Class 12 English On Libraries complete notes and summary

Answer the following questions: [for 2 marks each]

1. Where could the author be found when he was late for lunch or dinner?
   Ans: Whenever Oliver Sacks was late for lunch or dinner, he was usually found in the oak-paneled library of his house, completely absorbed in reading. The quiet and beautiful atmosphere of the room made it his favorite spot. He often lost track of time while exploring books, which reflects his deep love for reading and the comfort he found in libraries from an early age.


2. What are his first memories?
   Ans: Oliver Sacks’s earliest memories are of the oak-paneled library in his childhood home. He recalls being surrounded by books and learning to read at the age of four or five. The library, filled with literature and medical texts, became a place of wonder and discovery for him. These vivid memories of books and quiet reading shaped his lifelong passion for libraries and learning.


3. Why did he dislike school?
   Ans: Sacks disliked school because it felt restrictive and uninspiring compared to the freedom he experienced in libraries. He preferred self-directed learning, choosing books that interested him rather than following a rigid curriculum. He often learned more from libraries than from classroom lessons, which made school seem dull and less meaningful. His curiosity thrived in the open, quiet spaces of libraries, not in structured school settings.


4. What did he feel about at the library?
   Ans: At the library, Sacks felt a sense of freedom and belonging. He loved being able to choose any book that sparked his interest and enjoyed the quiet companionship of fellow readers. The atmosphere was peaceful and intellectually stimulating, allowing him to explore ideas without pressure. Libraries became his sanctuary—a place where he could think, learn, and grow at his own pace.


5. Why was he so biased about sciences especially astronomy and chemistry?
   Ans: Sacks was biased toward sciences like astronomy and chemistry because they fascinated him deeply and aligned with his academic interests. As he grew older, he needed books that supported his studies, and science offered both intellectual challenge and practical relevance. The cultural excitement around space exploration also influenced his curiosity. His passion for chemistry, in particular, was nurtured through access to specialized libraries and mentors.


6. Why did he become so fascinated by Hook?
   Ans: He became fascinated by Theodore Hook after discovering his works in the Bodleian Library. Hook’s wit, theatrical genius, and ability to improvise music and drama captivated Sacks. He admired Hook’s creativity and brilliance, especially his spontaneous composition of over five hundred operas. Hook stood out as a larger-than-life figure in the 19th century, and Sacks found his legacy both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.


7. Describe library at the Queen’s College.
   Ans: The library at Queen’s College, Oxford, was a magnificent building designed like a palace by Christopher Wren. It had a grand and elegant structure that reflected the historical richness of the college. Sacks admired its architectural beauty and the scholarly atmosphere it offered. The library served as a symbol of academic excellence and tradition, making it a memorable part of his university experience.


8. Why did the students ignore the bookshelves in the 1990s?
   Ans: In the 1990s, students began ignoring the bookshelves because digital resources and online databases became more accessible. The shift toward technology changed reading habits, and many preferred using computers over browsing physical books. Sacks noticed that students no longer wandered through shelves or engaged with printed texts as he once did. This change saddened him, as it marked a decline in the tactile joy of traditional library exploration.


9. Why was he horrified when he visited the library a couple of months ago?
   Ans: Sacks was horrified during a recent visit to the library because he found it nearly empty and lifeless. The once vibrant space filled with readers and books had become quiet in a different, unsettling way. Many shelves were removed, and the atmosphere lacked the intellectual energy he cherished. The transformation reflected a loss of communal reading culture, leaving him deeply disappointed and nostalgic for the libraries of his youth.

1. The author says, “I was not a good pupil, but I was a good listener.” Justify it with the textual evidences.
   Ans: Oliver Sacks admits he wasn’t a conventional student, often disliking school and its rigid structure. He preferred the freedom of libraries, where he could explore topics that genuinely interested him. Despite not being a “good pupil” in the traditional sense, he was a keen observer and an active listener—especially to books. He absorbed knowledge from texts, authors, and the quiet companionship of fellow readers. His ability to learn independently, especially in subjects like chemistry and astronomy, shows that he listened deeply to the voices within books rather than classroom lectures. This self-guided learning made him a “good listener” in the truest sense—someone who engaged with ideas, not just instructions. His fascination with Theodore Hook and his exploration of various libraries further prove that his listening was intellectual and immersive, even if it didn’t fit the mold of a typical student.
2. A proverb says, "Nothing is pleasanter than exploring a library." Does this proverb apply in the essay? Explain.
   Ans: Absolutely. Oliver Sacks’s essay is a heartfelt tribute to the joy of exploring libraries. From his childhood oak-paneled library to the grand halls of Queen’s College and the Bodleian Library, he describes libraries as places of wonder, freedom, and intellectual pleasure. He recalls wandering through shelves, discovering unexpected books, and feeling a quiet companionship among fellow readers. These experiences reflect the proverb perfectly i.e. libraries weren’t just places to study; they were sanctuaries of curiosity and delight. Sacks contrasts this with his dislike for school, where learning felt forced. In libraries, he could follow his interests, whether in literature, science, or history. The essay’s tone is nostalgic and reverent, showing that for Sacks, nothing truly was pleasanter than exploring a library. The proverb isn’t just applicable i.e. it’s the emotional core of the essay.
3. Are there any other services that you would like to see added to the library?
   Ans: While traditional libraries offer books and quiet study spaces, modern learners could benefit from a few added services. First, interactive digital zones could help students access e-books, research databases, and multimedia resources. Second, discussion corners or reading clubs would encourage collaborative learning and literary exchange. Third, career and academic counseling desks could guide students in choosing books aligned with their goals. For creative minds, maker spaces with tools for writing, designing, or experimenting would be valuable. Lastly, inclusive accessibility features like audiobooks for visually impaired readers or multilingual collections would make libraries more welcoming. These additions wouldn’t replace the charm of traditional shelves but would enhance the library’s role as a dynamic learning hub. Oliver Sacks cherished libraries for their freedom and discovery—modern services could extend that spirit to today’s diverse learners.