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.