ESSAY
1. On Libraries
by Oliver Sacks
Summary
Summary
“On
Libraries” is written in praise of intellectual freedom, community work, and
the ecstasy of serendipitous discovery. Among the geniuses of mind and spirit
shaped and saved by libraries, Oliver Sacks was the great neurologist, author,
and voracious reader.
This
essay is a personal essay about Oliver Sacks, who was a bookworm and fond of
reading books in libraries. While growing up, Oliver Sacks lived in an oak
paneled library left to him by his father, a Hebrew scholar and admirer of
Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906). Books by Henrik Ibsen, poetry by
his father's generation, and adventure and history books owned by his siblings
filled the shelves of their family's library. He'd read Rudyard Kipling's The
Jungle Book, an English short story writer. He was captivated by the story of
Mowgli, a fictitious character in the book.
In
the library, There was a separate cabinet reserved by his parents, where
medical related books were kept. His mother also possessed a large collection
of literature, including works by American poet Emily Dickinson, English
novelist Anthony Trollope, Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, British author
Rudyard Kipling, and poets William Shakespeare and John Milton, as well as
poetry volumes she'd won in school contests. His mother, like him, loved
literature. Since he was three or four years old, the library and books had
been a fond memory for him. The library was stunning, but he also had a small
lab where he could lose himself in literature and forget about food for hours
at a time.
He
received a proper education in Willesden Public library. St Paul's School's
Walker Library lacked chemistry books, so he went to the Science Museum Library
with his schoolmaster and picked out what he needed from their collection of chemical
books. When he was an adult, he delved into fields like astronomy and
chemistry. He was an excellent student in libraries and a voracious reader who
enjoyed the company of other bookworms as much as he did his own work. One of
his favorite places to spend time as an adult was the Willesden Public Library
in Willesden Green, London. He disliked passive reading in formal schools since
he was an active reader who was used to studying on his own.
When
he was a student, he went to the Radcliffe Science Library and the Bodleian
Library in Oxford. After reading Theodore Hook's work, he made the
decision to write a biography on the author. A biography of him was
published in the Bodleian Library after he had gathered documents from the
British Museum Library. He studied old works like Gesner's Historiae Animalium
(1551), Agassiz's writings, Charles Darwin, Sir Thomas Browne, and Jonathan
Swift, as well as 17th and 18th century works by Samuel Johnson, David Hume,
Alexander Pope, and John Dryden. The library at Queen's College, Oxford, was
his favorite.
He
was awarded a full scholarship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he
had no trouble reading or writing. He formed a strong bond with a fellow
reader, with whom he enjoyed reading and conversing. The year was 1965,
and he had just moved to New York City, where he had a little
apartment. Although reading and writing were tough in the flat, he
nevertheless managed to complete portions of his book Migraine. He ran
across another person looking for the same old book, Volumes of Brain from
1890.
Oliver
went on to other libraries, where he sat at a table surrounded by piles of
books. In the 1990s, he saw that pupils were using computers instead of
bookshelves to gather knowledge. The college decided to get rid of all the
books since most of the students weren't utilizing them. A similar occurrence
occurred at the AECOM Library as well as in libraries located in other
countries. The vast majority of the books had been discarded. To him, this
amounted to a murder or other serious offense.
Th
eradication or replacement of the books amounted to the eradication of
centuries' worth of knowledge. His heart was broken when he saw how many
precious volumes had been destroyed by fire. Digital books lack the ability to
wow and thrill the reader in the same way physical books do. There are certain
novels that can't be replaced after they've been read. In the 1960s, most
libraries had separate areas only for ancient books. This things have been
analysed in this essay. Hope you liked the summary.
Understanding the text
Answer the following questions.
a. Where could the author be found when he was late for lunch or
dinner?
The
author had a deep love for books and reading, spending most of their free time
engrossed in them. The library was their preferred place, and they would often
be found there, even if late for dinner. The oak-paneled library held a special
allure, competing with their little lab as their favorite spot. Immersed in
books, the narrator lost all sense of time.
Early
experiences of learning to read were tied to the library, nurturing a lifelong
passion for literature and providing a comforting escape into the world of
imagination and knowledge. The library became a cherished haven, shaping the
author's fondest memories and love for the written word.
b. What are his first memories?
As
a child, the author's earliest memories revolved around books and libraries,
influenced by their parents' love for reading, particularly their mother's
fondness for books. The narrator's favorite room at home was the library,
filled with bookcases and a study table. It held significant memories of their
father's Hebrew scholarship and their parents' connection in an Ibsen society.
The
library's shelves contained the young poets of their father's generation, lost
in World War I, and adventure/history books belonging to older brothers. In
this enchanting room, the narrator discovered "The Jungle Book,"
finding kinship with Mowgli's adventures, which sparked their own imaginative
fantasies. The library became a place of wonder, fostering a strong bond with
literature and family history, leaving a lasting impact on the narrator's formative
years.
c. Why did he dislike school?
School
was generally disliked by the narrator, finding it hard to passively receive
instructions. They preferred active learning, choosing what interested them and
learning in their own way. Despite not excelling as a pupil, the narrator was a
keen learner and found solace in the Willesden Library and other libraries
later on. The freedom to explore countless books and follow their curiosity
allowed them to become their true selves. The library provided a sense of
liberation, surrounded by thousands of books and like-minded readers, all on
their individual quests.
The
special atmosphere and quiet companionship made the library a place of refuge
and growth, where the narrator could immerse themselves in knowledge and
self-discovery.Theoretical and obligatory teachings methods of the school were
not liked by the author. Studying becomes easier and matter of interest when
student studies with his/her own genuine interest, not by any obligation or
instruction. Since, the school was not as he thought, he disliked it.
d. What did he feel about the library?
The
library offered a tranquil and serene space for the narrator to study and
contemplate their studies. The silence provided the perfect environment for
focused learning. With tens of thousands of books at their disposal, the
library granted them the freedom to explore and select any subject of interest.
Roaming the library's aisles, they had the liberty to delve into various topics
that intrigued them. Moreover, the narrator was not alone in their pursuit of
knowledge; they were joined by fellow readers who shared the same passion for
learning.
The
library became a sanctuary where they could immerse themselves in books and
engage in intellectual pursuits with like-minded individuals. It fostered an
atmosphere of curiosity, growth, and quiet companionship, making the library an
indispensable part of the narrator's quest for knowledge and self-discovery.
e. Why was he so biased about sciences especially astronomy and
chemistry?
From
the childhood, author was keen of reading books in science field because it was
the curious and ponderous subject for him. Because science was his field
of study, he had a strong predisposition for fields like astronomy and
chemistry. Focusing our research on a particular topic is necessary to get a
broad understanding of that topic, which is why the author studied astronomy
and chemistry to gain more specialised knowledge. One cannot possibly read all
of the books in a library's collection since they cover a wide range of topics
and abilities. So, he narrowed down his field of study.
f. Why did he become so fascinated by Hook?
The
narrator developed a deep fascination with Hook, drawn to his exceptional
talent in satire and opera. Living in the early nineteenth century, Hook gained
admiration from the theater and music communities for his humor and impressive
improvisational skills in music. His ability to skillfully blend satire and
opera captivated audiences, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment
world of his time.
The
narrator's interest in Hook was likely inspired by the unique combination of
wit, musical prowess, and comedic genius that set him apart as a remarkable
artist of his era. Hook's contributions to both satire and opera left a lasting
impact on the artistic landscape, garnering him widespread recognition and
admiration from his contemporaries and generations to come.
g. Describe library at the Queen’s College.
The
Queen's College Library is a revered baroque building in Oxford. In addition,
the 17th-century Upper Library is available to students as a reading space. The
renovation was required to maintain the space's historical importance and to
offer readers with a pleasant and engaging environment. The restoration,
initially intended to be part of the Library's expansion, was completed between
June 2013 and January 2014. It is now cleaner, brighter, and more inviting to
study.
h. Why did the students ignore the bookshelves in the 1990s?
During
the 1990s, students began to overlook the traditional bookshelves in favor of
electronic gadgets and devices. The widespread availability of PDFs and
electronic versions of textbooks enabled students to access their required
reading materials conveniently and digitally. As technology advanced, many
students found it more convenient and practical to carry their electronic
devices, such as laptops, tablets, or e-readers, which housed their entire
collection of books.
This
shift towards digital resources made the physical bookshelves less appealing
and seemingly less necessary for academic pursuits. The convenience and
portability of electronic gadgets offered a new way of accessing information,
leading students to favor the digital realm over traditional printed books
found in the bookshelves.
i. Why was he horrified when he visited the library a couple of
months ago?
During
a recent visit to the library, the narrator was shocked and dismayed to find
the shelves, once brimming with books, now completely empty. Over the past few
years, most of the books had been discarded, and to the narrator's surprise,
there was little resistance or objection to this act. The emptiness of the
library struck the narrator deeply, as if witnessing the erasure of centuries'
worth of valuable information and knowledge.
They
likened this loss to a murder, feeling that a heinous crime had been committed
against the vast reservoir of human understanding contained in those books. The
incident left the narrator feeling a profound sense of loss and grief, as the
erasure of the books represented the disappearance of a rich literary and
intellectual heritage that had been carefully preserved over time.
Reference to the context
a. The author says, “I was not a good pupil, but I was a good
listener.” Justify it with the textual evidences.
Oliver
Sacks enjoys reading a wide range of genres at the library since it's
free. He was not a fan of learning in a passive manner in which, in school, he
must complete all of the teacher's homework after the lectures. Oliver Sacks
writes in the article, "I wasn't a good student, but I was an excellent
learner." He says so, because he was never interested in doing as per the
instructions of school. He says so because, he was not like the students
defined by the academic terminology. But, it does not mean he was arrogant. He
used to study by choosing books from libraries that interest him. To do well in
school, one must have a positive relationship with their instructors. He/she is
required to attend courses on a regular basis and follow the directions of the
instructors. Oliver Sacks, on the other hand, was not that kind of student.
That is why, author says himself as a good listener, than a good student.
b. A proverb says, "Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a
library." Does this proverb apply in the essay? Explain.
When
you go into a library and see other people studying, it gives you the feeling
that you should be doing the same thing. They provide a more serene atmosphere
than the average house. In addition, the library is a great place to go if you
need a specific reference book. Not everyone has a dedicated study room in
their house, and there may be other distractions such as regular visits from
family members. Also, you won't be bothered much by anybody around. Library
does not have TVs and mobile phones, which are the major distractions. That's
why library is the pleasanter than anything else.
A
library's vast collection of books and periodicals covers a wide range of
subjects. Oliver Sacks particularly cherished the library's meditative
atmosphere and the company of other bookworms. In fact, he is an avid reader
who spends a lot of time in libraries. His favourite room in his house was the
oak-paneled library. He opted out of going to school and instead spent his time
reading in public libraries. Reading books offers a bookish person as much
pleasure as anything else. He aspires to have a desk in a library, with a stack
of books in front of him at all times. He grew up in a house filled with
bookworms who liked to read. Walter Savage Landor discusses the joy that may be
found in a library by anybody who is interested in studying. He began reading
from his own personal library at home. That's why "There's nothing
more enjoyable than browsing a library,", a lovely quote, is completely relatable
to the essay.
c. Are there any other services that you would like to see added
to the library?
A
library should not be only a store of books. Time is changing. Various
technologies are evolving. The way students study and learn has been changed,
so we also need to adapt to changing technology in the libraries and learning
systems as well. For example, a Braille system could be introduced in the
libraries to assist blind students studying their studies. We can also use
various ICT materials like informative TV's and DVD's which students can use to
better visualise the things. Also, the Internet Wikipedia system should be
added to the library so that students can find their desired things via the
Internet rather than searching for the books on the bookshelves. Similarly, A
simple cafe can optionally be added outside the library so that whenever the
learners get hungry, they can have some food.
Reference beyond the text
a. Write an essay on Libraries and its uses for students.
Library
is a gathering place for people of all interests to study books of all genres
on their own. Student may gain information by borrowing books from the
library. The library may be an invaluable resource for those who cannot afford
to purchase a book, particularly students who cannot afford to buy a book.
Private, public, and government libraries all exist. The library serves a
variety of functions and disseminates information. The library is the
beating heart of the educational system and for the students.
In
order to avoid desire and temptation, people should stay in contact with
libraries. Libraries play a critical role in unlocking the secrets of the
universe by storing vast amounts of information. A book takes us from the
darkness of ignorance to the light of understanding. Libraries, more than any
other medium, are the most effective method of disseminating knowledge.
Many
students go to the library to do research or look for information on current
events or social problems. For the objectives of education and knowledge
acquisition, libraries are vital. Students may develop good reading and study
habits by using libraries, which serves to enrich the classroom experience.
Libraries can even help students develop a feeling of accountability. Libraries
are just too cool for words! Once history books teach us from the errors of the
past, we can avoid them in the future.
Aside
from that, it will come as a shock to the younger generation to learn that not
everything can be found on the internet. Although the Internet makes libraries
more accessible, it does not entirely replace them. It's also been said that
giving a kid a book as a present is the best thing a parent can do for them.
It's possible that the Internet has many errors that weren't noticed at the
time. It provides all potential answers to academic problems. Newspapers and
articles from local publications are often available in libraries to keep
patrons updated on current happenings. With the help of the library, one's
ability to focus is greatly enhanced. In addition, libraries are places where
we may meet others who share our interests and so contribute to the development
of our social network. When a student begins consulting reference materials,
their grades increase.
Modern
libraries provide their patrons with much more than just books; they now
provide CDs, DVDs, and even E-books. Many contemporary libraries now provide
online guest lectures and seminars by eminent philosophers on fascinating
subjects. People have lost sight of the importance of libraries in the era of
television, computers, and the internet. The majority of libraries have now
made their free WIFI services available to job seekers so they may take use of
the free internet access. The government's role in modernising libraries may be
observed. They provide digital libraries and other services all around the
world.
b. Do you have any public library in your locality? If so, do
the people in your community use it? Give a couple of examples.
Yes,
we do have a public library in our society. There is no reason not to,
libraries have played a critical part in the development of the civilised
society we live in now and will continue to do so as we repair and extend our
capacity for learning and information acquisition. As a result, learning and
libraries are inseparable in my community.
Because
the technology we use now isn't available to everyone in society, libraries are
vital. In libraries, reading sessions for students and the community are
organised, as are book sales, library groups, and other activities that serve
to mould society and make it better and more educated. A library is a location
where you may discover information on topics you're interested in learning
about or are required to know about. It's also a location where you may relax
and have fun (hopefully). There's a good chance you'll make new friends.
For
local people who need it, a library is essential because they use computers to
accomplish things like pay bills or compose emails while they do their
schoolwork or study, via the computers available in libraries. Some people are
fortunate enough to be able to accomplish such things at home, but not everyone
is.
While
technology may fail from time to time due to power outages or worn-out components,
libraries remain open and are much more dependable. Because libraries continue
to function as a physical repository for information and knowledge in our
society, they are vital institutions to have in place. In order for any
information to be uploaded into the technology, it must first be manuscripted
and then stored in libraries just in case information is lost during
transportation. That is why, libraries are inseparable in my community.
Best of Luck
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