Hutchinson Library Novels & Stories

Kathrena asked, and we fell into step, all three of us, as we turned off the main street and onto one of the smaller, cobbled lanes that rounded towards the Hawthorn Central Library. “Let’s speak to Herb first. I’ll tell you when we’re settled inside.” The library was quiet as we filed in, and dust rose thick in the air, motes spinning through the slanted, grey light. There was an aura of ancient eyes watching us, today: something mystical, something magical, and it was curious, too.

Ian asked, still with shaky hands. Why couldn’t the f*cker just smoke? Was he on a smoke strike? “It has a golden-brown cover and we’ll find it in the fantasy section.” We scattered into the library but Ian was baffled as to where the ‘fantasy’ section was. ‘Hey, a*shole, do you remember where it was?’ Ante scoffed. ‘I’m only telling you because Hilda is involved, and those are offensive words.’ After a small wait, he replied, as I moved down the dusty shelves of even dustier books. ‘Fifth shelf down the left, should be on the lower rows.’

As he straightened his cufflinks, he cut his voice and added, "Don't wait up." I said, "I won't," already preparing my next move. I opened my laptop as soon as he was gone and looked up the Harrington archives. The searches directed me to a Midtown private library that needed special access to enter. I was uncertain if I would even be permitted entry, but my curiosity was burning brightly within me. An hour later, I was standing outside the imposing structure, which had elaborate carvings on its stone facade. The smell of polish and old paper filled the air within. As I walked up to the counter, a grim-faced librarian gave me a dubious look.

I bet it had been ages since he had seen someone enter this place. “Honored Lord, I’m Hudson. How may I help you? This library is the oldest in Lordslane, so we have every piece the other Libraries don’t.” Hudson began flaunting. “Do you have a book about other species? Vampire or witch?” I asked carefully. “Of course we have it. It’s on the second floor. Let me take you there.” Hudson walked before us. He kept telling a story about this library and the oldest book he had on the shelf. From time to time, he’d ask a question, but I played deaf and gave him a few silver coins.

Hutchinson led her to the study room and said, "Why don't you help to take a look and see which ones can be donated? He is not coming back anymore, and it's more meaningful for these books to go to people that actually need them." "Sure, I will organize them and donate them to the library in the hospital!" Mrs. Hutchinson went outside after a while as everything in the room reminded her of Jed. Once she left, Elliot walked toward Avery. "How long will this take? If it takes time, we can come again tomorrow." "Yeah, I definitely won't be able to finish packing today." Avery scanned through the bookshelf before stopping to stare at a certain rack. She tip-toed and took the documents down.

Not knowing what to do within the four walls, sitting under the tutelage of two friends, she spent time reading books. The library is large and caters for every taste, from historical novels to mysticism, 20th century literature and Sherlock Holmes antiquarian collections, the first as far back as 1902. But no matter how much I liked to dive into the worlds of the authors, I was haunted by a thick layer of dust on the shelves and books. I decided to do something useful and clean these treasures from years of dirt.