Finding A Town Like Alice…In Baysville Public Library Of Course!!!

Remember the Flying Dragon on Bayview?

About four years ago, I was wandering around in Leslieville, and stumbled upon a gem of an independent book store: Flying Dragon Bookshop. As soon as I went in, and found the mounds of great reads, I knew I had found a treasure. I soon struck up a conversation with the owner, and she was happy to recommend a great book for my Book Club's Christmas Exchange meeting that December.

While we were chatting and going over possible selections, she mentioned to me that her favourite book of all time was Neville Shute's A Town Called Alice. Huge praise, I thought, considering the well-read source.  I asked for it, but sadly, she didn't have any in stock. I made a mental note to come back and get a copy the next time I was in the area.

Flying Dragon Bookshop was a Treasure

Time goes by, and as we have seen recently, independent bookshops are feeling the market crush of Amazon and Chapters. The next time I was in Leslieville, I was heart broken to see the once magical storefront empty, and the space stripped to the bare fixtures. Flying Dragon had flown away, and with it, another source of great reading and recommendations. No note in the window, and no sign of it some

I never forgot about the owner's recommendation of A Town Called Alice.  About 4 months ago, I popped it the Vaughan Public Library, only to find that there isn't a copy of this novel in their collection. Knowing that librarians can make almost anything happen if you ask nicely, I asked if there was a way to get me a copy of this title. After some digging, the librarian assured me that we could put in a request through the Inter-Library Loan program and find a library system in Ontario that might lend me a copy. Amazing…Good old fashion reciprocity between public service providers. I thought that didn't happen anymore!

Baysville: 50 Km South of Huntsville Ontario

Two weeks ago, I got the call that my book had arrived. I was thrilled and immediately dashed down to the library to pick up my long awaited book.

It's been a long time coming, and I can't wait to tell others about it. Thanks to Baysville Public Library for sharing…I haven't a clue where this book came from…But I'm grateful to them all the same!