Happy Book Birthday to Nicole Galland! Today her latest novel, Godiva, goes on sale and she she has popped in to celebrate by sharing with us how two very important library cards have helped with her work.
Welcome, Nicole and congrats!
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I collect library cards the way some people collect credit cards. I love them – as some people love credit cards – because each one is an affirmation that yes, I deserve access to something of tremendous importance and power. Not financial credit, in this case, but books.
I love all of my library cards, but two have a particularly special place in my heart.
The first was my passport to becoming an author: a 5-year pass to the British Library’s immense stacks.
The second was my passport to writing Godiva: a library card for diminutive Leominster Library, Herefordshire, UK.
In 2002, I had to write a petition to the British Library, explaining why I deserved access to their hallowed collections. I was an unpublished author and an un-produced screenwriter; I had no credentials or clout, except a letter of endorsement by my fantastically loyal manager, Marc Glick. When I received the acceptance notice from the British Library, I was over the moon, as if I’d been accepted into the world’s most exclusive club.
The materials I needed to research The Fool’s Tale (my first novel) were not for circulation, and my travel plans gave me limited time in London. From Los Angeles, via the internet, I ordered the books for a specific date; when I arrived at the massive BL, I was ushered through various rooms and floors, presented my acceptance letter and a photo ID before being issued my pass. I collected my books, and settled into an empty booth – which I did not leave for eight hours, except to get a drink of water, once.
Fast forward several years and a couple of published novels. I was on an intensive writing retreat, staying with friends (Alan and Maureen Crumpler) in Leominster, England. While much of Godiva is centered in Coventry (where she made the famous ride), there is a sizable chunk set in Leominster and Hereford; I needed to immerse myself in the local history.
Maureen walked me less than 100 feet from their door to the door of the Leominster library. She politely announced, “This is Nicole, she needs to do some research, and she’s staying with us.” Five minutes later, I had my own Herefordshire Library Card. Half an hour later, I had every book, essay, and pamphlet I needed to complete my research. I doubt most of it would have been in the British Library.
I don’t know that I will ever need to use the Herefordshire card again, and the British Library pass has long expired. But I keep them together in a special place; to lose them would be to lose mementos from a lover.
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Thank you for sharing your story with us, Nicole. Be sure to pick up Godiva for your shelves!
– Annie