I dreamed of finding a vintage library card catalog for years. They are not cheap so I added it to my “someday” list.
Late one night—-when I should have been zonked out—I saw a listing on Facebook Marketplace. The listing said her stepmother was moving into memory care and the family would only be available for three days.
I sent a message, but she said there was a lot of interest.
I panicked and sent another message. “I can come first thing in the morning. I can pay right now!”
The price was very fair, and I worried someone would offer her more money and I’d lose out.
She replied she was reconsidering and felt she should sell the drawers for a higher price.
Oh well, I guess these are not for me.
She sent another message. “Okay, you can pick it up in the morning. A Steinway!! My dream piano.
I told her I wrote a book about a Steinway-playing piano teacher.
“Yes,” she said. “I peeked at your profile. Nancy would have loved you.”
Late one night—-when I should have been zonked out—I saw a listing on Facebook Marketplace. The listing said her stepmother was moving into memory care and the family would only be available for three days.
I sent a message, but she said there was a lot of interest.
I panicked and sent another message. “I can come first thing in the morning. I can pay right now!”
The price was very fair, and I worried someone would offer her more money and I’d lose out.
She replied she was reconsidering and felt she should sell the drawers for a higher price.
Oh well, I guess these are not for me.
She sent another message. “Okay, you can pick it up in the morning. A Steinway!! My dream piano.
I told her I wrote a book about a Steinway-playing piano teacher.
“Yes,” she said. “I peeked at your profile. Nancy would have loved you.”
When we arrived to pick up the library card drawers, she asked if I’d like to look through Nancy’s sheet music since I’m a pianist.
“Take what you want. Also, I see you watercolor paint? She gave us a set of watercolor paint and brushes.
She smiled. “Nancy would have been so pleased her things went to the right person.” I sold a Steinway today and am exhausted.”
Nancy had worked at the library at Harvard for many years and snagged these drawers when they removed the card catalog.
I’m so happy I have Nancy’s drawers.
I shared this photo of my house and a friend asked what I keep in the library card drawers, and I thought perhaps you’d like to peek inside my card catalog.
1. A room in my house
2. Bookmarks for my novels—if you’d like some, contact me with your mailing address and I’ll pop some in the mail.
3. Pencils for homeschool
4. Notes and cards from friends and loved ones
5. Bookmarks for personal use
6. Vintage catalog cards of Wisconsin authors
What about you? Do you have a vintage card catalog? Do you dream of finding affordable library card drawers?