THOMASVILLE LIBRARY:

THOUGHTS:

The library book club that I host met to discuss the featured read of the month, “To Have and to Be Had” by Eula Biss, and our discussion didn’t stop right from the start. It was truly a delightful example of the connecting power embodied in a work of literature. I bring this up because I’ve recently been thinking about connection and communication: connection and communication with each other and with ourselves.

Reading is clearly a solitary pursuit, most of the time. Parents read to their children all the time, we read to our friends articles that we find stimulating, or we read in groups, in passages, in a learning or workshop setting. Thus, reading is not only someone curled up in a quiet corner, lost in the universe of his book, it is also social. I’m sure I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know, but let’s move on to something we often forget.

To live is to isolate oneself. The majority of the time, we live and live our lives entirely by ourselves, fact and period. This gives us plenty of time to get to know each other, but many of us are petrified at the thought of doing so or could use a little help finding the language or tools to deepen this understanding. And it’s so important that we know each other, because if we don’t, we can’t really connect with other people or even grow as individuals. As a man I look up to, RuPaul Andre Charles, says “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell are you going to love anyone else?” Amen, RuPaul!

Enter a book. One of the most excellent resources for learning more about yourself or the language to begin that journey of self-discovery. In its pages, you may find yourself reflected through the words of another, give yourself the mental space and time to sit within yourself, or stumble upon something about yourself that you didn’t know was there. was there – it brings our consciousness inside. There are so many things in our world that we can struggle to understand, and reading can help us understand, or at least empathize.

This brings us to each other. ¡Híjole! How much communication blurs between all of us… That’s what’s so good about a book: it can show a perspective different from our own and provide us with the starting point to dive into a discussion about things that need to be discussed. or clarified. Books help us connect and communicate with each other; they help make us people who want to be better for themselves and each other. (Of course, this depends on whether people are allowed and willing to read things that make them think differently or look at a situation from a perspective other than their own, but that brings us to a different topic – although very related – which we won’t go to for now.)

Are we putting enough emphasis on reading? Sure, in my world, it’s the backbone of pretty much every conversation, but…my calling is within a public library and I’m an avid reader, born into a family of readers and friends readers. So it doesn’t surprise me that others aren’t aware of some of the things that I watch voraciously, like the banning of books from public school systems or the taking over of the public library by determined councils to censor public documents. Reading isn’t everyone’s “thing”, but the truth is that just about everyone reads every day. Read their friends’ Facebook shares; read Twitter rants; read news articles; read the Chipotle menu; read the stock market; read the ingredient list on the box of organic pumpkin puree; no matter. We read all the time. Through these words we try to communicate all the time. Do we realize that?

I guess I’ll end my thoughts with the feeling of connection I had during our book club chat. As one spoke on a conversation topic and looked from member to member, I felt seen, I felt heard, and I could see the same sentiments displayed in the expressions of my fellow book clubbers. . And it was a feeling of humility and unity. A sentiment best expressed by the words of one of our members: “I’m really glad I came today! It was a great conversation! »

Alright, Sylvie, alright.

—Samantha Hanchett, MarkeCoordinator

*Please note that the opinions of “Thoughts” are just that and do not necessarily represent the views of the Thomas County Public Library.

EVENTS:

Beginner Yin Yoga

Wednesday, March 30, 9:45 a.m.

A yoga class designed to stretch the body’s deep connective tissues, joints and ligaments. Each pose is held for several minutes and the emphasis is on allowing the body to open up at its natural pace. This is a gentle class that is suitable for all levels. Registration is appreciated.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Tuesday, 10am-5pm

For kids:

Movie at the library!

Monday, April 4, 2 p.m.

Come and enjoy a film screening in the chimneys! We’ll be playing Disney’s stellar animated film, “Encanto.” Sing along with your favorite characters, enjoy popcorn and a drink, and read a book as you leave! PG rated movie. Intended for children aged 4 and over accompanied by their companions.

Arts + Crafts

Tuesday, April 5, 10:30 a.m.

Get ready for spring with a planter painting party! Children will have the opportunity to design and paint their own teapot planter. Perfect for herbs or wildflowers. While stocks last. ntended for 4-11 year olds with their caregivers.

Toddler Storytime + Tykes

Thursday, 10:30 a.m.

Join us for an hour of read-aloud stories, rhymes and songs designed to encourage language and literacy development in your child. Story time ends with a fun and simple arts and crafts activity. A great space to meet other caregivers and children in the community. Intended for children 2-4 years old with their caregivers.

LEGO Club

Thursday, 4 p.m.

Calling all child LEGO masters and beginners! Our LEGO Group meets weekly to create and build anything they can imagine. A great place to meet and mingle with other kids interested in 3D creation. We also offer larger LEGO bricks for those who can find the smaller bricks tasty. Intended for children 4-11 years old with their caregivers.

For teenagers:

Graphic novel book club

Tuesday, March 29, 4 p.m.

Our teen department has a book club! And it is dedicated to reading graphic novels. Spread the word – anyone ages 12-17 who loves reading graphic novels and wants to meet other people who love the same thing, join us today! Also we have snacks. Now playing: “Wynd”, by James Tynion IV. Contact Samantha B. at the library for more information.

In branches:

Coolidge Library

Arts + Crafts

Monday to Thursday, April 4 to 7, without appointment

Ignite the spark of creativity in your child with arts and crafts! Our arts + crafts range from foam painting and paper crafting to jewelry and slime making. Come anytime during opening hours (1:30-6pm) to create with your child. All supplies provided by the library. Aimed at ages 3-11.

Boston Library

Quiddler’s Club

Tuesday, 2 p.m.

The Quiddler Club meets every Tuesday at our Boston branch for a fast and fun afternoon of word game that challenges you to make words with your hand of cards faster than your opponents. An ideal space to meet and mingle with other members of your community! Intended for ages 18 and over.

Pavo library

Arts + Crafts/Scavenger Hunt

Monday to Thursday, April 4 to 7, without appointment

Find the bunny’s lost carrots! Search the library for rogue carrots and participate in an Easter-themed tissue paper and stained-glass window activity. Visit any time during opening hours (1:30-6pm) to find all the carrots and win a treat. Aimed at ages 2-11.

NEW RELEASES:

“False”, by Erica Katz

“Girls Who Drown” by Lisa Regan

“Cold Heart Creek” by Lisa Regan

“A Safe House”, by Stuart Woods

“French Braid”, by Anne Tyler

A QUOTE TO THINK ABOUT:

“Silence, you know, is something that cannot be censored. And there are times when silence becomes subversive. That’s why they fill it with noise all the time. —John Berger

Free community resource directories.

Our 2020-2021 Community Resource Directories are available at your local library! Stop by anytime to grab a free copy full of helpful, up-to-date businesses and organizations to help you get what you need. These free directories are available in part through Hurst Boiler.

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