Summer Travel and Books

Here we are in the middle of summer.  The weather's great and the road beckons.  Maybe you're looking to take that great American summer vacation with all the bells and whistles, or maybe you're interested in a simple local day trip.

Whether your trip is near or far, big or small, why not stop by the library for some travel ideas and information?  We got plenty of books on attractions and things to do in the local area and beyond.  For the most current information on your destination, you can use our computers to check some things on the Internet as well.

If you've already made your travel arrangements, don't forget we also have lots of recreational reading for you to enjoy while you're relaxing on the beach or camping in the forest.  Need a break from reading?  Check out an audiobook, CD, or DVD.

Whatever you need or whatever you're planning, chances are we have something that can be of use to you.  Just come on in and load up on the goodies.

And don't forget--the summer reading program continues until August 31 for kids, teens, and adults.  There's still time to do those log sheets and turn them in for prizes and a chance to win the drawings at the end of the summer.

Wishing you happy summer reading from the perch!

Handwriting Making a Comeback?

I'm sure you've probably heard that younger generations are no longer taught cursive handwriting in schools.  Typing lessons have become de rigueur, which is all fine and understandable, especially with computers being an unavoidable part of our lives these days.

On the down side, younger people aren't able to pen their signatures, which have become printed scrawls more easily replicated by forgers than cursive script.  Additionally, younger people can no longer read script, which means they can't read letters written by grandparents or other people from the past who wrote in cursive.

There is hope, however.  Apparently, cursive and calligraphy have become the new rage.  Younger generations are now finding "old school" handwriting with all its imperfections amazingly cool.  Just like other crafts done by hand, such as woodworking and knitting, calligraphy is viewed as another example of handcraftsmanship.

Many people today regard a handwritten note as something special.  After all, the person who did it took considerable time to craft each letter on the page with a writing instrument.  Unlike a laser or ink jet printer, the writer didn't spew out multiple pages in seconds.  It's something personal and more intimate. 

Additionally, beyond their personal and aesthetic qualities, calligraphy and cursive promote cognitive and fine motor skills in the hands.  In other words, handwriting makes your brain think and your hands work in ways they wouldn't otherwise.  Even more reason to give something "old" a new chance.

Old-fashionedly yours from the perch.