The Home Library

   We have a well stocked library at home.  Actually, we have two libraries.  The first is the adult library.  The second is the childrens library.  These are real books, not books on a Kindle or downloaded into a computer.  I do have those as well, but I can't imagine sitting on the recliner with a good Kindle… 

   The library is split into several sections.  First is the religious section.  I have all my religious school books from when I was a child.  I've been adding to the collection for over 40 years.  Some are very difficult reading and others are easy and informative including several "Idiot's Guides" such as The Middle East Conflict, Hebrew Scriptures, and New Testament.   The next one will be on Islam.  It's not my religion but I think it's important to understand the mindset of others.   

   The next section is medical books.  These range from free downloads that I've printed up to medical encyclopedias.  Where There is No Doctor and Where There is no Dentist can be found at http://www.hesperian.org/   They are free.  Please donate money to them.  No I don't know anyone from their organization.  I also have medical training guides for firefighters and paramedics.  This includes flash cards that the kids love to use.  We have a body chart on the wall that names bones, arteries, etc.   

   My favorite section is the cookbooks.  I started collecting cookbooks in college.  There are about 30 feet of shelves with food preparation books.  Right now my eight year old grandson just pours over the cookbooks.  He loves cooking and baking.  Some of my favorite books include Eat Well on a Dollar a Day, The Best of Amish Cooking, Preserving the Fruits of the Earth, the Ball and Kerr canning guides, and so many more that I just can't continue!

   I have shelves of gardening books and magazines.  One of my favorites is Sunset New Western Garden Book and 10,000 Garden Questions.  The Department of Agriculture yearbooks are very informative.

   I also have rows of how-to books.  They range from Carla Emery's Old Fashioned Recipe Book to Mrs. Beetons Book of Household Management to Reader's  Digest Household Repair book. 
   Animal husbandry books are big in the library as well although after many years of raising animals I don't know if I really need all of them.  A good vet medical book is a must if you have animals.
   I have a lot of history books on the lifeways of Native Americans and pioneers.  We all love Little House on the Prairie books.  Pick up books of the Native Americans in your local area.  What did they eat?  How did they gather and process the foods?
   There are lots of geography and history books including biographies of the founders, movers, and shakers in the building of America. 

   Build up the library for the kids, even if you don't have any kids with you now.  I have all my books from when I was young.  I'll buy scholastic books from school.  Each month they have several books that are marked down to one dollar.  Series books are good.  These include old Nancy Drew, Three Investigator, Hardy Boys, and more modern series including Harry Potter and Warrior Cats.  Make sure you have all reading levels from beginner to advanced. 

   We have shelves of fiction and nonfiction.  Make sure you have a good variety.  Romances, westerns, murder mysteries, and one of my favorites, Patriots.   

   I could go on and on but you get the idea.  Lots of books, lots of subjects.  Not just for information about surviving but also for escaping and fun.  We all need some fun.