Holiday Movie Time!

Seasons Greetings 2020. It's been one rough year. Maybe you feel like celebrating this year, maybe you don't. Maybe you're stuck at home with nowhere to go and feeling a little down. If that's the case (as it is for so many of us this year), why not get your spirits up with a holiday movie? Here are some of your friendly, neighborhood perch librarian's top 10 favorite picks, all of which can be checked out from the library:

• A Charlie Brown Christmas  This children's classic celebrates its 55th anniversary this year and is perfect to lift your spirits in this Charlie Brownest of times.
• A Christmas Story  Oh, ffffudge! The cards are stacked against Ralphie getting that official Red Ryder, carbine action, 200-shot, range model air rifle for Christmas, but will he get lucky after all?
• The Holiday  Two women, both frustrated with their lives, swap houses for Christmas hoping to re-gain some gumption along with a change of scenery.
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas  Stink. Stank. Stunk. The Grinch does everything possible to ruin Christmas in Whoville, but there's something he didn't count on in this cartoon classic.
• It's a Wonderful Life  Life doesn't go quite as planned for George Bailey, who discovers something very important one Christmas Eve.
• Love, Actually  Love is lost, sought, and found in this holiday comedy set in the UK with a stellar cast.
• Miracle on 34th Street  Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus, and in this well-loved movie he's at Macy's flagship store on 34th Street in New York City.
• The Polar Express  Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, you'll feel warm and fuzzy inside as you watch the events of a magical train ride to the North Pole unfold.
• While You Were Sleeping  Sad not to be with your family this holiday season? So is Lucy, until she meets the Callahans, who welcome her to their clan.
• White Christmas  Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, traditional Christmas songs, a cozy lodge in Vermont...need I say more?

All these movies, coincidentally, show that no matter how dire things may seem, no matter how down you may feel, everything will work out and be fine in the end. It's a message many of us can use in these dark times.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy Holiday Season and a better, "normal" New Year from the perch.

Things to Feel Grateful About

Gratitude is good to practice at any time, but it's especially important to practice during difficult pandemic times. Often, we're able to see all the bad things going on because we're wired to see the negative. Blame our ancestors thousands of years ago for this. Their survival depended on remembering bad things that happened to them so they could avoid dangers in the future. Focusing on the positive takes more work.

As hard as it may be to believe, we have a lot of good things to be grateful about during 2020. What things, you ask? In no particular order, here are a few just for starters:

• Family--Having the support of family means a lot.
• Pets--After all, they're part of the family.
• Good health--If you and your loved ones have it.
• A job you enjoy--Having work that's rewarding is a good thing.
• The outdoors--It's always there, even in your backyard.
• Exercising--Like it or not, it improves your mood.
• Laughter--A good belly laugh does wonders for the soul.
• Kindness--Giving and receiving it is so important.
• Movies--They relax us and lift our spirits!
• Books--Of course! They take us to different places!

We can be grateful about all the big things that are good in our lives, but it's important to note the little, everyday things that make us feel grateful. For instance, a warm cup of tea, a beautiful sunset, a warm bed in which to sleep, music, breakfast, or fuzzy socks, among others. Experts say that keeping a daily or weekly gratitude journal of life's little joys can help lower stress and cultivate a more positive outlook.

Heading into the Thanksgiving holiday, what are some things you're grateful about this year? Share with us!

Gratefully yours from the perch.

Holidays in the Time of Coronavirus

With Halloween just around the corner, we're heading into a holiday season that's unlike any we've experienced before. There were other holidays in the past seven months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some of the really big holidays we normally spend with gatherings of family and friends are coming in the next two months. And to top things off, those holidays are often celebrated indoors because they take place during colder weather in most areas.

I think it's safe to say we're all pandemic-weary at this point. We want to see our families and friends in person. We want restaurants to operate at normal capacity. We want to watch new movies in cinemas. We want concerts back. We want to stop wearing masks and washing our hands like germaphobes. We want to resume our normal lives. But we can't. Because coronavirus is still a very real thing.

I'm not going to tell you what to do or not to do as we enter this strange holiday season. We all have a lot of tough choices to make on how we're going to do things this year, deciding on what risks we're willing or not willing to take. 

To help you make those decisions, consult reputable websites like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, WebMD, and The Health Nexus. Some other websites to check for the latest information on the spread of the virus are the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center, the Washington State Coronavirus Response (or similar websites for other states), and the Spokane Regional Health District (or similar websites for specific counties).

Keep in mind that the 1918 Flu Pandemic didn't last forever and neither will the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. We just don't know when it will end. In the meantime, let's keep ourselves, our families, and others safe by becoming educated and making the best decisions possible.

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday season from the perch.

We're back!!!

At long last, the library is OPEN!!! Well, a limited opening, but it's the first time since March that we're actually welcoming patrons through our doors! YAY!!!

The COVID-19 Pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives, and unfortunately, that includes library visits as well. So, allow me to talk about what to expect the next time you come into to the library:

• The library is open by appointment only. You can call us (509-247-5556) to schedule a 30-minute appointment for book browsing or a 30/60-minute appointment for computer use.
• "Grab and Go." Look around, grab what you want, and check out. Do not read or flip through books. There is no lingering in the library at this time, so expect chairs stacked on tables and toys put away.
• Please bring and wear your own mask. We want everyone to stay safe and healthy, so if you're older than 2 years, we ask that you cover your nose and mouth with a mask. All library employees are wearing masks as well.
• Distance yourself from others. Appointments may overlap, and if this happens, be sure to distance at least 6 feet away from others.
• Use hand sanitizer. Keep your hands clean by using the hand sanitizer provided in the library.
• New books on display. To minimize contact and spreading germs, we've arranged our newest books on displays with their covers facing front. If you're interested in checking something out, pick one up!
• No food and drinks. This helps the library stay clean and keeps the spread of germs to a minimum.

We understand that many of you have missed coming into the library, and we've missed seeing you as well. We also want to keep everyone as safe as possible during these difficult and unprecedented times. Please be courteous and mindful of others, some of whom may be immune compromised, elderly, or in another high risk group for contracting coronavirus. Come on time for your appointment and stay within your time limit. Of course, if you don't feel comfortable coming inside the library, we'll still bring your items out to you curbside.

Hopefully, the situation with the pandemic will improve over time, and when that happens, we will be able to offer more services. We'll get through this as long as we all do our part to keep ourselves and others safe. In the meantime, let's keep reading!

Sending you wishes for good health from the perch.

Movies to Ease Your Wanderlust

Have a bad case of wanderlust? Watch a movie! I don't have to tell you that the pandemic is really cramping our style. Travel just isn't happening for most of us right now, except perhaps for day trips close to home. A number of us have had to cancel or reschedule those fun, big vacations to distant places or longer trips to family in other parts of the country or world.

Although we may have put our travel plans on hold, movies are a great way for us to "visit" exotic places and see views other than those outside our own windows. Sometimes, besides having a great story, a movie filmed in a beautiful setting can make us feel as if we're in that location. There are so many movies that can bring the world to us. In alphabetical order, here is my personal top ten list of movies perfect for "cinematravel," as I like to call it, all of which are available at the library on DVD or Blu-ray for curbside pickup:

• Crazy Rich Asians (Malaysia, Singapore) It's stressful enough to meet your significant other's parents, but finding out they're super-rich, super-snobbish, and the crème de la crème of Singapore takes things to another level in this rom-com.
• The DaVinci Code (England, France, Scotland) This fast-paced thriller takes you to various landmarks around Paris and the UK in a quest for the Holy Grail.
• Eat Pray Love (India, Indonesia, Italy, New York) The main character takes us along on her journey to eat her way through Italy, pray in an ashram in India, and find new love in Bali.
• Enchanted (New York) This family favorite about a princess finding her prince sings and dances its way around New York City.
• E.T. (California) The lovable movie about an extraterrestrial left behind on Earth presents the California redwoods in all their giant glory.
• Leap Year (Ireland) A woman traipses around Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day according to Irish tradition.
• The Lord of the Rings (New Zealand) If this trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien's books doesn't sell New Zealand's varied and breathtaking scenery to you, nothing will.
• Mamma Mia (Greece) Colorful characters sing and dance along to upbeat ABBA tunes on a spectacular Greek island--we could all use that about now, don't you think?
• A River Runs Through It (Montana) Nearby Montana may feel far away at the moment, but this movie will bring all the beauty of Big Sky Country and fly fishing home to you.
• Twilight (Oregon) Maybe this popular teen vampire flick wasn't actually filmed in Forks, WA, but Oregon's Columbia River Gorge is a stunning substitute.

Of course, ten movies don't even begin to scratch the tip of the iceberg, so here is a list of other movies notable for cinematravel:

• 127 Hours (Utah)
• About Time (England)
• Australia (Australia)
• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (England, India)
• Cast Away (California, Fiji, Philippines, Russia, Tennessee, Texas)
• Harry Potter Series (England, Scotland)
• The Hundred-Foot Journey (France)
• Into the Wild (Alaska, Arizona, California, Georgia, Nevada, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington)
• Joy Luck Club (California, China)
• The Kite Runner (Afghanistan, California, China)
• Letters to Juliet (Italy, New York)
• A Man Called Ove (Spain, Sweden)
• An Officer and a Gentleman (Philippines, Washington)
• The Revenant (Arizona, Canada, Mexico, Montana)
• The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Greenland, Iceland, New York)
• Under the Tuscan Sun (California, Italy)
• Wild (California, Oregon)
• Yentl (Czech Republic, England)

Do you have some favorite movies that are great for easing wanderlust? Share them with us!

Wishing you happy cinematravels from the perch.

Armchair Travel!

Hello, everyone! Are we tired of the pandemic yet? How about those wildfires? Or those murder hornets? Hey, there's still another three and a half months left of 2020, so who knows if there'll be something new to spice up our lives!

If you're feeling a little stir crazy, like me, staying at home and not traveling because of current world circumstances, have I got the cure for you--armchair travel! Perhaps you heard of it? When you have to stay in one place, it's about taking a virtual vacation somewhere in the world through your mind. There are different modes of transportation:

• Books! (You knew I had to say it.)
• Movies.
• Watch travel shows. (Rick Steves, anyone?)
• Go on virtual tours of museums online.
• Cooking foods of various locales.
• Ordering takeout from a Thai, Ethiopian, German, etc. restaurant.
• Pull out old photos of places you've been.
• Plan future trips to take when all the craziness is over.
• Read travel blogs.
• Make a travel soundtrack of different songs and music.

Need some more ideas for armchair travel? Then check out these webpages on armchair travel:

• 31 of the Best Books About Travel, Chosen by Bloggers
• Armchair Travel: 45 Fun Ideas to "Travel" Without Leaving Home
• Armchair Travel: How to Master Travelling the World from Home
• Armchair Travel with Live Webcams Around the World
• A Complete Guide to Armchair Travel: How to See the World From Your Home
• How to Be an Armchair Traveler When You Have to Stay Home
• The Ultimate Guide to Armchair Travel

Just because we can't travel physically doesn't mean that we can't travel mentally. The possibilities of where we can go virtually are endless. Tatooine or Vulcan, anyone?

Wishing you wonderful armchair travels from the perch.

Good Things!

This post is filled with nothing but GOOD THINGS! Yes, you read that right! To lift up your spirits, I thought I'd make a list of 10 good things that have happened in the past 5 months. In no particular order, here they are:

• IKEA shared the recipe to their famous meatballs online.
• A squirrel mastered a Ninja Warrior obstacle course.
• Plants went to the opera in Spain.
• Drive-in movie theaters made a comeback.
• Taylor Swift came out with a new album.
• Hamilton the movie was released 15 months early.
• We now know what are bidets and their sales went up.
• Board games and puzzles became popular again.
• Bike trails around the U.S. stayed open.
• Working from home made pants optional.

Of course, there are a lot of other good things that happened in addition to the ones mentioned above. What are some good things that have happened to you in the past 5 months? Share with us!

Positively yours from the perch.

Appreciate the Little Things

Lately, I find myself thinking about World War II, the Great Depression, and the 1918 Flu Pandemic. I think about ordinary people trying to live their everyday lives during extraordinary times. I think about adults going to work and children going to school. I think about them going home at the end of the day, their conversations at the dinner table, and what they did afterward in the evening. How did they go through each day not knowing when the difficult times would end?

Like those before us, we're living with a lot of uncertainty right now. Life is not business as usual. There are a lot of things we can't do, things that we take for granted during normal times. It's not easy, but rather than dwell on the "can'ts," let's focus on the "cans."

Start with your home. You can make it into a comfy-cozy place you want to spend time in by keeping it clean and tidy. Light candles and read some books (no bias there). Watch movies and play retro board games. Why not even put on music and dance along? Music soothes the savage beast and exercise increases endorphins, the hormones that make you happy.

Speaking about exercise, get out of the house and take a walk or bike ride in your neighborhood. Really pay attention to the flowers in your neighbor's yard. If the flowers are near the sidewalk, stop and smell them. I can honestly say that I've never enjoyed my home or neighborhood as much as I have this year. Even just being outside, whether on your deck or in your backyard, will lift your spirits. 

To paraphrase the famous saying, appreciate all those little things because they really are the big things. Be grateful for the things you have. And like those other trying periods in history, this period will also end. We just don't know when. In the meantime, let's go forward one day at a time and know we're all in this together.

Gratefully yours from the perch.

Happy Reads

Lately, with all the doom and gloom brought about by the ongoing pandemic, I think it's more important than ever to do some serious self-care, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. Reading is a great way to relax our minds and focus on something else other than the news.

If you're looking for some books to put you in a good mood and lift your spirits, I highly recommend the following books that are sure to brighten your day:

• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Overdrive) A grumpy, lonely old man finds friendship with caring neighbors.
• The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu (RBdigital) Two of the world's spiritual leaders share their experiences and insights on how to find joy in life.
• The Walk by Richard Paul Evans (Hoopla--Audiobook) A man who loses everything--his business, his home, and his wife--sets off on a walk across America to find himself.
• The Little French Bistro by Nina George (Overdrive, RBdigital) Stuck in an unhappy, loveless marriage of over 40 years, a woman leaves her husband to begin anew on the coast of Brittany.
• Anything by Debbie Macomber (Hoopla, Overdrive, RBdigital) These feel-good books follow a familiar formula--characters unhappy with their lives support each other through crises to find their happy endings.
• One Good Deed by Erin McHugh (Hoopla) A bookseller documents her year of trying to do one good deed, no matter how great or small, every day.
• The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick (Hoopla--Audiobook) An elderly gentleman stumbles upon his late wife's charm bracelet, and while learning more about her, he learns to move on and live life fully.

Do you have an upbeat book you'd recommend? Share it with us!

Happy readings from the perch.

Forest Bathing (Swimming Suit Not Required)

I probably don't have to tell you that the COVID-19 pandemic is a stressful time. We're all worried about a number of things--staying healthy, going to work, schooling children, and safely grocery shopping, among others. No matter our age, so many aspects of our lives are being affected right now, and it feels like there's no escape...or is there?

"Forest bathing" or shinrin-yoku is a concept the Japanese created in the early 1990s. Contrary to the term, it has nothing to do with taking a bath in the forest, but has everything to do with immersing yourself in nature. Some would call it nature therapy. It's all about going into a forest, looking at the trees and flora, smelling the fresh air, feeling the breeze on your skin, and enjoying the warmth of the sun.

Doctors and scientists have known for a long time that being outdoors, even in your backyard or on your deck, can do wonders for your mental health, decreasing stress and improving your mood. Going outdoors can help your physical health as well, whether you're simply walking or doing some other kind of activity, like biking.

Luckily for us in the Inland Northwest, we're surrounded by nature. We have forests, parks, fields, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains. There are nature trails to walk and bike paths to ride. We can do things by ourselves or together with members of our household. And since the outdoors are full of space, practicing social distancing from others is a cinch.

So, go out and get a good dose of Vitamin N! Nature is the one thing that's always open. Leave your cell phones and the world behind for a little while. Focus on all the sights, sounds, scents, and sensations around you. And if you need help with where to immerse yourself in the local nature, your friendly, neighborhood perch librarian is here to help.

Wishing you calming, peaceful vibes from the perch.

The Joys of E-Reading

I have a confession to make to you, my dear followers--I have only recently discovered the joys of e-reading. I'm admitting it. I know how that must sound coming from a librarian, especially one who uses all sorts of technology on a daily basis. I'm well familiar with the various databases for e-books and other e-reading our library offers, but I can't say that I myself have ever read a book entirely online until now. Blame it on the pandemic.

I grew up with books. I love the feel of them in my hands, the smell of their ink and paper, and the fact that they're unplugged. Since I spend most of my days on a computer screen, I didn't want to spend even more time on a screen simply to read a book. I was afraid of straining my eyes further and not having that same experience I get from reading a paper book.

When the stay-at-home order was issued and libraries, including my own, were closed down, like many other readers, I acutely felt the disconnect between myself and the print collection. I was in the mood for reading a certain title, but now I had no access to it...except for its digital version. So I hijacked my husband's tablet, installed the database app, and checked out the virtual book.

I'll be honest. It was strange at first to read the book on a tablet, tapping the screen to go to the next page or to bookmark my spot. After a while, however, I became more comfortable with this new reading experience. I was able to adjust the brightness of the screen according to the light in the room (it was actually great for reading in bed--no need for a reading light!). I was also able to adjust the size of the text (no need for large print books) and look up the definition of any word by tapping on it. Not to mention, I now had access to thousands of books at my fingertips!

Don't get me wrong, though. I'm not giving up paper books. I still love their old school experience. I've just learned to enjoy and appreciate a new reading experience as well. So this Christmas, if Santa offers me an e-reader, I won't turn him down this time.

Happy readings (print and virtual) from the perch.

Summer Reading--It's Good for You!

Our Summer Reading Program has started and is well underway--YAY!!! In the last post, I wrote about how the library is doing the program this year during the pandemic. I also mentioned some benefits of reading for both kids and adults, but just in case you need some more reasons:

• Improves reading skills.  The more you do something, the better you get. Reading is something to practice just like any other activity.
• Improves writing skills.  A good writer is also a good reader. Books demonstrate how language is used.
• Increases the desire to read.  When you eat a potato chip, you know you can't eat just one. The same goes for books.
• Improves self-esteem.  Reading builds vocabulary and knowledge. It's a good feeling when you're able to express yourself well and talk about things you know.
• Improves memory.  When you read a book, one event in a story often leads to the next. Reading exercises your mind and helps you remember earlier things.
• Improves concentration.  You just have to know what happens next in the story, don't you? Reading will help you focus and concentrate better.
• Reduces stress.  Need to relax? Reading allows you to forget your troubles and focus on something else for a while.
• Promotes curiosity and learning.  Reading exposes you to different things that will make you want to learn and understand more.
• Improves empathy.  Connecting with fictional characters helps us connect with real people in our lives.
• Provides entertainment.  Books and the stories they tell are fun! They take us to different places when we have nowhere to go.
• Creates a lifelong interest in reading.  When you start reading and make it an enjoyable activity, it becomes a good habit.

So, crack open those books, charge up those e-readers, and get reading! Read whatever you like. Read alone. Read together. The Summer Reading Program may run for 3 months, but the benefits, fun, and memories will last a lifetime.

Happy summer reading from the perch.

Summer Reading Program (Pandemic Edition)

Around this time of year I normally talk about the start of the Summer Reading Program, how much fun it is, and why everyone should do it. While I'm still going to talk about those things, I'm also going to talk about how the library is going to begin the program while we're still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

So, here's the lowdown, simply put:

• The Summer Reading Program is starting virtually.
• The dates are June 1-August 31, 2020.
• Register online at https://fairchildafblibrary.beanstack.org or download the Beanstack App on your phone. (Note: Paper logs can be delivered curbside upon request.)
• Anyone 13 and older can register themselves; adults can register themselves and children under 13 as a family (children 13 and over can be registered with the family, if preferred).
• Once registered, sign in and log minutes under Log Reading and Activities.
• Logs
• 2 hours = 1 log for children
• 6 hours = 1 log for teens
• 8 hours = 1 log for adults
• To collect PRIZES for completed logs:
• Look at our prize selection located here.
• Call the library (509-247-5556), email (fafblibrary@gmail.com), or message through Facebook (Fairchild AFB Library).
• Tell us which prizes you would like and schedule a time for curbside pickup.
• There are extra badges you can earn for writing book reviews and doing other online activities.

We don't know when the library will re-open to foot traffic and we don't know when or if we will have in-person activities for the Summer Reading Program this year. Our primary concern is to keep everyone safe and healthy.

However, that doesn't mean we can't still have fun doing the Summer Reading Program! There are a lot of cool books to read both in print and virtually. Reading takes you many places, even when you may not have any place to go. For kids, reading helps avoid the "summer slide," maintain reading skills, and perform well on school achievement tests. For adults, reading is interesting, entertaining, and keeps the brain sharp.

Bottom line--the Summer Reading Program is FUN for people of all ages! Just do it!

Wishing you happy reading this summer and always from the perch.

The Pandemic vs. The Volcano

This week marked the 40th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in southwestern Washington state. For those in the Inland Northwest at that time, life veered away from the normal. Schools and nonessential business were closed. Some college graduation ceremonies were canceled or postponed. People stayed home or wore face masks when they went out. Sound familiar?

It's ironic that life during the COVID-19 pandemic is eerily similar to life in the aftermath of the Mt. St. Helens eruption. Even the days leading up to the event show a lot of parallels--closing areas near the volcano to the public, advising businesses to shut down, telling people to look after their personal safety. There was a lot of fear and uncertainty then just as now.

The pandemic and the eruption are natural disasters that cannot be controlled. However, our reactions to such things can be. Keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe, helping those who need our help, and being kind to each other in times of crisis are things that we can do something about. This was true after the Mt. St. Helens eruption and it's true during this pandemic.

Life has returned around the volcano since that fateful day in 1980. Grasses grow and wildflowers bloom. Various animal species call the area around Mt. St. Helens home. Life has resumed, but there is a new normal. Life will resume after this pandemic as well even though there may be a new normal for a while. We just need to keep going, keep moving forward. Hang in there.

Wishing you good health, strength, and peace from the perch.

Mother's Day in Uncertain Times

Easter and Passover this year have been celebrated differently than usual due to COVID-19. Places of worship were closed; many religious services were streamed online for people to watch in their homes. Families, which normally gather together on such occasions, were celebrating a quieter holiday in isolation from each other.

And now Mother's Day is upon us during these strange and uncertain times. With so many stores, museums, concerts, and restaurants closed to customers, how do we celebrate and honor the woman who has done so much for us? Here are some ideas:

• Buy mom a gift certificate.  If mom's favorite store, hairdresser, or manicurist is closed at the moment, chances are you can go online and buy a gift certificate. Mom will appreciate the gift later and you'll be helping those in your community now.
• Make or share a meal.  If you live in the same household, you can make a meal for mom. If you don't, you can get takeout (many restaurants are still open for takeout) and leave it on mom's doorstep for her to enjoy.
• Say hello while keeping a healthy distance.  Make signs or giant cards to hold from the sidewalk for mom to see from her window.
• Watch a concert or Broadway show together virtually.  Some orchestral concerts and theatrical shows are available online for free during this time. Why not watch one and talk about it afterwards?
• Tour a museum virtually together.  Ever wanted to visit the Art Institute of Chicago? How about New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, or the British Museum, London? These museums and others now have virtual tours.
• Give mom a call.  This works any day, whether it's Mother's Day or not. Mom would love to hear from you.
• Read a book together.  You can read a favorite book aloud with mom over the phone, through virtual chat, or in person.

Just because this year is different than other years doesn't mean that Mother's Day can't be special. The greatest gift you can give your mom is showing her how much you care and love her.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Mother's Day from the perch.

Coping in Quarantine

I don't have to tell you that we're living through a difficult, stressful time with a new normal. Schools, stores, and services that we took for granted are all closed. Even parks and playgrounds are closed to prevent people from gathering and spreading COVID-19. Families are spending a LOT more time together at home working, learning, and simply living their everyday lives.

The first week (maybe even the second) at home may have been tolerable, but going through three weeks or more of isolation can test the endurance of any introvert or person with a home business. So, how do we cope with being in quarantine during a stay-at-home order? How do we stay healthy both physically and mentally during this time?

Below are some suggestions for keeping both you and your family from climbing the walls for an extended stay at home:

• Keep a routine. Adults and kids alike do well when we know what to expect. Keep a regular bedtime and time to wake in the morning. Get into a daily routine of activities.
• Exercise. We may not be able to go to the gym or park now, but we can still do things inside, like yoga, zumba, and good, old fashioned calisthenics. We can also go outside to ride a bike or take a walk around the neighborhood as long as we keep apart from others.
• Get some fresh air. It's spring. The weather's getting warmer and the flowers are blooming. Step outside your house and just hang out in your back or front yard. Seeing some nature and getting a little Vitamin D will make you feel better.
• Limit your time getting the news. We all want to know what's going on, but watching 24-hour news networks and following news websites around the clock is going to drain your energy and bring down your spirits. Set a limit on your news time.
• Keep in touch with family and friends. We're all going through this together. Although we can't socialize in person, we have technology and social media to help us stay in touch. Pick up the phone or do a live video chat through Skype or Facebook with someone you care. 
• Do something fun. This is the perfect time to start that new hobby or craft you always wanted to do. Play some board games. Watch a movie. Read a book (you knew I had to add that one).

Just remember that the quarantine won't last forever. We will go outside again, we will get back together with each other, and we will resume our normal lives. We just don't know when that will happen. In the meantime, we need to isolate for our own safety as well as that of others. Keep in mind that the library has a number of virtual books and other items to help you and your family through this. Just contact us (509-247-5556, fafblibrary@gmail.com).

Wishing you and your family good health from the perch.

It's Okay Not to Be Okay

When we were all celebrating the start of 2020 back in January, I'm sure no one ever dreamed that three months later we'd be living through a coronavirus pandemic and life as we know it would be put on hold.  We're experiencing a new normal--many of us (including your perch librarian) are working from home, kids and college students are out of school dealing with online learning, we're wearing masks and gloves outside of the home, restaurants are open only for takeout, hair salons and so many other services are temporarily closed...the list of closures and restrictions goes on.

Maybe some of us or people we know have gotten COVID-19 or have died of it.  One of my relatives was hospitalized for several days due to coronavirus-related pneumonia (thankfully, she recovered); a family friend was the first person to die of the virus in Spokane.  To anyone suffering with COVID-19, I wish you the best for a speedy and full recovery.  To anyone who has lost someone to it, I offer my sincere condolences.

I don't have to tell you that this is a scary time for all of us, young and old.  We don't know what's going to happen; we don't know when this roller coaster ride we unwillingly were put on is going to end.  I'm not going to lie--I've had moments when I broke down and cried about what's happening.  According to the experts, this is to be expected because we're not only dealing with the unknown but we're also dealing with grief for the loss of our former lives, the way things used to be before the pandemic. 

This is the time to be kind to ourselves.  It's okay not to be okay now.  Don't beat yourself up for not being your usual self or being on top of your game.  Don't reprimand your kids for having a tough time adjusting to online learning.  This pandemic has put us all into survival mode, and our best at this time won't be the same as our best under normal circumstances.  And that's alright.  The roller coaster will slow down and stop eventually.  We just don't know when.  In the meantime, stay healthy and be safe.  We will get through this, one day at a time.

Wishing you good health and calming vibes from the perch.

Coronavirus: Separating Facts from Hype

Today I'm posting about something serious that's been in the news lately and probably on all of your minds--the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.  The disease started in China last December, and thanks to the miracle of air and sea travel, it's spread around the world in no time.  As I write this post, 231 people in the U.S. have coronavirus and 14 have died from it, most of them in Washington State.

What's scary is the disease is new and therefore we haven't developed an immunity to it.  The elderly (defined as those aged 60 and over) as well as those with respiratory issues and deficient immune systems seem to be the most susceptible.  Because the coronavirus is so new, scientists and medical experts are still learning how to deal with it and are feverishly trying to develop medications for its treatment.

One thing to be careful about in our age of social media and easily accessible information is separating the facts of coronavirus from the hype, and there's definitely a lot of hype.  When you look for information on the Internet, be sure you're going to reputable sources, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, or the Mayo Clinic.  As for news outlets, check out major newspapers and television outlets, making sure to pay attention to news reports not opinion pieces, which are often mistaken for the news these days.

Don't panic, but do be cautious and sensible.  Practice good hygiene.  As the experts say, proper handwashing, sneezing or coughing into your elbow, avoiding handshakes (a nod or wave is fine) are some things you can do to help avoid getting sick or making others sick not only with coronavirus going around, but colds and the flu as well.

Wishing you good health and happiness from the perch.

The Library Catalog

Depending on your age, you may remember them--those rather sizable, block-like pieces of wooden furniture in the library known as the card catalog.  It was the keeper of the keys, the way to unlock and discover the mysteries of the library collection.  Comprised of small drawers filled with cream-colored index cards, the card catalog allowed you to let your fingers do the walking and find items on shelves.

I remember once upon a time in elementary school, in addition to classes like music, art, and gym, there was library class.  The school librarian would sometimes read books to you or play a filmstrip (this was in the days before the DVD or Blue-ray player).  Other times, the librarian would teach you how to use a library, explaining the Dewey decimal system and the iconic card catalog.

Eventually, the card catalog was replaced by the computer.  At first, computers with the library catalog were only used by staff behind the desk.  Slowly, more computers started appearing around the library for patron use and were often side by side with the card catalog.  The electronic catalog initially contained just the records of the newest acquisitions, while the card catalog had the older.  Over time, the electronic catalog included the records of every item in the library.

Practically all libraries today have catalogs that are not only electronic but available online.  Thanks to the Internet, we no longer have to physically travel to the library during business hours to use a card catalog and see whether an item is available.  We can now search any library's catalog at any hour of the day from wherever we may be.

So, whenever someone comments that libraries are outdated, just mention how libraries have evolved with the times and how they are the keepers of both print and electronic knowledge today.

Helping you stay connected now and in the future from the perch.

Bookmarks, Part II

In my last post I discussed using bookmarks to keep your place in a book as opposed to dog-earring pages, which causes damage.  Going one step further, I'm going to address the subject of bookmarks themselves--what is appropriate to use as a bookmark and what isn't.

Generally, bookmarks are rectangular slips of paper or card stock that you put between the pages of a book to keep your place.  Other acceptable bookmarks include thin metal bookmarks (the kind you buy in bookstores), ribbons, or even crocheted strips.  The reason why all these forms are appropriate is that they do not harm books in any which way or form.

Sometimes, we don't have a suitable bookmark available, so we use whatever is handy.  In a pinch, we may use any of the following items: a (clean) tissue/napkin/toilet paper, a receipt, an airline boarding pass, a postcard, a Post-It, an envelope, a business card...I think you get the idea.

Things you should NOT use as a bookmark under any circumstances include toe tags, grass, dandelions, clumps of cat hair, socks, toothpicks (even unused ones), guitar strings, bacon (raw or cooked), or any other kind of food.  Th bottom line--don't use anything as a bookmark that could damage a book.

If you've purchased and own the book, you could theoretically do whatever you want with it (although I'd like to think you'd treat it with care).  However, if it's a library book, please make an extra effort to keep it in the same condition in which you borrowed it so that others can enjoy it as well.

Speaking for the safety of books everywhere from the perch.

Bookmarks, Part I

Not all of us are able to read an entire book, cover to cover, in one sitting.  When that happens, unless we have incredible recall, it's probably common for us to mark the page we're reading so we can find our place again.  Normally this is achieved with a bookmark of some sort, whether it's made from paper, metal, or ribbon.

Another way of bookmarking, which is frowned upon in libraries, is dog-earring a page.  If you're unfamiliar with dog-earring (and I hope you are), the practice involves taking the top corner of a book page and folding it over to allow you to find the place where you left off.  Although it may be convenient to do if you lack a proper bookmark, it does damage books. 

Lately in our library we have found an alarming number of books being returned to us with dog-eared pages.  Some of these books are old while some are new.  Regardless, all library books should be kept in good condition for future borrowers to enjoy.  You wouldn't want to check out a book that's been misused and abused, would you?

Please take care of library books.  If you need to keep your reading place, we have plenty of paper bookmarks that are environment-friendly, reusable, and absolutely free!  You can't beat a deal like that!  And if, perchance, you happen to forget our wonderful bookmarks, please, PLEASE don't dog-ear the book.  Put something between the pages as long as it's not sticky, icky, or inky (I'll discuss this more another time).

Yours truly, trying to save one book at a time from the perch.

Make Your Intentions

We're halfway through January.  I'm sure many of you have made New Year's resolutions such as dieting, exercising, giving up smoking, being better with finances, etc.  Many of you are probably doing well in keeping those resolutions up to this point, but I'm sure there's an equal number of you who have already given up on them.  Am I right?

Perhaps it's time for a new tradition--New Year's intentions.  Stop and think about it.  According to Lexico, which is powered by Oxford (the same people who give you the Oxford English Dictionary), intention is defined as a "thing intended; an aim or plan."  Compare that with resolution, which is defined as a "firm decision to do or not to do something."  Doesn't an intention sound more appealing than a resolution to you?

Personally, I think it's more realistic to set up an intention.  Let's face it, if you're resolving to do something, like dieting, you're going to feel like a failure if you don't stick to it.  An intention is kinder.  You intend to improve, but if you fall short, that's okay.  Just get up and try again without beating yourself up.

So make some New Year's intentions, like going to the library more often.  If you don't fulfill your intentions one day, tomorrow is another day.  Do the best you can to keep your plans.  And if you do make it to the library, you might also want to make an intention to stop by the desk and say hello to your friendly neighborhood perch librarian.

Wishing you many good intentions from the perch.