Text 2. About books and libraries

Reading plays an important role in our life. We should devote as much time as possible to reading. I am fond of reading. I should say I am simply a bookworm. I read both for pleasure and information. There are books that have been our great favourites since childhood. We grow up with them. They stay in our memory for ever.

Books are printed on paper. Any book is a collection of sheets of paper bound together into one whole. The sheets of paper are protected by a binding which is made of leather or hard cover. The title page indicates the title of the book, the name of the author, the publisher, the place and date of publication. The table of contents gives the title of the chapters. It is usually printed at the end of the book as well. Sometimes there is a preface written by the author or editor. A book may be published in parts or in some volumes. A book may have several editions. There are explanatory notes at the end of the book. There are footnotes at the bottom of the page. A novel or a history may consist of 2 or more volumes. Books are printed in the printing house. The first man who set up the printing press in Ukraine was Svyatopolk Fiol, then Ivan Fedorov.

To read books we buy them or borrow them at the library. Every town has its public and children libraries. Library is a place where information in print and other its forms are collected and arranged to serve people of all ages and interest.

There are different kinds of libraries, public libraries (for everybody) children’s, school, scientific, personal libraries and even traveling libraries The libraries are equipped with fic­tion, poetry, biography books, books of literary criticism, on travelling or science. The library consists of a lending department, reference room and reading rooms. In the reference room and reading room all kinds of refer­ence books are accessible to the readers. Open shelves are at the disposal of readers and subscribers. Subscribers lend books at the lending depart­ment. They may keep it for 10 days. Then it is possible to prolong it. The readers must observe the library rules:

1.Wash hands before reading a book.

2. Don’t write anything on the pages with a pen or a pencil.

3. Don’t make drawings in the book.

4. Don’t make dog’s ears in the book.

5. Don’t tear the pages.

6. Don’t lose books. It means that you lose your friends.

Foreign literature is either in translation or in the original. Some books are adapted and abridged. Every man who reads a lot is well-read.

Readers’ tastes are various. They like different kinds of books. Some of them prefer science fiction or detective (mystery) stories, others are keen on adventure fantasy or humour stories. Children enjoy fairy tales or folk tales while grown ups prefer poems, short stories, historical dramas, biog­raphies, autobiographies, documents and factual materials. The choice of books can characterize the reader, his interests and education. For exam­ple fiction appeals to a general reader while non-fiction appeals to a reader interested in a particular subject.

If we like a book we can read it again and again. We read different books in our spare time, on trips, for study or discussion. There are books, which appeal to the young. They help them to express their feelings and thoughts. But some books may disappoint a reader and leave him indiffer­ent. There are books which we can hardly read for laughing or for tears. But most books arouse our curiosity.

A book is one of the greatest wonders in the world. It gives us a unique chance to link up with authors who lived hundreds and thousands of years ago. Thanks to books we can talk to people who lived in different ages and countries. Through reading books we can hear their voices, thoughts and feelings. The book is the surest way to bring nations together. It gives us an insight not only into the past, but also into the future. The book is a faithful and undemanding friend: it can be put aside and taken up again at any moment. Real talent and mastery can make even the shortest stones rich. The author’s true task is self-expression. Good literature always ex­presses the author’s position. No real art can be achieved without the truth of life.

XVIII. Answer the questions:

1. What must you do if you want to borrow books from a library?

2. How many books can be taken out at a time at your local (university) library?

3. How long can books from your library be kept?

4. What can you find in a reference library?

5. What is the purpose of a travelling library?

X IX. Express your opinion:

1. People begin using libraries as soon as they learn to read. Some librarians say that a child should be taken to a library even before he learns to read, just to see the pic­tures. What is your opinion?

2. How does a librarian influences the reading habits of a child?

3. Sometimes a pupil finds it difficult to remember dates from a textbook of history because they are not closely asso­ciated with people and event. A historical novel will supply associations and help the reader to remember the material. What about geography and other subjects? Give some examples of how books can help.

---

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14