By Antigone Hall
There’s a whiff in the air that is a combination of woody notes, ink, dust and nostalgia. Along with that aroma there is a sense of calm and peace.
I am talking about your local library and that distinct smell has a name “bibliosima”.
Derived from Greek biblio (book) and osmia (smell) bibliosima’s definition is “the lingering scent arises from the gradual chemical decomposition of paper, ink, and binding adhesives and is unique to libraries and bookshops”.
It is a word invented by author and professor Oliver Tearle.
Another word, “vellichor”, comes from combining vellum and ichor (pronounce ick-or). Vellum is parchment prepared from young animal skin or membrane to write on and ichor is the ethereal fluid in Greek mythology that flows in the veins of gods. Vellichor’s meaning is “the strange, wistful nostalgia felt when browsing in a second-hand bookstore or old library”.
This word was invented by John Koenig, also an author.
With aisles of information and entertainment for all walks of life the library is free to join and it’s free to borrow books, ebooks, audio books, magazines, CDs and DVDs for young and old. And there’s free internet access.
Libraries are finding a resurgence in these unpredictable and over-stimulating times.
“I just had five people join in my two-hour shift,” said librarian Amy from Mosman Library. “It’s becoming more popular especially as the cost of living crisis and prices are rising.
“This is a very free hobby and people are looking for analogue things to do such as be in community spaces and the library is the place they turn to.”
More words are needed in this world. Words to describe the magic of picking up a book and not only reading it but smelling it too and whatever else is emotive to you.
There are over 360 libraries in NSW and each one has tens of millions of words to choose from. So give it a shot.
To experience why libraries are gaining in popularity please visit State Library of NSW for guidance.
Featured image: There are tens of millions of words out there and more are waiting to be made.
Artwork: Antigone Hall/pixnio/thebluediamondgallery.com