What Did Hemingway Read?

In 1919, Shakespeare & Co. opened in Paris as a bookstore and lending library. Books in English were expensive to buy, so  famous American expatriate writers, including Ernest Hemingway, borrowed books instead. According to this article in The Guardian, Hemingway borrowed more than 90 books, from P.T. Barnum’s autobiography to Lady Chatterley’s Lover, which he checked out for eight days in September 1929 – the year D.H. Lawrence’s novel first appeared in France, 30 years before it was published in the U.S. 

If Hemingway was late returning his books, he would receive this card with an image of exasperated Shakespeare himself.

How To Get A Public Library Card When The Libraries Are Closed

With a public library card, you have access to free ebooks and audio books. Normally, you would have to go to the library to get a card, but while the libraries are closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, you do have other options.

According to Tracy Wright, the director of the Eastchester Public Library, once you fill out the online application (select your home library from the drop down menu, and please use a parental e-mail if you are under 18), you will receive an email with your new library card number. If your email is blocked, you will receive a call. Please note that since the library is closed, the call will be coming from Johnson Chaco, not the library itself. 

Also, the New York Public Library is offering library cards to all New York State residents through the Simply E app. 

Any library card will grant you access to Hoopla or Libby, and with those apps you can "check out" ebooks or audio books. Keep reading, and stay fly, Eagles!