Books--The Best Gift

I was recently invited to a baby shower, and along with the invitation came a request to give the baby your favorite children's book with a personal message written inside to the baby.  The intention is not only to build a small library for this baby girl, but also to introduce her to books from the start.  As a perch librarian and someone who loves reading, I thought this was such a sweet and wonderful idea.

I know I'm biased, but I think you're never too young (or too old) for books and libraries.  Small children gain so much when someone reads to them.  They learn sounds, vocabulary, and language.  They learn to pay attention and focus.  They develop their thinking and reasoning abilities.  They get social interaction and forge a relationship with the person reading to them.  And this is just the beginning.

As children grow, they progress to different and more advanced books.  They learn letters, and how those letters form words, which then form sentences.  They learn about children just like them, about the world, and about life in general.  They learn that they're not alone, that they're not the only ones experiencing the things they face.  That other kids are learning how to use the potty.  That other kids are worried about school and whether they'll be liked.

Children discover that with books they'll never feel lonely or bored.  Books can be their best friends and teach them so many different things, subjects and skills that they will use in various situations for the rest of their lives.  The gift of books is precious and can do so much in shaping both the mind and character of children.  It helps them transform into the adults they will become one day.

Be sure to give the children in your life the gift of books.  Give them the tools to read, to learn, and to dream.  After all, some dreams turned into reality have made the world a better place.

Wishing you and your loved ones beautiful reading from the perch.

Spin-a-Yarn

In a little over a week from now, summer will officially be over.  The end.  Fini.  Bye bye baby.  The weather will be getting colder, the days will be getting darker, and most of us will be spending more time indoors.  It's the perfect time of year to work on a hobby.  If you're thinking along the lines of knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, or counted cross stitch, then the library is the place to go!

On the 3rd Tuesday of every month, we hold a Spin-a-Yarn at 6:30 in the evening on the big cozy chairs in the magazine section.  At its most basic, the monthly get-togethers provide the opportunity to work on your craft in a group setting and to talk about books or anything else that's of interest.  Going a little deeper, the meetings are also a chance to see what other people are creating, learn how to do new things, and make friends.

Don't worry if you don't know how to work with a needle or hook.  Yours truly or other fellow Yarners (as I like to call the participants) will be happy to show you how to knit, crochet, or sew.  I'm amazed when I hear that some yarn shops in Spokane actually charge as much as $25 per class to teach knitting or crocheting.  Why not save your hard-earned dollars and come to the library where you can learn for free?

In our crazy, busy world, the calm practice of yarn crafting seems to be going more mainstream.  It's a connection to the past, when handmade and slow was the way to go.  Maybe it's your way to go?  Don't be concerned about your age--we've had middle school students to military spouses to grandmothers joining us.  And don't worry about your gender.  Right now, The Crochet Dude is one of the superstars in the craft world proving that yarn crafts aren't just for women!

So bring in your projects and have some fun.  If you're new, Wal-Mart is a great place to go for some inexpensive yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and anything else to help you get started.  See you on the 3rd Tuesday!

Yours truly looking up and pinning free craft patterns on the perch.