THOMASVILLE LIBRARY:

THOUGHTS:

I have been on a perpetual hunt for a pair of noise cancelling earplugs. Not earbuds. Earplugs. This has, surprisingly, been quite a difficult task. Most of them that I come across are not earplugs – they are some form of “noise cancelling” earbud that is designed to make more sound, be it music or ambient sounds to block out the other noise. Those foam or mold-to-your-ear earplugs do not do anything for me. The noise still screeches through. I don’t want more noise. I want silence.

Have you ever noticed how loud our world is? In the past, I found that I was able to block out the loudness of human activity, or maybe I had just been so used to and numbed to the noise. But one day, as I was taking break from my work and taking a stroll around the block, it was like a switch flipped in me and I was overwhelmed and accosted by the noise of our everyday. The train was just laying into the horn for no reason, giant trucks were driving by with souped-up mufflers, sports cars were revving their engines, driver’s were blasting their music to hear it over the noises, people were shouting at one another for no apparent reason. It was causing me physical pain. This may sound silly to you and may roll your eyes, but it is the truth. I simply could not handle how noisy a world we live in anymore.

And the noise is everywhere. Even the library. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am fully aware that things change and evolve, and the library is one of those things, but it is a shame that we have lost our silent spaces. I have always cherished the calm stillness and quiet found in nature or a sunny day, but those spaces are quickly becoming lost. We are all so bombarded by noise at almost every hour of the day, that the majority of us don’t even notice it.

But think about it: take a moment in your day and look around to find the sounds surrounding you. Maybe you are cooking dinner for the house. Do you have music playing? Maybe the television is on? Maybe both. Then there’s your refrigerator noise, maybe a dishwasher is running, maybe you are doing laundry too and the washer is thrashing about. If you have roommates, maybe they are talking loudly to one another while they “watch” tv. Cellphones and tablets are pinging the background; a clock’s hands are ticking round; the neighbor’s oversized truck is roaring by in the street; the A/C is running; someone is taking a shower or washing their hands. The list goes on and on. We are bombarded by noise all the time.

All this noise is not good for our health. It simply is not. It also doesn’t bode well for our attentions, our ability to focus and make enlightened decisions that involve deep focus and thought. It is definitely not conducive to getting lost in a good book (which is a travesty in my mind). Is there a way for us to fix the noise overload? Do we even care? Are we not upset? How much louder are our surroundings about to become? Do we not all deserve a solid night sleep and calm stillness in our lives? I strongly feel that we all do, but I’m afraid I may be nearly alone in that feeling. So – I shall continue my hunt for noise cancelling earplugs and seek quiet spaces. Maybe I will read some Thoreau….

— Samantha Hanchett, Marketing + Outreach Coordinator

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

Beginner Flow Yoga

Wednesday, Aug 17, 9:45 a.m.

An intro yoga class that moves slowly through a simple vinyasa sequence, focusing on alignment and breath while working on strength, balance and flexibility. Great for beginners to yoga. Be dressed for movement and flexibility. Bring a mat, if possible. (Limited yoga supplies available.)

Technology One-on-One’s (By appointment only)

Monday and Tuesday, between 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Schedule an appointment for individual computer or technology help with our Reference Department. Appointments must be made 48 hours in advance, no walk-ins accepted. Tech sessions will be private and run for one hour. Call the library for more details.

Fall for Art Exhibit

July 18 – September 16

Stop in and view original pieces by members of the Pines & Palms Artist Association. Displayed in the Henry Flipper Room located in the lobby. Art available for purchase through Pines & Palms.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For the children:

Story Time: Toddlers + Tykes

Every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.

Join us for a few great read-aloud storybooks, songs and rhymes designed to enhance the literacy of your child. Each Story Time is followed by a simple, fun art + craft to further spark the magic of reading. Story Time is a great place to meet and mingle with other caregivers and children in the community. Intended for ages 2-4.

LEGO Club

Every Thursday, 4 p.m.

Grab your kiddos and join us for a meeting of the LEGO Club. Allow your child’s creativity to thrive through 3D creation and meet some new people/kids. We also offer larger LEGO bricks for those who find the smaller ones tasty. Intended for ages 4-11.

For the teens:

YA Book2Movie Club

Mon, Aug 15, 5 p.m.

“The book was better.” Join us for the first monthly meeting of the Book2Movie Club! Once a month, we choose a YA book adaptation (either film or tv series), hang out and watch the show. Snacks will be present and devoured. Intended for ages 12 – 17. Speak with the teen manager, Samantha Bass, for more details.

At the branches:

Boston Library –

Quiddler Club

Tuesdays, 2:00pm

The Quiddler Club meets each Tuesday at our Boston Branch for an afternoon the fast, fun word game that challenges you to make words with your hand of cards faster than your opponents. A great space to meet and mingle with others in your community! Intended for ages 18+.

Ochlocknee Library –

Arts + Crafts

Aug. 8-11, Drop-in Activity

Arts + Crafts

Aug. 15-18, Drop-in Activity

Pavo Library –

Elvis Trivia Bingo

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2 p.m.

Meigs Library –

Arts + Crafts

Wednesday, Aug. 17, Drop-in Activity

NEW RELEASES:

The House Across the Lake, by Riley Sager

The German Wife, by Kelly Rimmer

Kaikeyi, by Vaishnavi Patel

Hurricane Girl, by Marcy Dermansky

The Hotel Nantucket, by Elin Hilderbrand

A QUOTE TO THINK ABOUT:

 “Be patient, calm, compassionate. Know that existence is fleeting.” – Ettore Sottsass

Subscribe to our Podcast!

5 Questions from a Stranger is a monthly audio series that introduces you to a topic through the eyes of one with first-hand experience. Newest episode features Helen Craine, speaking of her late mother’s experiences as an Ukrainian POW. Available wherever you listen to your podcasts!

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