Breezin' Through the Season

I'm not going to talk about holiday books, holiday movies, or holiday crafts as I've done in the past. Despite this being another holiday season almost 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic, I haven't turned into a humbug...yet (check in with me again this time next year). I thought I'd instead talk about books to help us de-stress during this most wonderful time of the year.

There are so many self-help books out there to calm and soothe us, but these are some that are both helpful and easily readable:

• The Gifts of Imperfection (Brene Brown)  You're perfect just the way you are with all your imperfections; the key is to accept yourself and stop trying to be different.
• The Healing Power of the Breath (Richard P. Brown and Patricia L. Gerbarg)  Breathing is something we do everyday, but if done mindfully, it can help ease stress, anxiety, insomnia, and other issues.
• Don't Sweat the Small Stuff With Your Family (Richard Carlson)  It's easy for little things to feel big and unconquerable. Learn how to make the little things more manageable.
• The Book of Joy (Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu)  We all want to feel joy, so why not learn a few things from two of the world's most respected and prominent spiritual leaders?
• L'art de la Simplicite (Dominique Loreau)  While holiday commercialism may be pushing for more, this book teaches us we can be satisfied with less.
• The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz)  Be impeccable with your word. Don't take anything personally. Don't make assumptions. Always do your best. There would be fewer arguments and more goodwill if people tried to follow these concepts.
• The Little Book of Hygge (Meik Wiking)  The Danish concept of hygge, or "coziness," was all the rage a few years ago, but who says you can't still enjoy a book, candles, fuzzy socks, a cup of tea, and all those other little things to make you happy?

While the holiday season is a time of happiness and fun, it can also be a time of stress, depression, and anxiety. There are things that you can do, however, to relax and help put you in a better frame of mind. Some hot cocoa and a good book don't hurt as well.

Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and Happy New Year from the perch.

Choose JOMO Over FOMO

I'm sure we've all heard about FOMO, the "fear of missing out." Usually this pertains to our relationship with electronic devices. Many of us may feel a little antsy if we haven't checked our phones, email, or social media accounts in the last few minutes (I'm slightly exaggerating here...slightly). We're afraid we may have missed something important or interesting if we're not constantly plugged in to what's going on.

In direct contrast to FOMO, there's JOMO, "the joy of missing out." Amazing as it may seem, there are some people (including yours truly) who have no fear of missing out because they choose to miss out. Have I lost you? Yes, there are actually people who willfully put away their phones, step away from their laptops, and turn off their TVs to do other things that don't require electric or batteries.

Take a moment to think about it. Are you really happy staying tuned to the news every moment of the day? Do those memes on social media really enrich your life? Is it really vital to see photos of what your sister ate for dinner yesterday? Or would you be happier putting those things aside to read, have an actual conversation with someone, do a hobby, or take a walk outside?

Be daring--choose JOMO! I understand that social media and being connected to almost everyone on the planet is part of our reality these days, but we can always unplug from all that for a while. JOMO can even be regarded as a form of self-care. And with the holiday season here, it may just be the thing that will help many of us stay sane through them.

Wishing you times of JOMO from the perch.

 

Surviving the Holidays

It's the most nerve-racking time of the year! In the course of about one month, there are at least five major holidays--Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year's. I don't know about you, but my heart starts to race at the thought of the holiday season and all it entails. And considering that we're well into the second year of the pandemic, we have reason to feel a little anxious.

So, how do we get through yet another set of holidays in difficult times? There are different things we can do to de-stress, but for me, these are the the things that have kept me calm and grounded:

• Meditation--Just the simple act of taking a few minutes, closing my eyes, and focusing on my breathing can do wonders. A few slow, deep breaths activates your parasympathetic system and relaxes you.
• Gratitude--It's so easy to get caught up in negativity that we forget to be thankful for all the good things in our lives. I don't consider myself a morning person, but feeling grateful for having a comfortable bed and warm running water to help me wash and get ready for the day puts me in a better mood.
• Hygge--The Danish concept of coziness was a big thing a few years back, but I still believe in and practice the essence of it. I love having a good cup of tea, cuddling up in a blanket on the sofa, lighting some candles, enjoying some pastry, and wearing fuzzy socks.
• Niksen--I discovered the Dutch concept of doing nothing rather recently, but I'm already loving it. Sometimes "nothing" is the something, and we need to literally do nothing to recharge. Lately, I'm enjoying taking 5-10 minutes in the morning to just sit by my window and gaze outside (oh, and sipping a cup of tea makes it even better).
• Walking--Something simple that many of us do everyday can bring our stress levels down, and it doesn't have to take a lot of time. I try to walk outside for 10-15 minutes about 2-3 times a day. It relaxes me, clears my head, and makes me more productive.
• Reading--Of course I had to include reading! Books take our mind off things and slow us down. I love starting and ending my day with a few minutes of reading (and sometimes another cup of tea). I know as a librarian I'm biased, but books are great for unwinding.

There's no right or wrong way to relax. Different things work for different people. What are some ways that help you keep calm over the holiday season or any other time? Share with us!

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and peaceful holiday season from the perch.

Haunted Libraries!

Unexplainable things happen in the library from time to time. A book we thought we left on a desk turns up in an unexpected place. Creaking noises are heard when no one's around. Lights go off unexpectedly. When things like this happen, we usually attribute them to the library ghost.

Now mind you, we have no official proof that a ghost haunts our library since our budget has no wiggle room for us to hire a medium or ghost hunter. There are, however, other libraries in the U.S. that are supposedly haunted by one or more ghosts:

• Cairo Public Library (Cairo, IL)  Toby occasionally walks upstairs in the library and turns off lights.
• Houston Public Library (Houston, TX)  Julius, a night janitor who played the violin, can be heard playing uplifting waltzes on his instrument.
• Parmly Billings Library (Billings, MT)  At least four ghosts call this library home: a six-foot tall ghost in the kitchen and lounge, a brunette wearing glasses on the third floor, and a woman accompanied by a grey blob ghost in the basement.
• Umatilla County Public Library (Pendleton, OR)  When the Pendleton Public Library was housed in an older building, a librarian named Ruth, who died of a cerebral hemorrhage, made an intercom system buzz repeatedly.
• Willard Library (Evansville, IN)  The Grey Lady likes moving boxes, running the elevator with no one inside, and making typewriter sounds.

By no means are these the only library ghosts around. If you're interested to read about more hauntings, check out the articles through American Libraries Magazine and the Open Education Database. And the next time you hear or see something strange in our library, don't worry--it's just the library ghost.

Wishing you a fun and safe Halloween from the perch.

Disney Daydreaming

Would you believe Walt Disney World in Florida celebrates its 50th birthday this year? That's right. The Big 5-0! I'm sure a number of us have visited the Happiest Place on Earth either as kids, with our kids, or both. I'm probably sounding ancient, but I remember visiting the park when there was only the Magic Kingdom and Epcot Center; even then, it was almost impossible to see and do everything for your whopping $25 entry fee (that price has gone up just a tad since the late 1980s).

Reflecting on the milestone also got me thinking about how Walt Disney has influenced the childhood of so many throughout the world. I mean, can anyone not recall watching a Disney cartoon, like Snow White, Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King? And don't forget those live action movies, such as Bedknobs and Broomsticks, Mary Poppins, Pollyanna, and Freaky Friday (preferably the Jodie Foster version).

Let's face it. Disney has introduced classic fairy tales and stories--everything from Hans Christian Andersen, Lewis Carroll, and the Brothers Grimm, among others--to generations through the medium of film. Not only did Disney expose so many to these examples of children's literature, he also put his own spin on them, often giving them happier endings than their original sources. Good prevails in the end, and love is one of the strongest forces that exist.

Keep in mind that the library has a large fairy tale collection as well as Disney children's books and Disney DVDs. Stop by and check some of them out!

Wishing you a wonderful journey into imagination from the perch.

The Joys of Walking

I'm going to take a break from talking about books and literary matters, because I'd like to share with you what's been putting a spring in my step these days (other than light and uplifting reads). Ahem. I have discovered the joys of walking.

Am I hearing crickets? Have I lost you? Before you switch to Facebook and scroll for more memes on cats or politics, allow me a moment of your time.

Maybe you've been like me--pandemic starting to get to you, needing some exercise, looking for something to break your currently limited routine. Normally, I get outside and exercise a bit in warmer weather. However, with this past summer being one of the hottest on record, I was upset with myself for getting even less exercise than in the winter. Then I spotted this article which got me off my tuchus and walking almost every chance I get.

For most of us, walking is something we do everyday. You need no skills other than being able to put one foot in front of the other. Experts say that some of the benefits of walking (which I have discovered firsthand) include:

• Improved health. It's probably a no-brainer that walking gives you better cardiovascular fitness, makes bones and muscles stronger, burns calories, and does a lot of other good things for your body.
• Improved mood. It doesn't take much. Even 10 minutes walking outside can relax you, clear your head, and make you feel better all around. Trust me.
• Improved productivity and brain power. Walking re-charges you, increasing blood flow to the brain which in turn helps you think more clearly.
• Improved sleep. The movement you get from walking helps you de-stress, therefore allowing you to sleep better.

For more on the benefits of walking, check out some articles on Prevention, Healthline, and the Mayo Clinic's website.

I could go further, but I don't want to keep you from those oh-so-important Facebook memes. On second thought, why not put the memes aside and use the time to take a walk instead? It'll be better for both your physical and mental health.

Wishing you good walking from the perch.

And So It Continues...

Covid--it's the elephant in the room that we want to forget about. For the past several months I've tried to ignore it, writing non-Covid related posts, but after a summer in which many of us have spent time outdoors and with children about to start school again, I feel the elephant, unfortunately, needs to be acknowledged.

We've gone through our second spring, our second summer, and soon, we're going to go through our second fall with this pandemic. We thought we saw the light at the end of the tunnel, but that light got pushed back a little further with the Delta variant, not enough people getting vaccinated, and the return of masks for everyone. We're tired and extremely pandemic weary. So, how can we help ourselves, our children, and our loved ones face another fall, another school year with Covid affecting so many aspects of our lives?

Here are some ideas:

• Get outdoors.  Even if the weather turns chilly and even downright cold in the months ahead, go outside for a short or a long walk. Let the kids play. Experts say that even 10-15 minutes can boost your mood and help your body feel better, not to mention help your immune system.
• Do a hobby.  Whatever it is--knitting, woodworking, puzzles, cooking--just do something to get your mind off what's going on in the world and relax. Kids know how to play; adults can do well by taking a lesson from them and play as well.
• Get away from social media and the news.  Yes, for better or worse, we want to know what's going on in the world; we don't want to be out of the loop. A little social media and news is okay, but a lot of it around the clock can really get you down. Set time limits for yourself and then do something else.
• Meditate.  If you can breathe, you can meditate! Find a quiet place, sit or lie down, close your eyes, and just focus on your breath--breathing in and breathing out.
• Watch movies or shows.  Are there some DVDs you haven't watched or TV shows you need to get caught up on? Then get the popcorn and snacks, snuggle into the sofa cushions, and watch away! (Shameless plug: the library has PLENTY of DVDs to borrow and digital movies to check out.)
• Read books!!!  When you're limited in where you can go, books can help you virtually travel anywhere, whether the place is real or fictional. You can take your mind off the present situation for a while and even be in a different time. Don't know what to read? Let your friendly perch librarian help you!

If past pandemics have taught us anything, they eventually do end. This current one will end; we just don't know when. In the meantime, take care of yourself and those in your life.

Wishing you good health, physical and mental, from the perch.

Writers' Blogs

You've heard about writer's block, but have you heard about writers' blogs? Perhaps you have a favorite author. Or two. Or three. Chances are they have blogs that they update regularly. So, between the publication of novels, you can see what writers like to share with their readership. 

I have to admit that I take pleasure in following the blogs of authors whose books I enjoyed reading. It gives me insight into their world--things they enjoy, recipes they like sharing, matters that are important to them. It also helps me feel connected to the authors, seeing that they're normal, everyday people who go through the same hopes and fears that the rest of us experience.

I'm sure there are a lot of writers' blogs in cyberspace, but here are several links to blogs of authors who are popular or those I just find interesting:

• Meg Cabot (The Princess Diaries Series)
• Neil Gaiman (Coraline, Neverwhere) 
• Gregg Hurwitz (The Survivor, You're Next)
• Heather Lende (If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name; Find the Good) 
• Debbie Macomber (A Good Yarn, Window on the Bay) 
• George R.R. Martin (A Game of Thrones Series)

Who's your favorite writer? Does your favorite writer have a blog? Share with us!

Wishing you good reads, as always, from the perch.

Lonely Books

Do you have some lonely books at home? They may be sitting on your shelf or on the edge of your night table. They're the ones we get from a bookstore, yard sale, or Friends of the Library book sale out of town. We buy them to read later, but the problem is that we don't.

There's always that shiny new book that we just have to read from the library. And because that book has a 2-week checkout limit, we give that book our total attention until we're done reading it. Meanwhile, our books at home are lonely. They continue to wait patiently for us, hoping that one day we'll give them the same love and attention as the new library book.

I really don't mean to make my books at home lonely. I just take for granted that they're always there for me. Since they're mine, there's no time limit to how long I can keep them, unlike library books. For a while, then, my books sit on my shelves. And sit. And sit...

It's time for things to change. Our books should not go forgotten and unloved. We need to remember why we brought them home and spend quality time with them. Recently, I have made an effort to read some of the books that sat on my shelves for years. I'm here to tell you that the books are nonjudgmental and forgiving. Be sure to show your books some love today.

Wishing you and your books happy times together from the perch.

Cool Reads for Hot Days

"All I Want for Christmas" is not a song normally associated with summer. Nevertheless, it was playing in the Hallmark store I visited a few days ago. I'm familiar with the concept of Christmas in July, but it still felt strange to be listening to Mariah Carey belting out that holiday tune in the middle of an exceptionally hot summer.

Then it occurred to me--why not read books set in snowy places to cool ourselves down a bit? Think cool to feel cool. For starters, here are some books to transport us (mentally) to colder climates:

• The Children's Blizzard (Melanie Benjamin)  Addresses the January 1888 blizzard moving fast through the Dakotas just as most children are leaving school for the day.
• Into the Wild (Jon Krakauer)  A college graduate makes his way across the U.S. to live off the land in Alaska with dire consequences.
• The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (Stieg Larsson)  This thriller set in chilly Sweden involves a journalist hired to investigate the 40-year old disappearance of a young woman from a wealthy family.
• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (C.S. Lewis)  During World War II, a girl in England walks through a wardrobe and into the land of Narnia, where it's always winter due to the evil White Witch.
• The Revenant (Michael Punke)  Based on the true story of Hugh Glass, who seeks revenge on the men who abandon him after he's attacked by a bear on the unchartered American frontier in 1823.
• Ethan Frome (Edith Wharton)  In snowy New England, a man in a dead marriage falls for his wife's young cousin who is visiting.

Needless to say, these titles are just a small sample of the numerous offerings that exist. What are some books you've enjoyed that are set in colder or snowy locations? Share with us!

Wishing you cool reads from the perch.

Beating the Extreme Summer Heat

Baby, it's hot outside, and that's hot with a capital H-O-T! I don't have to tell you that the Inland Northwest is having an EXTREME heat wave...and it's still June! So, how to get some relief from the oven that's now Spokane? Here are some ideas:

• Wear light clothing. The Goth look may flatter some people, but put aside your dark duds in favor of lighter colors that reflect the sun and wear cooler fabrics like cotton.
• Stay in the shade. Whether it's under a tree or under an umbrella, get out of direct sunlight.
• Have a cool drink. Water, iced tea, lemonade...just stay hydrated!
• Eat some ice cream or popsicles. Feel like a kid again licking an ice cream cone or slurping a popsicle.
• Jump in the lake. Literally. There are plenty of lakes around the Spokane area. Pick one and go for a dip.
• Tilt those blinds or close those shades. Don't make your home or room hotter by allowing the sun to stream in. Close your window blinds or shades to keep out the heat.
• Stay where it's air conditioned or sit in front of a fan. If you have AC at home that's great, but if not, let the fan keep you cool (hint: place a bowl of ice in front of the fan to super-chill the air).
• Hang out in the library! The ideal place to be (in my humble opinion)! We got the AC on AND we got plenty of good books among other things to help you chill in more ways than one!

Whatever you do, please stay healthy and safe in this heat. If you do decide to cool down in the library, we have a Summer Reading Program going on right now for kids, teens, and adults--no one's too young or too old (reading to others counts, too!). We have different activities, puzzles, and projects for people of all ages. Come inside out of the heat and have some fun as well!

Wishing you cool reads (and cooler temps) from the perch.

Summer Reading--What to Read?

Yes! That time of year is here again--summer reading! And the library's Summer Reading Program is underway! Woo-HOO!

I realize some parents are a little anxious about their children keeping up with their reading during the summer. Some don't want their children to lose what they've acquired during the school year and some want their children to get ahead during the summer months. There are parents who pay attention to various recommended reading lists or those who worry about making sure their children read 1,000 books before kindergarten.

If you ask yours truly, your friendly perch librarian, what your children should read this summer, I have an easy answer--anything they want! For nine months they had readings assigned by teachers and homework related to those readings. They've worked hard during what was an especially stressful year in pandemic times. Children, just like adults, need time to relax and unwind.

When children (or any adult, for that matter) read books of their own choosing, reading will be something enjoyable, something they look forward to doing. It won't be viewed as a chore that needs to get done. Don't worry if they're reading manga or graphic novels. Don't worry if they're not reading classics or literary masterpieces. The main point is that they're reading!

So, go easy on your children and their reading choices. And parents, go easy on yourselves and read whatever you want, too!

Wishing you a summer filled with fun reading from the perch.

Choose Kindness

The past year and a half has undoubtedly been among the most challenging times we have faced both individually and collectively. We've seen the best in people--volunteers donating and distributing food to those who lost their jobs, neighbors checking in on each other. We've also seen the worst in people--customers stockpiling toilet paper and other supplies, people starting fights with each other over not wearing masks.

We're all scared. We're all concerned. And we're all trying to get by day-to-day during a time when inconsistency seems to be the only consistent thing. We don't like the feeling of insecurity, the feeling of not knowing what's going to happen next week or even tomorrow, for that matter. Limbo isn't a comfortable place to be.

Through all of this, nurses, doctors, police officers, firefighters, grocery workers, restaurant workers, and yes, librarians and library staff, are among many doing their best to keep working their jobs. It's not business as usual for anyone. There are different things that they're doing to keep themselves and others safe from COVID-19. In the library, for instance, we're wearing masks, we're wiping down computers and desks, we're quarantining returned items, and we're trying to keep patrons socially distant. We're doing things that we didn't do in pre-pandemic times.

We understand that you're stressed from this pandemic. So are we. However, please don't take that stress out on the people who are doing the best they can to help you during extraordinary circumstances. Take a moment, take a breath. Please understand that we are as worried and frustrated as you with all the changes we've had to make. These are not normal times. Rather than lashing out on someone due to fear or anger, choose kindness. We can all use more of it, especially now.

Sending you peace and kindness from the perch.

Poetry in the Spotlight

Today is the last day of Poetry Month, which is celebrated every April. When most of us consider things to read, we probably don't think of rushing to the library or bookstore to get the most recently published anthology of poems. Perhaps some of us remember going through the agony of the poetry unit in high school English class and never want to return there.

Why is it that poetry doesn't have the same appeal as fiction, mystery, romance, sci-fi, romance, and other genres? Unlike prose, poems can't be rushed through like the latest Baldacci or Macomber novel. They're not quick reads. Whether a poem is comprised of several stanzas like Emily Dickinson's "'Hope' is the thing with feathers" or long and epic like Homer's "The Odyssey," we have to take our time.

Words in a poem are carefully thought out by the writer; they are precise and intentional. Many times even the punctuation (or lack of it) is intentional. There is often rhyme and meter, giving a poem an almost musical quality. Taking these things into account, a reader of poetry has to carefully digest what he or she is reading, to internalize and ponder what the writer is divulging. 

If you don't normally read poetry, why not give it a try? Sample some T.S. Eliot, Naomi Shihab Nye, Edgar Allan Poe, Maya Angelou, Shel Silverstein, Wisława Szymborska, Lord Byron, Elizabeth Barrett Browning...the list goes on. It's good to get out of your comfort zone occasionally. Besides learning something new, you may also learn something new about yourself.

Wishing you good travels through poetry from the perch.

My Pandemic Picks

Like many of you, I've been doing a LOT more reading than usual over the past year. With few exceptions, I had a need for more uplifting, feel-good selections. I wanted to read books that would help me relax and briefly take my mind off everything that's been happening in the world.

If you're interested to know what this particular librarian was reading, here is my top 5 list of books that I've read in the past year (alphabetical by author, because we librarians like to organize things):

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig  This book made me think about how seemingly small choices can make big differences in our lives and how it's important to not give up on things and people that are important to us, including ourselves.
• The Art of Taking It Easy by Brian King  A standup comedian with a Ph.D. in psychology wrote an entertaining yet helpful book on how to reduce your stress, something I suspect quite a few of us can benefit from during these times. I liked how he used layman's terms and a practical approach for reframing situations.
• If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name by Heather Lende  Coming from New York, Alaska seems far and exotic to me. It was great to armchair travel to the small town of Haines, a 4.5-hour ferry ride from Juneau, and read about life there as seen through the eyes of a local obituary writer. 
• The Last Town On Earth by Thomas Mullen  William Nicholson said, "We read to know we are not alone." Well, I guess I had to read this book set in Washington State against the backdrop of the 1918 pandemic, because I wanted to know that others before us went through something similar to what we're going through now.
• The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien  I read the classic Middle Earth trilogy many years ago when I was in high school, but I re-read it for its entertaining, escapist qualities. For me, it was a comfort read, and it was amazing how many things I noticed the second time around.

How did your reading habits change (or not) during the pandemic? What were some of your favorite books that you read over the past year? Share with us!

As always, wishing you good health and reading from the perch.

Book Club--Is It for You?

To join a book club or not to join, that is the question. Whether 'tis better to partake in the discussion of a group read, or to revel in independent reading.

The book club has probably been around as long as people have had opinions on the books they've read. It can entail an informal conversation about a book that several people have read, or a larger, planned gathering of people (in non-pandemic times) engaging in discussion while indulging in munchies and libations (note: those of an alcoholic variety may encourage a livelier discourse). Some readers love belonging to a book club while others stay clear. To be fair, there are advantages and disadvantages to the book club. 

The Pros

• Discussing a book with others, sharing viewpoints.
• Being introduced to a book you may not have chosen.
• Keeping on track with your reading.
• Socializing with others.

The Cons

• Clashing personalities of group members.
• Not always choosing what you want to read.
• Reading according to a set timeline.
• Socializing with others.

If you're a more social person and want to be exposed to different kinds of readings, then a book club may be up your alley. However, if you're more introverted and have particular reading tastes, then it may not be your cup of tea. Whatever you decide, book club or not, reading's the thing.

Wishing you happy reading from the perch.

Eat Like the Irish!

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner! In the past, I've talked about Irish books and plays; I've even talked about Irish movies. Today, I thought I'd talk about something different that we can all sink our teeth into (literally)--Irish food!

When most of us think of Irish food, corned beef and cabbage along with a pint of Guinness probably come to mind. Irish cuisine, however, goes beyond those two St. Patrick's Day staples. Take a look at these recipes which are bound to make your mouth water:

• Colcannon (Spend With Pennies)  It's hard to get any better than creamy, Irish-style potatoes with bacon, cabbage, and butter--oh, my!
• Corned Beef and Cabbage (Dinner at the Zoo)  Easy, traditional, slow cooker recipe with melt-in-your-mouth meat.
• Irish Beef and Guinness Stew (Recipe Tin Eats)  A hearty beef stew full of flavor, perfect when served over mashed potatoes.
• Irish Potato Leek Soup (My Recipes)  Great for St. Patrick's Day or any chilly day.
• Irish Tea Cake (Will Cook for Smiles)  A no-fuss, buttery cake that's great with a cup of tea.
• Scones (Bigger Bolder Baking)  The best recipe ever for Irish scones. Period.
• Soda Bread (Sally's Baking Addiction)  Classic, flavorful, simple-to-make quick bread.

So, are you getting hungry yet? Why not try one of these tasty recipes? And don't forget to check out other delectable delicacies offered by the websites.

Wishing you good eats and a Happy St. Patrick's Day from the perch.

One Year Later

Do you remember February 2020? It was the last month of normalcy in the U.S., the last pre-pandemic month. We were still eating inside restaurants, getting together with friends, going to school or work, doing all the things we normally do in day-to-day life. Yes, there was a virus called COVID-19, but that was in China, in Italy, not here. Halfway into March, our lives changed. I don't think anyone imagined the past year the way it actually turned out to be.

Needless to say, the library was not unaffected by the pandemic. For the first two weeks, we were completely closed down. Afterward, two of us were working inside a closed library while the rest of us worked from home, expanding our social media and doing whatever we could remotely. Electronic resources--Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, and others--became more popular than ever before. We started a new curbside service to give our patrons access to physical materials in the library, bagging requested items and delivering them outside to those waiting in cars.

Although our library has been open to foot traffic by appointment since October 2020, things just haven't been the same. Everyone is wearing masks, hand sanitizer is around, and plexiglass comes between us and our patrons. Self-checkout has become a new thing, and in-person programs are non-existent. And it's quiet, much quieter than normal even for a library since we don't have patrons lingering as they did in pre-pandemic times.

We're waiting for the day when things will return to normal. Not a new "normal," but a real normal. When we hear the sounds of kids and their parents enjoying storytime. When we have a computer lab packed with patrons surfing the Internet or doing classwork. When we can see each other maskless, face-to-face with no barriers separating us. When we don't have to be afraid of getting sick or getting others sick. Whenever that day comes, let's cherish it and be grateful. Let's not take the simple pleasures, like enjoying a visit to the library, for granted.

Until then, let's take care of ourselves and be considerate of others.

Wishing you better and happier times sooner, rather than later, from the perch.

Love in the Time of COVID-19

I'm sick of it. You're sick of it. We're all sick of the COVID-19 pandemic, which seems to go on with no end. And now we're on the brink of celebrating yet another holiday in a time of quarantines and lockdowns.

This Valentine's Day will be different from others. Dining out, going to a movie theatre, attending a concert...chances are we won't be doing any of these things this year. Maybe we're too stressed to even be thinking of Valentine's Day at all, with many of us working from home, some with our partners and some by our lonesome.

So, how should we celebrate V-Day this year? Can we even celebrate the holiday? Here are some ideas to enjoy the day safely, whether you have a partner or not:

• Just relax. With everything going on, we have enough pressure and stress as it is. Look at the day as an occasion to show yourself or your partner some love by taking it easy. Meditate, practice yoga, or do nothing at all.
• Go for a walk. Fresh air does plenty for your body and mind. Take a short walk in the park or even in your neighborhood. It's sure to boost your spirit.
• Dine at home. Feeling ambitious? Have some fun and make a recipe you've never made before. If cooking isn't your thing, try takeout from your favorite restaurant or one that's new to you. You'll be taking a break while giving support to eateries that have been hurting during these tough times.
• Have a video chat or Zoom call. If you can't be together with loved ones in person, use technology to bring you closer. Tell that someone screen-to-screen how much he or she means to you.
• Have a movie marathon. Get some DVDs from the library or try out Kanopy, a database that allows you to stream movies for free. Spend the day catching up on some flicks you may have missed.
• Read a good book. Similar to the previous listing, check out some good books from the library or get some free ebooks from a library database, such as Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, or others. There are plenty of romances to read along with different genres for all readers.

Whatever you do this Valentine's Day, have a good one.

Sending out warm wishes from the perch.

Read for Your Need

I have a need to read, but I also read for my need, something which has never been more true than over the past year with the pandemic. Through all the various ups and downs, I've found that my needs have been ever evolving, and with them, so have my reads.

If you're wondering how I read for my need, here are some of my approaches:

• DO read whatever you want.  Read whatever you're in the mood for reading. Go wherever the wind takes you.
• DO read for the moment.  Sometimes we need a read that helps us get through different moments in our lives. In his play, Shadowlands, William Nicholson wrote, "We read to know we are not alone."
• DO read one or more books at the same time.  If you feel like reading a more serious read in the morning but a lighter read before going to bed, go for it. There are no rules on how many books you can read at a time.

• DON'T read X number of books a year.  Read as many or as few books as you want. Sometimes you want to binge-read, sometimes you don't. The books are there for you, not you for the books.
• DON'T finish the TBR (To Be Read) stack on your night table.  If you're in the mood for reading those books, fine. If not, read something you feel like reading. That stack will always be there waiting for you.
• DON'T finish the book just because you started it.  I'm not a quitter, but I've learned that life's too short to force yourself to finish a book that doesn't really grab you. Don't make yourself suffer through to the bitter end.

Reading should never, EVER be a chore. Books are there for us when we need them. Even if we can only spare 10 minutes at a time for reading, those 10 minutes can make all the difference in improving our mood and outlook. Treat reading as an outlet, a way of relieving stress and, perhaps, loneliness during tough times...you won't be disappointed.

How do you read for your need? Share with us!

Wishing you good reads (and tasty sips) from the perch.

My Pandemic Reading

I thought I'd start 2021 with reflecting on and sharing with you my 2020 book journey which, like many things last year, was slightly different from the usual. 

Firstly, I read more since I spent less time out doing things and more time at home. Reading is something I normally squeeze in while having lunch or winding down before bed. However, during last spring's stay-at-home order, I found I had more time than usual for one of my favorite activities, which was a good thing.

Secondly, I found that the pandemic and events of the year really affected my reading choices. Although I usually read according to my mood and interests, often choosing books by the time and place in which they're set, during the pandemic I gravitated toward fantasy and selections that were more positive, uplifting, and mindful. I wanted to read books that took my mind off the daily news.

Thirdly, the past year had an impact on how I read. Not that I had anything against ebooks, but I could never see myself abandoning paper pages for an electronic screen. Well, the lack of library access for a spell and safety concerns compelled me to get my first e-reader, and I surprisingly got hooked. I loved having access to the virtual library 24/7 and feeling connected to the outside even though I was staying inside. 

I've learned different things about myself as a reader over the past year, many of which broadened and re-defined my reading experiences. A Polish proverb states that "necessity is a great master," and that certainly proved true. Circumstances taught me some new things, for which I'm grateful.

How was your pandemic reading, and what have you learned about yourself as a reader? Share with us!

Wishing you a happy new year of reading from the perch.