Correct!

Thank you ladies and gentlemen, now try this one: "The books climbed and stoned down into baskets which were carried out. There was the brisk suction of a vacuum cleaner."

Can't quite place it.

Here is a clue which may help; This short story is from a Ray Bradbury collection that was released in the year 2007. You can buy this collection both new and used on Amazon.com. The story is exclusive to this collection.I hope this information helps you.

Haven't read the story, but is it "Somewhere a Band is Playing?"

Has anybody seen my cane?

BH

Sorry BH, my quote is from a short story that was part of a collection of the same. Another clue for you all, my quote is from a very short story. Again, I hope this information helps.

quote:

"The books climbed and stoned down into baskets which were carried out. There was the brisk suction of a vacuum cleaner."

That would be 'The Library', from the magnificent collection MATCH TO FLAME.

Ozzie,

You the man! Yes, my short story was 'The Library' from Match to Flame. To those of you who don't have a copy yet, get it while you can! It still sells for around $100.00 in some places. Ozzie, your turn from the land down under.

OK, this one's not too hard:

"Their faces tanned as they rattled down the dusty roads. Those were the days when the roads were really dusty; a fine brown talcum that floured up after your car."

'Machinery of Rare Device'
?

Afraid not, libRArY.
Maybe this one's not as easy as I thought.... Perhaps a clue ... ?

OK a couple of clues for this one:
It's an earth-bound story (ie not set on Mars or a rocket etc.),
and (this kind of gives it away, I think) in this story an item of food plays a key role.

Maybe too much of a giveaway. That's got to be The Pumpernickel. (I think?)

Yes of course it is (and I knew it would be a giveaway; I'm just not patient enough).
It's a relatively unknown story, but simple and poignant.

Tinkerbell, do you want to post a quote?