It's Time for Summer Reading Again!

The Summer Reading Program (SRP) is the Super Bowl for libraries. We plan for it months in advance, when snow is on the ground and the cold winds blow. When most readers are thinking about books accompanied by hot chocolate, we're choosing T-shirts and prizes for logging minutes read. We're planning fun programs and exciting activities for library patrons of all ages.

Despite all the thought and planning, it's always hard to believe it when the SRP is less than 2 weeks away! Yes, you read that right--LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AWAY, starting this year on SATURDAY, JUNE 7! Where does the time go? Well, it went somewhere, possibly to a galaxy far, far away or back a few months with a time-turner. 

Anyway, keep in mind that the SRP is for everyone, and we mean EVERYONE! Whether you're 1 month old or 100 years old, you can participate (reading to someone else counts, for the reader AND the listener; listening to audiobooks also counts). There's no age limit for reading. Additionally, there are no required subjects for reading. The main idea and purpose is to READ! Read anything you like just for the fun of it, no matter how silly or serious. JUST READ!

If you have kids or teens, don't tell them that they're avoiding the summer slide by doing the SRP and keeping up on their scholarly skills for the following school year. Let them have fun exploring things they enjoy. Don't worry if they're reading graphic novels (a cousin to traditional comics), Captain Underpants, or some supernatural teen romance. The bottom line--let them READ! 

Don't know what to read? Then stop by the front desk to talk to your friendly perch librarian or another helpful library staff member and we'll have plenty of book suggestions for you.

Happy summer reading from the perch!

Put Some "Njuta" in Your Life

I think I'm going to live in a Scandinavian country in my next life. Not only does Scandinavia offer universal healthcare and free childcare, they have good concepts that enrich everyday life. Take hygge, for instance, something popularized in the U.S. some years back with a number of books by Meik Wiking and others. The Danes have the right idea in creating coziness with some candles, warm socks, a book, and a cup of coffee or tea, among other things. 

More recently, I've been reading Niki Brantmark's Njuta, which addresses the Swedish concept of enjoyment or delight. Njuta is a very mindful thing, all about savoring and being in the moment, taking pleasure in the little things right before you. For example, if you're hiking in a forest, stop to lean against a tree and take everything in--the sight of the trees and vegetation, the fresh smell of pine needles, the feel of the breeze on your face, the sound of the birds and other animals. Or think of a barbecue--it may taste great at home, but imagine how much better it will taste after that hike in the forest.

Njuta, however, isn't just about enjoying the outdoors, but also the indoors, bringing a little of the outside to the inside. This can be done both at home or even at work. It's why I have a live succulent (which I've nicknamed "Spike") along with a pearly string of "happy lights" at the perch (in the winter, I put out some actual pinecones for atmosphere). It's also why I take short walks outside during my 10-minute breaks; it's something I look forward to doing and something that keeps me completely present (not to mention it's good for health reasons and for increasing productivity at work).

Scandinavians have some good ideas with njuta, hygge, and death cleaning (which isn't as morbid as it sounds). Luckily for the rest of us, they're sharing some of their secrets to the good life through books (a number of which you can access through our library in print and digital formats). Why not put some Scandinavian practices into your own life and make the most of your everyday?

Wishing you good njutning from the perch.