Corliss wondered what happens to a book that sits unread…
““Corliss wondered what happens to a book that sits unread on a library shelf for thirty years. Can a book rightfully be called a book if it never gets read?... 'How many books never get checked out," Corliss asked the librarian. 'Most of them,' she said. Corliss never once considered the fate of library books. She loved books. How could she not worry about the unread? She felt like a disorganized scholar, an abusive mother, and a cowardly soldier. 'Are you serious?' Corliss asked. 'What are we talking about here? If you were guessing, what is the percentage of books in this library that never get checked out?' 'We're talking sixty percent of them. Seriously. Maybe seventy percent. And I'm being optimistic. It's probably more like eighty or ninety percent. This isn't a library, it's an orphanage.' The librarian talked in a reverential whisper. Corliss knew she'd misjudged this passionate woman. Maybe she dressed poorly, but she was probably great in bed, certainly believed in God and goodness, and kept an illicit collection of overdue library books on her shelves.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Corliss worries about unread books, realizing many library books never get read, reflecting on neglect and value.
In simple terms: She worries about books that are never read.
Key Takeaway
Consider how to make resources accessible.
Themes
neglect
value
knowledge
memory
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
social
literary
When to use this quote
- reading programs
- book donation drives
- library outreach
Key Concepts
library science
literature
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- How can libraries increase circulation?
- What responsibilities do readers have?
A Different Perspective
Not all books can be read; resources are limited.