Four Things Your Librarian Wants You to Know
Little Ways to Make Your Library Experience Even Better
Libraries are a magical place full of learning, imagination, and fun. But hey, we know things can get messy. Don't worry, we've just about seen it all! Below are some tips from your friendly local librarians that we'd like you to know to keep things running smoothly:
1. Please don’t fix any damage to library items.
We have specialized supplies and techniques to repair most item mishaps. Please do, however, let us know about any rips, spills, tears or other damage so that we may attend to the item promptly.
2. No need to be embarrassed about fines.
If you happen to rack up a few fines, we understand. Life can get crazy! Fines have happened to most of us - even library employees! The best action is to pay it as soon as possible (cash or check in person; credit online if over $5) and then forget it. We’ve all been there!
3. Please mark donations as “donations.”
Our library collection is always expanding thanks in part to patrons who are so generous with their donations. If you would like to donate items, however, please mark them as donations; otherwise, items may get stowed away in our lost and found. And, as always, please no encyclopedias, textbooks, VHS tapes, or items that are ripped, soiled or stained.
4. No one book is better than another.
We all library differently and our staff is always happy to make recommendations or help you find the perfect item. But, when it comes to what is better, only you know. Whether it’s old, new, funny, dramatic, fiction, true crime - we just love that you love reading!
Book Clubs: The Type of Club You Won't Regret in the Morning
Summer is only a couple months away. Time to make some big decisions. Should I take that vacation? Should I host my family for the 4th of July? Can I still pull off that bikini? Let us suggest a decision that won't make you think twice: joining a book club!
According to the New York Times, about 5 million Americans belong to some type of book club. One of the earliest semblances of a “book club” began in 1634 when a woman named Anne Hutchinson, traveling by ship to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, gathered a group of women together to analyze weekly sermons on board. Although the group was disbanded, Hutchinson continued regular Bible studies in her new home. Fast forward a few hundred years to 1926 when a gentleman named Harry Sherman established the Book-of-the-Month Club, delivering current literature into homes and making community reading and subsequent discussion easier and more accessible. In 1996, Oprah announced her version of a book club and since then book clubs have been led by the likes of Reese Witherspoon, Jenna Bush-Hagar, the Today Show and Good Morning America, just to name a few.
So, why have book clubs been a thing for so long and what good reasons do we have to throw a book club into our regular routines? The benefits of a book club are many:
- A book club can open your mind to new experiences and new ways of thinking. You will inevitably be exposed to books you may not have read on your own and the ensuing discussions may help you see things from a different perspective.
- A book club reinforces your commitment to reading by holding each club member accountable to the chosen book. And we all know the benefits of reading regularly could fill many, many article pages.
- The social interactions you receive, even from an online book club, are a great way to reap the benefits of being social: decreased stress, sharpened cognitive skills, increased levels of happiness … just to name a few.
And how to bring this book love into your life? Attend one (or all!) of the four adult book clubs each month here at the library, find a common group on social media such as Facebook or Instagram, or gather a few friends and check out one of our book club kits to get the discussion going. Then get clubbing!
Sources: Minnpost.com; bookriot.com; HBR.org
What We’re Reading
When Adrian's third wife, Maya, is hit by a bus and killed, Adrian is determined to find out if it was truly an accident ... or something more sinister. In the aftermath of her death and his grief, Adrian is also forced to come to terms with the devastation left in his wake from the first two families he created. The Third Wife by Lisa Jewell explores family, loss, grief, healing and love. No doubt a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
You may also want to try:
- Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
- The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
- One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
- What Have You Done? by Shari Lapena
Spring Book & Puzzle Sale!
The Friends of the Library Annual Spring Book & Puzzle Sale is coming soon!
Friday, April 11 5 - 7 PM (Members Only Preview Night)
Saturday, April 12, 9 AM - 4 PM
Sunday, April 13, 1 - 3 PM (Half price and $5 bag sale)
We accept cash and checks as payment. Books, Puzzles, DVDs, CDs and Audiobooks will be available for purchase.
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