THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 5, 1994 TAG: 9409050046
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Guy Friddell
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
To retain sanity around here, one best keep a book at hand, always within reach, awake or asleep.
You're standing in line at the checkout counter in the supermarket and the odds of getting out in this century seem promising, since only one shopper is ahead of you.
Then she, or he, hands the cashier a fistful of coupons, and those have to be reckoned. Then the customer begins to write a check, and, searching for identification, offers an outdated library card instead of a driver's license.
So the clerk goes to look for the manager and en route must have been abducted by space aliens who took her to the moon in a flying saucer because when she returns, eons later, she has a blank, bewildered look on her face, and an assistant has to come over and operate the register.
Or you're driving along within a few minutes of the entrance to the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel when you come upon a traffic tie-up that extends five miles.
Or you're cruising along the toll road between Norfolk and Virginia Beach when gridlock sets in, and you're set for an hour's delay.
These and other contretemps demonstrate why every resident of Hampton Roads ought never venture forth without a book.
If you have a book in the car or in your pocket, reading it while you're stalled in line works a miracle in speeding up time and soothing the psyche.
You open the book and become immersed in a fascinating passage when, glancing up, you find that the aisle has opened or the traffic jam at tunnel or toll gate has dissolved.
Which is why you will find me this week at the sixth annual book sale in Norfolk at the Chrysler Museum for the benefit of its Jean Outland Chrysler Library.
At that one sale last year, I came away with enough good books, four dozen at laughably low prices, to smooth the way through the hitches hereabouts.
This year's sale will take place Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m.
There will be a preview on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. for members of the Library Associates. To join the Associates costs $15 for individuals, $25 for families.
One must first, however, become a member of the museum, which costs $35 for individuals, $25 for seniors and students. It is time, I see, for me to renew our museum membership.
Profits from last year's book sale enabled the library to buy a computer system to automate its files.
Until the doors open for the sale, the Chrysler Museum will continue accepting donations of hardcover and paperback books, as well as posters, prints, videos, records, audio tapes, compact discs, sheet music and collectibles.
Donations can be left in the book bins at the museum entrances through Friday. To arrange a pick-up or to drop off extremely large donations, call 664-6225.
Just keep in mind that one man's trash is another man's treasure. ILLUSTRATION: BOOK SALE
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday: 1 to 5 p.m.
Site: Chrysler Museum
To benefit: the Jean Outland Chrysler Library.
by CNB