I’ve always loved libraries. They are proof that we’ve made some progress as a society. Free information for the general public, archives of history, literature for the masses.

My friend Mandi says that “a library is the last place for an introvert.”

When I first moved to Calgary, the library was my sanctuary. I would nestle into one of the comfy chairs in a suburban library, surrounded by mothers and young children scouring for picture books and movies. On the weekends I would take the train down to the Central library and surround myself with the homeless, the freaks and the leftover hippies. I would scour the shelves for CD’s from local bands, and the entire discography of every member of the band Uncle Tupelo.

I still remember pulling Joseph Heller’s Catch 22 off-the-shelf, and realizing shortly into the book, that my life would never be the same. I think about finding Slaughterhouse-Five and being properly introduced to Kurt Vonnegut. I can’t forget going through Paul Newman’s filmography on DVD while being alienated and alone in a new city.

(Ps, The Sting and Sometimes A Great Notion are underrated gems)

The last 10 books I’ve read (from the Calgary library) This list has not been updated

Rebirth: A Fable of Love, Forgiveness, and Following your Heart

by Kamal Ravikant

Perfect Youth: The Birth of Canadian Punk

by Sam Sutherland

Get Started in Self-Publishing

by Kevin McCann

Comedy Writing Secrets

by Mark Shatz

Barney’s Version

by Richler Mordecai

On Writing

by Charles Bukowski

How To Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia

by Mohsin Hamid

New Slow City

by William Powers

Purity

by Jonathan Franzen

Undermajordomo Minor

by Patrick deWitt