The Tell-Tale Heart, by Edgar Allan Poe
The Picture of Dorian Gray, by Oscar Wilde
The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas
The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood
Franny and Zooey, by J.D. Salinger
and
Wintersmith, by Terry Pratchett

The first five were scribbled on my list. The last one I happened upon, not exactly by chance. But as soon as I pulled it off the shelf and saw the little blue Nac Mac Feegle on the cover, sword raised, fist clenched, I simply had to bring it home with me.

Can I read all of these books in the 3 weeks allotted to me by the Austin Public Library system? At my usual pace, I don't think so, no way. Will I try? Oh, yeah.

Because I am a geek. And the giddiness is making me do it.