An Eternal Question

I was recently asked if all of the libraries would be shutting down, since people can now download any book they want and read it on an e-reader or other device. In 30 years as a librarian, it seems like I have heard that question, in one form or another, many times as technology and the internet have continued to change our interactions with information and the world around us. The fact that libraries are still here is a testimony to their ability to not only adapt to changes, but help the community to access and use the products of those changes. Our patrons may download e-books and audiobooks to their own devices free of charge, download music, use the library’s computers or Wi-Fi to access the internet. Broadband internet is still not accessible to many people in our county, making the library their only source. They may access a large array of databases, allowing them to repair their cars, trace their ancestry, print legal documents, or learn to speak a foreign language.

They have access to all of these services, as well as the traditional children’s programming, cultural events, book clubs, art displays, adult literacy services, and many other resources; and, yes, they can still check out books, DVD’s, audiobooks, and other items. All of this costs the average Morgan County household less than the cost of a typical hardback book. I may be biased, but I believe that libraries will be with us as long as we stay open to meeting the ever evolving needs of the public that it is our pleasure to serve.

We never forget that you are reason for what we do.

Enjoy!

Chuck

 

 

Do you like to read? Join the club!

One of my favorite things about being a librarian is being a part of our adult book club here at the Main branch!  We started out a couple of years ago, and have grown to include over 20 members.  We have read books from many different genres, but it seems that we have the best discussions whenever we've just read a book about the past.

Last night, we met and had a chat about the book Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, by Jamie Ford. It tells the story of Henry, the son of Chinese immigrants who struggles to find a sense of belonging in Seattle during WWII.  He feels isolated at home, as his parents don't allow him to speak Chinese in an effort to make him more "American."  He feels like a misfit at his all-white school until he meets Keiko, a spirited Japanese girl.  The narrative is split between Henry's past and present in an extremely engaging way.

 I can't put my finger on what exactly attracts me to historical fiction.  Maybe it is just the "slice of life" aspect is so appealing.  I always find it touching and refreshing to find that even though a character may be in a completely different country, century, or culture I always seem to find something that rings true to my life here in the modern world. I like how playwright Alan Bennett sums it up, “The best moments in reading are when you come across something - a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things - which you had thought special and particular to you. And now, here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out, and taken yours.”

If you would like to join a book club, we have plenty to chose from! We have adult book clubs that meet at our Monrovia, Morgantown (and Main as mentioned above) branches.  Teens in grades 6-12 can join the group,  We Must Ask You to Read that meets at our Main branch.  The cool thing about this group is that there is no set reading list or monthly book assigned.  The group picks a genre or theme and then reads whatever book they like!  For tweens, ages 9-12, there is inbeTWEEN the Lines and for kids ages 5-8, there is The Page Turners.  These lively groups meet monthly at our Main branch to talk about an assigned book (that they get to keep!) along with crafts and other fun activities.

Interested??  All you need to do is visit our event calendar for more details and to see if registration is required! 

Happy reading,

Jennifer

Bookmaking Workshops for Kids and Teens

Staying in town for Spring Break?  Looking for something to do?  Sign up for our Bookmaking Workshops!  Book artist Bonnie Stahlecker will be here to talk about the art of bookmaking and you'll get to make your own book.

The programs will be held on Monday, March 25th at the Main Branch in Martinsville.  Children ages 5-10 will have a program from 1pm-2pm; the program for teens, ages 11-15, will be from 2pm-3pm.  Due to limited space, participants will need to preregister for this program.  Sign up online, or here at the library! 

These programs are made possible through a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Morgan County.