THOMASVILLE LIBRARY:

All branches of the Thomas County Public Library System will be closed Saturday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 5 for a PINES System upgrade and in observance of Labor Day.

THOUGHTS:

Last night, as I was trying to drift off into sleep, what makes up our human defined Sense of Style popped into my head and how that word is used and applied to individuals. (This sprouted from my contemplations of purchasing a new dress with white, knee-high cowboy boots like the woman in the picture modelling said dress that I definitely do not need.) The etymology of the word ‘style’ actually brings it back to the Latin ‘stilus’ which pertained to “stake, instrument for writing, manner of writing, mode of expression”, perhaps even from the same source as ‘stick’. If you follow that possibility, it brings you to Old English ‘stician’ “to pierce, stab, transfix, goad,” also “to remain embedded, stay fixed, be fastened,” from Proto-Germanic ‘*stik-‘“pierce, prick, be sharp”. The figurative sense of “to remain permanently in mind” is attested from 1300. But we will stop there.

It is cool that the word style can be derived from the word stick because when you think of style – be it when it comes to fashion, mannerism, writing, art, or wherever – you think of a trait that sticks in your head, that sticks out to you, that is distinctive from the homogenous. Something that pierces or transfixes, that remains embedded in your mind. Most of the time, I think ‘sense of style’ is applied to a way of dressing or adorning ourselves. But that ‘sense of style’ is in the eye of the beholder, is it not?

Take for example, Iris Apfel, fashion icon. Iris was a textile designer for decades with her husband which lead into a contract with the White House spanning nine precedencies, ultimately putting her on the map. I personally adore Iris’ style and way of dressing – I aspire to embody that energy and eclectic-ness if I reach her age – but most people may see her as a crazy old lady that walked into a closet and walked out wearing everything in it. Then there is Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who’s manner of dressing I also adore, but many classify as “homeless” and “bag-lady”.

Then there is a man in Thomasville, whom I love, who wears simple denim overalls with long-sleeve henley shirts and thick tread, round-toe, lace-up plain brown boots – farm boots, if you will. There is nothing spectacularly transfixing about his way of dress, but this man embodies style. He exudes calm, ease, awareness of mind and body in relation to the Earth, balance and a complete understanding of self (or lack there-of). This is a man I once watched meditatively enjoying a sandwich and a tea on a bench downtown as rain fell upon him, unperturbed (taking cover only when the rain became heavy enough to soak the bread of his sandwich). This man is style to me in the early 14th century ‘stile’ “way of life, manner, behavior, conduct.”

Style cannot be defined or applied in a uniform way. Style is creativity and creativity is not simply one way. A writer is creative, an engineer is creative, a scientist is creative, a farmer is creative, a doctor is creative. Style cannot be limited to fashion. Style cannot be confined to writing or painting. Creativity is such a beautiful and varied thing, is it not? Think of that the next time you see a little boy strutting by in his head to toe Nike outfit with high socks he picked out himself or the older woman carefully choosing her organic vegetables in the supermarket wearing her muumuu dress that you feel is actually a nightgown. Or when you read a book that has no breaks in the words or has no words at all. Style cannot be mass-produced, style will not be confined or controlled. That is what makes it “stick” with us, rightly keeping us up at night.

— 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.

For adults:

Beginner Flow Yoga

Wednesday, Aug. 31, 9:45 a.m.

An introductory 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. (Yoga supplies limited.)

Technology One-on-Ones (By appointment only)

Monday and Tuesday, between 11:30 a.m. and 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 last one (1) 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, 4:00pm

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:

Graphic Novel Book Club

Tuesday, Aug. 30, 5 p.m.

Join in on our monthly meetup of the Graphic Novel Book Club. We meet up to discuss either a book we are all reading together or to chat about books we’re reading now/looking forward to getting our hands on. Make new friends and find great books in the process. Intended for ages 12 – 17. Speak with the teen manager, Samantha Bass, with any questions on how to join.

At the branches:

Pavo Library –

Story Time

Thursday, Sept. 8, Drop-In Activity

Ochlocknee Library –

Arts + Crafts

Aug. 29-Sept. 1, Drop-In Activity

Adult Arts + Crafts

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2:30 p.m.

Join our librarians and others from the community for a mixed media art tutorial and project. All supplies provided at no cost by the library.

Coolidge Library –

Bingo

Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2:30 p.m.

Arts + Crafts

Sept 6 – 8, Drop-In Activity

Boston Library –

Quiddler Club

Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

The Quiddler Club meets each Tuesday at our Boston Branch for an afternoon of 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+.

NEW RELEASES:

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus

Ninth Month, by James Patterson

Sea of Tranquility, by Emily St. John Mandel

The Hunt, by Faye Kellerman

Entangled Pursuits, by Brenda Jackson

The Candy House, by Jennifer Egan

Babysitter, by Joyce Carol Oates

A QUOTE TO THINK ABOUT:

“The world changes according to the way people see it, and if you alter, even by a millimeter, the way people look at reality, then you can change it.” — James Baldwin

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. Crack open a living library book. Available wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Facebook — @ThomasCountyPublicLibrarySystem

Instagram — @tcpls

Website — www.tcpls.org

YouTube — Thomas County Public Library System