From the Stacks
By Carol Ann Robb, PPL Reference Librarian
If it’s Memorial Day weekend, then it means Summer Reading will soon be upon us! This year’s theme, “Adventure Begins at the Library,” is appropriate for all age groups and an easy one to plan for because this building is full of adventures. Look at all the books on our shelves, each one telling a different story and transporting you to a new world. And best of all, you don’t have to pack a suitcase, fill up your gas tank, or board a plane—just find a comfy place to settle down with your book(s) of choice.
So when you’re here stocking up on your holiday weekend stash of books, be sure to stop by the Reference Desk and pick up your Reading Log. We’re asking you to read books in five categories: Adventure/Travel (naturally), Historical Fiction or Nonfiction, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Reader’s Choice, and a Title from our Book Suggestion Jar. Those might not all be your usual fare but that’s what makes for a good adventure—trying out something new and out of your comfort zone. Once you finish, return it to staff at the desk for your very own “Adventure Begins at the Library” book bag that you can use for future visits to the library.
Although it’s called a “summer reading program,” we will also have some special programs , beginning with “Planting for Pollinators” with Peyton Kessler on Wednesday, June 5, at 6:00 p.m. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the weather will cooperate so we can have it on the Courtyard south of the library building (but if it rains, we’ll be in the Meeting Room).
The following week, on Wednesday, June 12 at 6:30 p.m., we are joining forces with PSU Library Services to offer a “Mindfulness Walk” at the East Shelter House at Gorilla Village. April Lemon, the director of Behavioral Health at CHCSEK, will present a brief program on how we can quiet our minds and connect with the natural world to provide some peace and rejuvenation before we practice just that. In case of rain (surely it will stop one of these days), we’ll meet the next evening (please leave your dogs or children at home for this program).
“Sing Along with JT” will return on Sunday, July 14, at 2:00 p.m., in the air-conditioned comfort of the Meeting Room. We’ll enjoy a fun afternoon singing old favorites.
Although most people think summer reading programs are for kids, we have a long-standing tradition of offering adults the same opportunity to enjoy the fun and adventure. You can find both at the Library, especially this summer.