Social "Things" and a Book Loving Ghost

I've experimented with Facebook in the past and wondered about its potential. It is definitely something I will want to further explore at some time in the future. Especially now that I know how to better protect my privacy. On a personal level, at this point in my life I have so little time to spend on my computer that I can't see myself adding the care and feeding of a Facebook account to my "to do" list. But some day...

That said, the various library pages that I reviewed were interesting and informative. I can understand how Libraries would find Facebook to be a useful tool for keeping clients up to date on current Library events. So many people these days are Facebook users. It just makes sense to use it as method of advertising your wares.

I appreciated the fact that the 23 Things Team offered up some alternative social networking sites for our consideration. I love Dogster and could really see myself spending some time there...

This little fellow is Jacob the Werewolf...my best friend and the main reason

why I do spend some time on dog-related websites. He may look sweet and innocent,

but he's a handful (especially when the moon is full) and I occasionally find

myself looking for advice from other dog owners.

On Twitter, I searched for Library-related sites and found a few that I thought would be interesting to follow. The New York Public Library's was particularly enjoyable with its refreshing mixture of Library news and interesting articles, interviews, etc. Following this site feels like time well spent.

For fun, I decided to follow some very cute and funny animal-related sites. Amongst my favorites is the "Simon's Cat" page. If you've ever been owned by a cat, or have been close friends with one, this is for you. Check out the "Films" tab. They are hilarious!

This blog is a compilation of my experience with a number of "Things" so I'll briefly comment on Diigo. Running late, as ever, I was able to view a number of the tutorials and experimented briefly with some of the available features. It seems like an instrument with enormous potential. As with Facebook, I will return to Diigo in the future to become better acquainted.

You will see the results of my experience with Thing 18 - Widgets in the upper right hand corner of my Blogger page..."Mysterial"...the search engine for all things paranormal.



And Now......



Well, not really....just kidding... Our next ghost really isn't all that frightening. But he was a hero in his past incarnation. We, as Library folk, will find a special appreciation for his love of books that ultimately (and so very sadly) was responsible for his death. So, without further delay, I would like to introduce (for your spine-tingling pleasure)...The Ghost of Felbrigg Hall!

Welcome to Felbrigg Hall, Norfolk, UK.

This castle-like structure dates back to the 17th century and stands on what was once one of the largest estates in Norfolk. Today, the Felbrigg estate covers almost 7 square kilometres and boasts breath-takingly beautiful gardens....

Stunning architectural features....

And...of course...a Library!

...Wherein lies the tale of William Windham III, the purported ghost of Felbrigg Hall.

William lived at Felbrigg in the latter half of the 18th century. He was a scholar and is said to have had a great love of books.

On a summer evening in 1809 William was returning to his lodgings in London when he noticed that a nearby house was ablaze. Only a few doors away was the home a dear friend who possessed an impressive library of valuable books. Fearing that the books would be lost in the quickly spreading fire, William almost single-handedly removed them all to safety. In the course of the rescue however, our hero fell and badly bruised his hip. Eventually a tumor grew at the site of the injury. William underwent surgery to remove the tumor but went into shock shortly afterwards and did not recover. His remains lie in the family vault at Felbrigg Hall...

   

Ever true to his great passion for books, even in death, the ghost of William Windham III is frequently seen in the library of Felbrigg Hall. He sits in an armchair by the fireplace, beloved book in hand. After a time he will place the book on the table beside him and gradually fade away. According to estate employees, William can be coaxed to appear by setting out specific books that were given to him by his friend, Samuel Johnson....

...Sigh...what bibliophile could ever hear such a tale and remain unmoved? I ask you!