Daily Dose 65: Home Library

Over a hundred years ago a Dr. Charles W. Eliot, president of Harvard, made the statement that anyone could give himself or herself a quality education by reading fifteen minutes a day from classic writings that could all fit on a bookshelf five feet long.

Any book lover knows five feet does not hold a lot of books, but sad to say, it is a great deal more space than many homes give to books. An enterprising publisher put Dr. Eliot to the task of actually compiling a series of volumes that would meet his criteria, and the result became known as the Harvard Classics, 51 volumes covering ancient history, scientific principles, classic literature, religious readings, poetry, historical documents, and essays. Other such series, including the Great Books (my mother-in-law led a discussion group for the Junior Great Books for many years) followed in its substantial wake.

For priority stewardship purposes, books represent the original mechanical maid, bringing vast learning potential right into the home. Most of the other maids in your household will be machines that do work, but the books in your home feed your mind, expand your world, develop your sensitivity, and enrich your being.

Long years ago, I took the five foot library idea and mixed it with some EO thinking time to compile a Home Library list of books any home executive could use to grow and expand herself and the family, provide a way to answer questions for children, and peruse, joyfully, on rainy afternoons.

The First Accession to the Library

Unlike Dr. Eliot, I did not specify every single book, by title. I compiled categories and filled in specific options over the years. A few categories can be filled with any current book you think will suit for your family. Some are true timeless classics that you can always find in print or electronic versions.

I received my first home reference library book the Christmas I was fourteen. I probably received other gifts, but the Joy of Cooking was the one I lounged on the couch reading for the rest of the day. . . menu suggestions for formal luncheons, how to prepare octopus, information about exotic spices, how to make puff pastry, and mashed potatoes. No photos, just sketches, but so much information in one volume! Not only did it start my home library,  it was a great example of a longer lasting gift.

Build Your Own Library

Look for books you will use, and are easy to locate information in. The goal, whether you build an electronic library or a paper one, is to have readily available information for the home. . .and to give yourself time to dabble in the various books on a regular basis in order to enrich yourself.

Did you know you now have all the basics to operate your own priority stewardship executive oversight life from your own home? The Daily Doses have set time and priorities in their eternal and biblical frameworks, the time tools have all received an introduction, you can see all the rooms and have an idea of what happens in them. You could be on your own!