Slow Evenings At The Library ✨ Cozy Bedtime Story for Adults

[00:00:10] Hello and welcome back to Sleep Wave. I'm your host, Carissa, and I'm so happy you've joined me tonight. Let's chill out, shall we? If you're new here, this is our weekly free episode. If you've been sleeping better since listening to Sleep Wave, we'd love it if you'd become a subscriber. You'll unlock totally ad-free listening and hundreds of exclusive bonus episodes. Details below your podcast player.

[00:00:38] I don't know about you, but I love a cozy bookstore or library. I recently found the most charming library in my hometown and was instantly delighted by it. The dark wood, plush chairs, and stained glass windows made me feel like I suddenly found myself in a castle library. I instantly felt transported and more relaxed.

[00:01:03] If you love a library moment too, you're in luck. In tonight's story, we return to the pretty town of Harbor Willow on the longest day of the year. Every month in summer, the library takes advantage of the warm nights and hosts a weekly open evening so residents and visitors can pop in, choose a book, and feel part of the community.

[00:01:26] As we head there tonight, we'll join Simone, the head librarian, who welcomes the patrons to the library and enjoys some small yet meaningful connections. Before we begin, our only ad break, which helps make this show possible. To listen ad-free, follow the link in the show notes. What if falling asleep was something you actually looked forward to?

[00:01:54] Well, Sleep Escape is the podcast that turns a restful night into your escape from all of the problems, to-dos, and worries of the waking world. I'm the host, Tyler, and I specifically craft the meditations and hypnosis sessions on Sleep Escape to guide you into the most deep, restful sleep.

[00:02:19] So check it out tonight and see why it's currently the highest-ranked sleep podcast on Spotify. Just search Sleep Escape in your favorite podcast player. Settle in for the deepest rest of your life. And make sleeping your favorite part of the day. There's something quietly remarkable about the stories people carry with them.

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[00:04:11] Go to Instagram at BoobaliciousPod and click on the QR code to unlock episodes full of insight and tips. You can find Boobalicious wherever you get your podcasts. If you're looking for a great way to wind down at night, you have to check out Lights Out Library, where I, Olympia, offer calming documentaries on a wide variety of topics, from science to history to mysteries and mythology.

[00:04:42] Visit lost cities, adventure through outer space, discover the science of our own consciousness, or learn the myths and legends of the world. There's something for all interests, and I present the topics in a thorough, easy to understand, and relaxing way. See why millions have enjoyed learning with Lights Out Library as they settle in for a good night's rest.

[00:05:10] Just search Lights Out Library in your favorite podcast player. I'm Shilpa Oskakovich. And I'm Jazzy Sefcek. And we're the hosts of the Bon Appetit Bake Club podcast. Bake Club is Bon Appetit's community of confident, curious bakers. Jesse and I love to bake. Some might even call us obsessive. And we love to talk about all the hows and whys and what didn't works that come with it. Every month, we publish a recipe on bonappetit.com

[00:05:38] that introduces a baking concept we think you should know. Then you'll bake, send us any questions you have. And we'll get together here on the podcast to talk about the recipe. So consider this your official invitation. Come join the BA Bake Club. New episodes on the first Tuesday of every month, wherever you get your podcasts. Happy baking. Now, take a moment to let yourself relax.

[00:06:14] Notice the weight of yourself where you are seated or lying, supported by the ground beneath you. Inhale slowly. Let the breath expand through your chest and belly, gentle and steady. Pause for a brief moment at the top.

[00:06:40] Then exhale completely, letting go of tension, thoughts, and lingering worries as the air leaves you and drifts away. Allow your breathing to settle into its own rhythm now.

[00:06:58] And keep breathing slowly and deeply, at your own pace for a few moments.

[00:07:39] Now our story can begin. The days in the days in Harbor Willow Library were always busy. The librarians opened the blinds and let the light stream in. And then it was a brilliant blur of activity all the way until closing time. Simone Sears, the head librarian for many years, supposed that libraries in some places were quieter and calmer.

[00:08:07] But this library was set right in the heart of the coastal Cape Cod town. The building peeked out at the end of Main Street, a busy avenue with brightly colored hanging shop signs. That meant the library was usually packed with visitors, as well as people who lived in the town.

[00:08:33] Simone was very proud of this fact, and she wouldn't have it any other way. She had worked hard to make the library a bustling and welcoming place that the whole community could use. The days were for checking books back in, story time for preschoolers, and all the different events that Simone ran.

[00:09:02] She loved after-school study hours and community lectures. But she also appreciated that sometimes it was nice to have a more restful environment to enjoy the space. And so, a few years ago, she'd come up with the idea. Summer evenings. These open evenings were different, and she always looked forward to them.

[00:09:30] There were no particular rules, but they certainly had a different pace. Folks seemed to appreciate the slow and easy sessions. It was a chance to chat a little, read a little, and though some of the regular patrons often turned up, there were often many new faces.

[00:09:53] And so, one evening on the longest day of the year, Simone wandered down Main Street to begin her shift. Any library patrons for the day were long done when Simone showed up. She said goodbye to Mrs. Wells, who had been working all day. And then Simone began her preparation for the evening.

[00:10:21] There was no rush at all, and she moved from task to task with ease. She swept the floor with care, enjoying the warmth of the final rays of the afternoon on her face. She opened up the windows to let the salty Cape Cod air drift inside. She took a deep breath.

[00:10:48] She never tired of the smell of sea air in the summer. There was not a lot to prepare, as Simone preferred to keep it simple. She prepared a big jug of iced tea and set out glasses so people could help themselves. She put out her big sign, which was hand-painted and rustic.

[00:11:14] Dan O'Malley, Simone's boyfriend and the other full-time librarian at Harbor Willow Library, had made it for her, using a brilliant old piece of driftwood they'd found on one of their morning walks. He'd painted it very carefully. Summer evenings at Harbor Willow Library, 7 to 9 p.m.

[00:11:40] Simone always made sure to put it out when they ran their evenings, so that if anyone was popping by, they knew they were welcome. She made sure everything was tidy, doing her final checks. And then, she sat in a cozy chair at the front of the library and waited.

[00:12:04] She relaxed with one elbow resting on the table, fingers curved around a closed book, enjoying the wait. Her gaze drifted across the room, not landing anywhere in particular, just noticing. The library was still, but she could hear the distant sound of people talking on the street outside,

[00:12:31] and she let the sounds flow across her mind, like she could see them. She felt incredibly relaxed, but also quietly alert, ready to respond to whoever came in. Then, there was a tinkle from the big old bell at the front of the library. Simone let out a big smile when she saw who it was, Lila Crow.

[00:13:01] She came rushing in and gave Simone a huge hug. Lila was Simone's best friend. They'd known each other since grade school. She ran the local bakery, and she was still wearing her soft linen apron, clearly coming straight from work. Is it here? Lila asked breathlessly. Simone looked at her playfully. What on earth do you mean?

[00:13:31] She replied. Lila put her hands on her hips. You know what I mean, she said. Simone chuckled and reached underneath the front desk for the new hardback Lila had reserved months ago. It was a big bestseller, a romance between dragons. It had just come out that week, and Lila had been talking about it for days.

[00:14:01] Here you go, Simone said. Lila beamed. Thank you, thank you, thank you, she said, jumping up and down. Simone laughed at her friend as she felt a flow of warmth. She knew that exact feeling when your favorite book arrived at the library. Do you want to stay? Do you want to stay? She asked Lila. Have a cup of iced tea?

[00:14:29] Lila paused, and Simone knew she was ready to go home and dive under the covers in her bed and enjoy the book. It's fine, Simone said. You go. Enjoy. Lila sighed with relief. You're the best, she said. I'll need to take it out when you return it, Simone said. I can't wait to hear what you think. Oh, and I have this for you.

[00:14:59] She handed a bookmark over to Lila. This is beautiful, Lila said in amazement. Simone blushed at the compliment. She had made the bookmark using thick pale blue card and decorated it using pressed flowers from her garden. They were purple delphinium, Lila's favorite flower.

[00:15:25] Lila gave her a huge hug, and then she rushed out the door. As she was leaving, the next visitor arrived. It was Mason Roberts. He walked in slowly, smiling at Simone. Hi, Mason, Simone said, and Huey. Mason's son Huey was on his shoulder, curled up in a small, warm bundle.

[00:15:55] He begged to come all day, Mason said softly, but then he fell asleep as soon as we left the house. It was only a short walk over from the Mason family's big New England colonial to the library. But Simone could imagine why Huey had fallen asleep. It was one of those beautiful, warm summer evenings when the air was a hug,

[00:16:24] and it was easy to close your eyes and relax. She whispered, so as not to wake the sleeping child. Mason thanked her and took a seat with his son on the beanbags to the front of the library. One of the best friends was Alessandra Cassell from the post office.

[00:16:51] Alessandra was extremely glamorous, and she rushed in wearing a red dress, smelling of a rich rose perfume. She carried a huge stack of cookery books, and she let out a groan as she put them in front of Simone. Finally, Alessandra said, I'm always too busy with work to come here in the day,

[00:17:18] and the evenings are just a delight. They really are, Simone said, as she watched the low rays of evening light pass over the wooden bookshelves. She started to sort out the cookery books Alessandra had given her. There was a beautiful book with a green cover, all about Italian soups, and a Korean home cooking book.

[00:17:46] She flicked through Mexican street food at home, and the Mediterranean pantry. The covers were very different, but they all featured delicious-looking meals. There were corn tacos and bowls of rice with bright red chilies. There were photos showing fat bulbs of garlic

[00:18:10] and glistening roast chicken stuffed with lemons and drizzled in oil. How did you get on with them? Simone asked as she scanned the books to check them back into the system. Oh, they were brilliant, Alessandra gushed. Simone smiled. She could already see Alessandra looking furtively at the cookery section

[00:18:37] for her next batch to take home. The funny thing was, Alessandra was a brilliant cook, and Simone knew for a fact she never followed any of the recipes or instructions. Instead, she savored the cookbooks from the library and used each one as a starting point to create her own brilliant dishes.

[00:19:05] Simone could feel her mouth-watering thinking of Alessandra's baba ghanoush. She often made it for her sons and brought any extra round to Simone. Alessandra was generous when it came to flavoring, always using lashings of garlic and lemon juice. Go grab some iced tea, Simone said to her friend.

[00:19:31] I love your iced tea, Alessandra smiled. She wandered over to take a glass. Then, a man Simone didn't know came in. This was unusual. She knew most of the people in Harbor Willow. Hello, she said warmly. The man seemed nervous. He had three books in his hand, and he held them out.

[00:19:59] I'm sorry, he blurted. Whatever for? Simone asked, confused. I took these out last year for my mother to read. She's not got great mobility, and well, I completely forgot. They're a year overdue. Simone took the books. Did she enjoy them? She asked gently. Oh, yes. The man said.

[00:20:29] She loved them. Lots of historical romance, I think. Just her thing. Anyway, I'm really sorry. I've been dreading returning them. It's absolutely fine, Simone said. Really, I'm so glad she enjoyed them. Let me take them back, and is there anything similar I can get for you? The man seemed instantly relaxed. That would be brilliant. She loves reading.

[00:20:59] Let's have a look, Simone replied, and she wandered over to the shelves. She loved being able to recommend a book to someone, and she ran through the library inventory that she knew so well, looking for the perfect selection. As Simone ran her eyes over the spines, she thought of all the books she'd suggested over the years.

[00:21:27] Often, someone would describe what they were looking for, sometimes clearly, sometimes not at all. She would ask a few short questions, make a judgment, and bring back one or two options. Then came the moment she always paid attention to. When they read the back cover or the first page, she could tell when she'd gotten it right.

[00:21:56] She selected three books from the shelves and handed them over. She hoped this lady would like her recommendations. These might work, she said to the man. Do grab some iced tea and have a look around. He smiled with relief. Thank you so much. The library had a soft hum to it.

[00:22:21] It wasn't busy, but there were people milling around, having a drink, and chatting quietly amongst the books. There was a warm glow in the room. Various visitors, like Alessandra, had settled on the big comfy chairs to the back of the room, and they looked up briefly, noticing the low sunbeams through the windows.

[00:22:51] Simone pottered around, chatting to those she knew well and those she didn't. She had a long conversation with a woman who was looking to begin writing, and Simone was able to find lots of different books to inspire her, from some brilliant fiction to some how-to guides. Then there was a small boy with his mom.

[00:23:20] He had just learned to read fluently, and he buzzed around, choosing a stack of books, eventually curling up on the beanbags near Mason and Huey. There was a small gathering of children, and it was nearly their bedtime. They sat there, reading and enjoying the whispers of stories.

[00:23:51] Simone was just tidying up a pile when she looked up, and her heart leapt, as it always did, at the sight of her boyfriend, Dan O'Malley. He walked in with a smile. You're not supposed to be working, she said. I know, I know, he said. I just thought I'd come in and see you and make sure everything was going well.

[00:24:19] It's brilliant, Simone said, and she meant it. The steady flow of customers, no one in a rush, and the beautiful final rays of sun. There was something so relaxing about the whole evening. Simone poured a glass of tea for Dan and handed it to him. There you go, she said with a smile. He took a long sip of iced tea.

[00:24:50] The ice cubes shifted and bumped against each other with soft clinks. It made Simone think of all the evenings she and Dan had spent in the spring, sitting out on her porch, drinking iced tea as they got to know each other. Slowly, their feelings had developed. He was like no one else she'd ever met.

[00:25:19] In some ways, he was so different to her, more impulsive and spontaneous. He loved to travel, while Simone was happiest in Harbor Willow. In other ways, they were incredibly similar, both with a passionate love of all things bookish.

[00:25:45] They kept drinking as they watched the patrons of the library, and then a man came in. It was Caleb Shore, the charter fishing captain, who always took Simone out on his boat. Go there, Simone said to her friend. Simone, he said, delighted to see her.

[00:26:11] I'm so glad you made it, she said. Now, are you looking for anything in particular? She asked, even though she knew the answer. Dan watched the whole exchange and amusement, looking at Caleb Shore's battered copy of Moby Dick. Caleb had a copy of Moby Dick that he'd taken out from the library five years ago.

[00:26:40] It needed renewing every three months, and every three months he came in, and Simone dutifully stamped it for him. When Dan had first witnessed this routine between the two of them, he was confused. You know he can renew it online, Dan had said. Simone had put her hands on her hips.

[00:27:10] Dan O'Malley, of course I know he can renew it online, but you, as well as anyone, know it's not about that. Simone took the book from Caleb, and she put her big stamp firmly in the front with the date. There you go, for another three months, she said. Caleb took the book. Thank you, Simone, he said.

[00:27:40] I'm just up to chapter 95, and it would have been such a shame to give it back without finishing. How many times have you read that? Dan joked. Well, that would be telling. Caleb laughed. Are you sure no one else has requested it? Caleb asked Simone as he went to leave. I don't want to be taking it from someone else.

[00:28:10] No, you're all set, Simone said. Go grab a cup of iced tea. Caleb took his book, and then he wandered over to chat with Alessandra. Dan and Simone watched him leave. Do you want to know a secret? Simone whispered to Dan, her lips close to his ear. Always, Dan replied. That copy of Moby Dick? I bought it.

[00:28:39] Dan laughed. Of course you did. Simone joined in with his laughter. Well, we needed to have a copy in the library, so I just stamp it every three months for him, but it belongs to me. You really are something. Dan said to her, and he squeezed her shoulder. Not in the library, Simone replied. Mock stern. And then,

[00:29:09] gradually, the people started to leave. First, Mason and Huey left, with a few picture books, and then Alessandra, all stocked up with cookbooks. The rest of the patrons took their final sips of iced tea, and then they stepped out into the nights, where the sun had gone,

[00:29:36] but the air was still warm and comforting, like a long... It was time to close down the library for the night. Dan and Simone had their routine well mastered. Simone walked the aisles slowly, checking for forgotten books resting open on tables.

[00:30:05] In their excitement, some of the children had left out some picture books, and she gathered them and put them away carefully. Making sure the pages were all unfolded, she straightened chairs that had been pushed back at odd angles. Finally, she paused at the reference desk,

[00:30:34] smoothing a stack of returned books into neat alignment. Dan logged the final returns into the system, with steady, practiced movements. He drew the blinds halfway. They both walked the length of the library, confirming everything was in place. They took a moment

[00:31:02] to stand still in the center of the library, observing the quiet order they had both restored. Dan hadn't yet turned the computer off, and Simone could tell he was itching to finish up a final job. Time to go? Simone asked. I just want to check on a few upcoming book titles, Dan said. Do you mind?

[00:31:32] I'll wait, Simone replied fondly. She was exactly the same. Even when she thought she'd finished for the day, the books often drew her back. There was always something to look at or check, and she knew she'd never become bored with the job,

[00:32:00] or with Harbor Willow, or indeed, with Dan O'Malley. Not that she was quite ready to tell him that. It was lovely in the library when everything was tidy, and Simone walked slowly through the aisles. She stopped at a familiar section,

[00:32:28] and ran her fingers lightly along the spines. She was not searching for anything specific. She imagined curling up that evening with a few books, pulling the covers over her, and falling into another fictional world. She decided to withdraw three or four books.

[00:32:59] Experience had taught her that it was better to have a range to choose from, than to rely on a single selection. First, she was inspired by Alessandra. Then she chose a cookery book she could flick through later. It was full of delicious summer recipes,

[00:33:25] and she thought of the vegetables she was growing in her garden. She couldn't wait to cook some summer meals over the coming weekend. Romance book stood out because of its worn cover. It had clearly been handled often. She pulled it from the shelf and read the blurb. Allowing the story to bloom,

[00:33:57] she decided to take it. She chose a book of short stories, flicking through and delighting at the thought of dipping into these tales later. Finally, she let out a laugh as she saw the last book she would take home. Her eyes had settled on the spine without even thinking about it.

[00:34:28] Moby Dick's Caleb would be reading his copy that very moment in his little cottage by the shore. She pulled it out and added it to her selection. She adjusted the stack in her arms and turned toward the front desk to check them out. Then, she wandered over to the beanbags.

[00:34:58] It was Simone's favorite spot, and she looked forward to resting there all day. She eased down, enjoying the comfort as she pressed her spine into the beanbag. She thought she might read a few pages from her books. She put the stack down, feeling that satisfying sense of tiredness in her arms

[00:35:27] after the evening's work. She relaxed further into the beanbag until every part of her body was completely supported. All the tension in her face and body had lifted, and she felt almost weightless, like she was lying on a glass.

[00:35:58] She focused on what she could smell. There was still that faint scent of the sea air in the library. Then, she thought of what she could hear. The library was quiet, just the soft sound of Dan as he tapped away. And in the distance, Simone could hear the whirr of the computer.

[00:36:31] Simone liked his presence soothing. She knew when he finished his task, he'd come and get her. Later, they'd potter back to her house for hot chocolate. But for now, her eyelids were so heavy. And so she let her eyes close as she enjoyed the calm wave of pleasure

[00:37:00] washing over her entire body. There was nothing to do. Nobody to talk to. Of course, she couldn't help but let her mind roll on conversations she'd had that day. Each one had refreshed her and revived her in a different way.

[00:37:29] And she considered the small interactions that made up her days and her life. She drifted off to sleep. Calm and content After a slow, We didn't mean to love and make the best you We don't know what and