The End of Summer Reading

Alas, the summer's almost done,
Along with time spent in the sun,
Summer reading will be ending,
Since the school year now is pending.

But there is no need to fear,
Because the books will still be here.
Fiction, history, mystery, too,
There's no reason to be blue!

Halloween is coming soon,
So, start singing a happy tune!
Not-so-scary with lots of treats,
Follow Twitter for all our tweets.

A teen escape room is pretty awesome,
Besides our year-round Library 'Possum.
He picks a new book every week
To make sure your reading's never bleak.

Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
There's always something to do for all.
Let's jump up and give a cheer,
The Library is here all year!

Wishing you year-round good reads from the perch.

Libraries--The Positive Place

Does it seem like people focus too much on the negative these days?  That there aren't enough people who practice common courtesy?  People who say "please" and "thank you" in addition to showing some understanding and compassion toward others?

One place where people still practice a little kindness is the library.  Sure, the library is where you can get information, check out items, and participate in programs, but furthermore, it's where you can expect to find friendly faces and people genuinely interested in helping you.

Although many of us working in the library love books and reading, we also love interacting with people.  It's great to see our regulars and ask how they're doing.  Likewise, it's wonderful to welcome newcomers, people who may be new to the library or to the area, and get to know them.

The library is a positive place filled with energy and hospitality.  There are real people here with real feelings, because aside from promoting reading, the library promotes kindness, courtesy, and understanding.

Want to experience or practice some kindness yourself?  Why not stop by the library?  We'll be happy to see you.  And you can always check out a book or something while you're here.

Positively yours from the perch.

Cool Reads for Hot Days

Summer may have been here officially for a month, but the high temperatures have just recently caught up.  Is it getting too hot outside for your taste?  Do you need to cool down?  Well, here are some reads set in the midst of winter or in cold locales that are sure to bring you some relief.

Adult

• Blood on Snow--Jo Nesbo
• Frankenstein--Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
• The Snow Child--Eowyn Ivey
• Snow Falling on Cedars--David Guterson
• Winter Garden--Kristin Hannah

Teen

• Ashen Winter--Mike Mullin
• Shiver--Maggie Stiefvater
• Towering--Alex Flinn
• Winter--Marissa Meyer
• Wintersong--S. Jae-Jones

Children

• Lemonade in Winter--Emily Jenkins
• The Long Winter--Laura Ingalls Wilder
• Owl Moon--Jane Yolen
• Poppleton in Winter--Cynthia Rylant
• The Snowy Day--Ezra Jack Keats

If you're a snow bunny melting in the Inland Northwest heat, don't worry.  The cooler days of September aren't far off along with 8 months of lower temps.

Wishing you cool breezes and summer fun from the perch.

Do a Good Turn--Please Return

Remember those stickers on VHS tapes that you rented from the video store in the '80s?  The ones that said, "Be kind. Please rewind."?  Many times I brought home a video only to have my gratification delayed because the last person who had the tape didn't rewind it to the beginning.  Nowadays, we may no longer have to wait until a tape rewinds in order to watch a movie, but in the library, we still have to wait for overdue items to be returned before others can enjoy them.

It recently occurred to me that it's been over 6 years since I last wrote about overdue library items, so I figured now is as good a time as any to revisit the subject.

I'm sure we've all been there--we want to check out a book or other item, but when we go to the library we find that someone already checked it out.  That's to be expected sometimes, especially with newer and popular items.  We occasionally have to wait until the person who has the item returns it.  However, when the person who has it doesn't return it until 3 months or even 3 years later, so many people are missing out on using and enjoying the item.

The whole purpose of a library is so people can borrow items without having to purchase them.  It's not about hording items all to yourself and keeping them away from others.  Libraries are in the business of being kind to our patrons, and we also depend on our patrons being kind to each other by taking care of items and returning them by their due dates.

Please keep in mind that the library is for all of us to enjoy.  Pay attention to the due dates on items and bring them back on time--we all appreciate it!

Considerately yours from the perch.

Don't Forget Dad!

This time of year, there are elementary and middle school promotion ceremonies, high school and college graduations.  You know what that means...Father's Day is looming on the horizon!  That's right.  This Sunday, the 17th day of June in the year 2018.  We remembered mom in May, so we can't forget about dad in June.

Just as with mom, you probably want to start with a card.  And wouldn't a homemade card made by you with tender loving care help make dad's day?  Check out DIY Projects or The Spruce Crafts for different ideas on cards that are both creative and easy to make.

Flowers may be the way to mom's heart, but food is definitely the way to dad's.  Is he into nuts and chips?  How about barbecues and sodas?  Or does he like coffees and wines?  Country Living and Community Table have some good food ideas for dad that you can buy or cook yourself.

Naturally, you can always opt for a more classic gift for Father's Day.  See the suggestions of AskMen and Money Crashers for gift ideas dad will appreciate.  Younger kids can make some special gifts for dad with the help of Good Housekeeping or Dodo Burd.

Keep in mind that although gifts are great, the best thing you can give your dad is YOU.  Spend some time with him doing something fun you both enjoy.

Wishing everyone a Happy Father's Day from the perch.

Summer at the Library

That joyous time of year is here,
Filled with laughter, fun, and cheer.
School is out and kids are home,
Dreaming of a place to roam.

Where, oh where can they all flee?
I know, I know, the Library!
There's books and games and movies--wow!
Don't you want to be here now?

Summer reading's always a blast,
No reason at all to feel downcast.
The more you read, the more you yearn
For prizes galore that you can earn.

Parties, programs, storytimes, too,
So many wonderful things to do!
You think that you may pay a fee,
But happily the things are free!

Get out of the heat and come inside
Where you'll be cool and starry-eyed.
Because when all is said and done,
The Library's the place for fun!

Wishing you happy summer reading from the perch.

Don't Forget Mom!

The flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and the bees are buzzing.  May is here, and that means Mother's Day is just around the corner (this Sunday, May 13th, to be exact).  You want to show mom that you care, but maybe you're a little strapped for cash or perhaps you want to make something from the heart?  Not to worry.  Your friendly, neighborhood perch librarian is here to give you ideas for gifts your mom will love!

First things first.  No Mother's Day is complete without a card.  You can always count on Hallmark or American Greetings, but why not make mom a homemade card?  You can draw, paint, use torn bits of paper to make a pretty picture.  For other ideas, check out DIY Projects or Better Homes and Gardens.

Does your mom have a sweet tooth?  Why not bake her a cake?  You can keep it simple or make something more elaborate if you have a talent in the kitchen.  Take a look at some great recipes Country Living or Delish have to offer.  If your culinary technique is lacking, bake some easy cupcakes or muffins and get the kids to help.

Of course, you can make a more traditional gift for Mother's Day.  Take a look at Good Housekeeping or HGTV for different things you can do.  For younger kids, the Happy Hooligans and BuzzFeed have some great projects to make.

Whatever you make or do, remember it's the thought that counts!  Your mom will love what you give her because it's from the most important person around--YOU!

Wishing everyone a Happy Mother's Day from the perch.