Over the years I have purchased, borrowed, and accumulated many books. Many you say? Sure, hundreds; maybe close to one thousand. I've read them from cover to cover, and I have never had the thought to discard or recycle them. I love them all as if they were my children. But, a most recent move had me think differently.

Personally, I like to read books that will teach me something. Finance, food, parenting, and maybe even how to keep my house clean. Sure, I love the romance novels and the history books; but I feel that I could watch T.V. and get close to the same results.

So, why are books close to my heart? Only those books that make me think about my life, or make me change my life seem to be dear to me. Those are some that I just cannot let go.

My closet is full. If you open the door, things will tumble out. Those things are boxes; and those boxes are filled with books. Books that I have had for over 25 years and just cannot let go.

When I go shopping, I don't buy new clothes or new shoes, I always seem to buy a new book. Sometimes, the NEW one winds up in the box with the old ones. What is a poor girl to do?

When my husband and I decided to move (after 15 years), I felt that is was better that I trash some of my extra dishes, silverware, clothes and shoes. I decided that it was more important to keep the 19 boxes of books that I had accumulated over the years.

When we finally got to our new house, I had one sharp knife, two pots, one pan, a toaster, and 19 boxes of books. WOW. Didn't matter to me because I hate cooking. I curled up and went to sleep with book in hand.

One day a light bulb appeared above my head.

My husband and I moved to a smaller house, and I have 19 boxes of books which surround me. I cannot fit, not one more item into my closet, and I don't want to tell my Mom that I ran out of room.

Yes, we had a much larger house with a full basement and 4 car garage..... Now, Mom is wondering why I am telling her not to purchase additional laundry detergent for us when it is on sale.

Who's space is this anyway? I seem to have no space left.

Recycle.

Yes.... I said Recycle.

Those old friends of yours can be recycled. Sure, the books that you enjoyed have brought you much pleasure, but you cannot hold on to them forever.

Think about sharing your thoughts, dreams and feelings with others in your community. How about helping those who would love to read a good book, but simply cannot afford to do so.

Yes, my most recent visit to my community library left me up in arms. They do not have books, they have computers. You cannot bring one of those computers home. What if you want to "sleep on it"?????

Yes, yes, yes. I took me about two years to decide which of my books I had to part to. Yeah, I didn't want to throw them in the trash; I wanted to recycle them, as they played an important part in my life and in my heart.

Churches, Library drives, School fund raisers, and even the Salvation Army. They all got part of my book collection. I know that the books that gave me inspiration, drive, and motivation would someday give the same to others.

Now, I am down to 8 boxes. Can anyone help?