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.