From the Stacks
By Carol Ann Robb, PPL Reference Librarian
As far as I’m concerned, the summer doldrums are upon us. It’s hot, it’s humid, and I’m leaning towards crankiness (I can hear some of you saying, “isn’t that her usual M.O.?”). A pick-me-up is certainly needed.
Of course, my go-to remedy is finding a book to read in the air conditioned comfort of my home and yes, it helps. But I really shouldn’t pull the hermit card this early into the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer so I’m patting myself on the back for scheduling the second annual library sing along this Sunday, July 14, at 2:00 p.m.
Once again JT Knoll will lead us in song, ably assisted by Don Viney on guitar (they make a very good team). Between the three of us, we’ve come up with a nice variety of tunes. Some will transport you back in time, other songs may remind you of friends and family, but singing them will certainly make you smile.
Singing with others isn’t the same as humming along in the car or as you go about your daily routine. Being part of a group, making music together is a totally different experience. Take a look at the children in the photo—joyful faces singing with abandon. I can remember sitting in Miss Marsh’s music room at Lincoln School, singing with the rest of my class and I suspect we looked much the same way. We weren’t concerned about sounding like professionals but just enjoyed the music surrounding us. Plus, it sure beat taking math and spelling tests.
Music is just as creative as literature and more easily shared and enjoyed in a group setting. Unless you’re in a book group, reading is a very solitary activity. Which is one reason I like it but well, sometimes a person needs to be part of a community. And that’s what a library should be—a community where folks can gather, whether to read, learn, craft, or even sing. Chances are very good that I’ll fling open the meeting room doors so others can enjoy hearing voices raised together in song. A library shouldn’t be a stuffy, quiet place—we want this beautiful building to vibrate with life. And this Sunday we’ll accomplish that with singing.
Don, JT, and I are looking forward to Sunday afternoon. Come join us—some of our selections may surprise you.