Library Happenings - November 2020

Hi Everyone!

 

Is it STILL 2020? I just saw a silly meme that said “At least we have Thanksgiving to look forward to!” with a background cartoon of a monstrous giant turkey (think Godzilla) roaming the grim streets in some decaying post-apocalyptic city. We all have to laugh a little bit, because it does help to commiserate and share our humanity. It also helps to laugh at OURSELVES…says this writer who just discovered she’s wearing TWO masks today. (Now I know what happened to the one I “lost”—it’s hanging around my neck!)

 

It also helps to recognize our blessings, and we have a lot of those here at your library. I’m looking out the window on our first StoryWalk® installation, which allows families to share a literary activity in the fresh air. I’m excited about all the creative programming ideas in these pages. I’m thankful that our staff and patrons have remained healthy, and that with each month that passes, we are inching back to “normal” circulation levels, all while sticking steadfastly to cleaning and distancing protocols. I’m thankful as always for our staff, many of whom have taken on additional duties, and especially those who are raising their own children during this tough year.

 

I’m thankful that our PR Manager mentioned to me that people have recently been posting unsolicited positive reviews about the library on Google, so I had to stop everything and look! How absolutely wonderful to read “Staff was very welcoming and helpful. They are open and have masks at the door if needed.” And, “Terrific! I don't know what I would do without it.” And, “Lots of resources and wonderful staff.” This convinces me that I should take a few minutes now and again to write notes of appreciation, or even just post positive reviews about all the businesses and organizations in our community that do such great work. Too often we forget to tell them! Thank you so much to those of you who also share words of appreciation and support for your library!

 

Let me close by sharing a helpful reminder from author Melody Beattie: “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

 

Thankfully,
Sherie Brown, Director

 

P.S. -- Don’t forget to be thankful for books! I can’t say enough good things about Fredrik Backman’s quirky and super-satisfying novel, Anxious People. (Just go ahead and read all of his works!) And, I highly recommend Lori Gottlieb’s Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, a memoir for anyone who knows a therapist, has been to therapy, wonders what happens in therapy, thinks they should be in therapy, thinks they know everything and finds out they don’t, suffers a bad breakup, has “baggage,” or is human. (So…it’s for everyone.)

 

Kahoot! Trivia

November 5, November 12, November 19

Every Thursday at 4:00 p.m., via Zoom and the Kahoot! app, the Young Adult Department hosts a trivia session geared toward teens, but anyone is welcome to play. Participants need to download Zoom and the Kahoot! app, which are both free. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.

 

Virtual Kids Create

November 10 - 4:30 p.m.

During Virtual Kids Create, our own Children’s Programmers create crafts and other fun projects in this recurring Children’s program held on the second Tuesday of each month. November’s topic is “Turkey Painting.” Registration is required to view Kids Create live online via Zoom. Register online, then come into the Children’s Department to pick up your packet of supplies!

 

Birds of Prey

November 17 - 4:30 p.m.

The Children’s Department will offer a live 30-minute online session via Zoom with Stark Parks featuring their birds of prey. These non-releasable wild animals are rescued and rehabilitated to become educational animal ambassadors. Who will we meet? Skye the Red-Tailed Hawk or Volt the Turkey Vulture? Log on to find out!

 

Excel for Beginners

November 18 - 6:00 p.m.

The Technology Department will host a live online Zoom class on “Excel for Beginners: Create a Budget.” Being familiar with Microsoft Excel is essential for many jobs and can even be useful in your personal life. In this introductory class, learn to use Excel by creating a simple budget. Registration is required for this free online class and will close at 12 Noon on November 18.

 

Anime Afternoon

November 21 - 2:00 p.m.

Teens in Grades 7 through 12 are invited to Anime Afternoon with the Massillon Public Library Young Adult Department. Join other teens to watch a new anime on the third Saturday of each month at 2:00 p.m. via Zoom. Registration is required to participate in this free program. Contact Susan Baker at 330-832-9831, x312 to register and receive the Zoom link.