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A Romance with Reading
Written By: Jenny King | Issue:
Has this ever happened to you? You’re standing in line and a lovely platinum-haired woman comes up and asks what your favorite book might be
No? Well, if it does, you can bet that woman is Celeste Bittner, a volunteer at the Albert Carlton-Cashiers Community Library.
Celeste has been giving her time to the library for 10 years and doesn’t foresee that changing any time soon, even if spontaneity is the spice of life for her. She has the heart of a gypsy and that’s what led her to the Cashiers Valley. Her journey started in New Jersey then took her to Florida. The heat of the summer was too much so, after picking up a magazine, she and her husband headed this way. They found their own piece of the plateau and discovered an excavation site on the property. They’ve found all sorts of things like hand forged nails, cooking pots, even a child’s spats. In keeping with her sense of adventure, Celeste says, “I hate sitting at home and I love being outside. I hike, I play tennis, and my husband and I spend a lot of time searching our land for more treasures. My time at the library is my quiet time.”
The staff of the library is delighted she has chosen to volunteer with them. She’s quick and efficient and thanks to her focus on getting things done, Bittner has been asked to come in two afternoons a week. When questioned about why she chose the library, she admits to having a lifelong love of the written word. Personally, her tastes have changed, she says. “My beach-book reading days are over. I seem to choose more serious books, ones I learn from.”
Her favorite book of all time? “A Prayer for Owen Meany,” by John Irving. “He’s my favorite
author by far.”
Yes, Celeste really does start conversations by asking about favorite books; so start thinking now about what you might answer should she ask.
You never know when she might be in line right behind you.
