THOMASVILLE LIBRARY:

THOUGHTS:

As I was reading with my cup of tea the other morning, I was thinking about how much a book can expand your world view.

I am currently reading a coming of age memoir written by a recently deceased author that documents her experience growing up in Los Angeles during the 60s/70s. There is a soft space in my heart for L.A. (not that I have any desire to move back) and I really enjoy reading this type of causal, carefree retelling, especially when it involves the real-fantasy world that is L.A. But to the point, what is great about this autobiographical collection of essays is that it exposes me to parts of the culture during that time that I never new existed. For example, Pachuco culture and The Choke. Or that a such a horrifying word (pogrom) even exists in our language.

Isn’t that what is so great about reading?? That no matter what you pick-up — autobiography, science-fiction, romance, graphic novel — there is something to be learned there. Something is going to lie within those pages that you have never experienced or known or viewed before. That something may propel you to turn to your dictionary (the actual print kind, hopefully) or to Google to find out just what that “something” is or what it looks like or maybe it even sparks you to research even further and read another book/watch a documentary. Whatever that something stirs you to do, that point is that that something is even there in the first place, that it will always be there.

I think that is what really lies at the heart of the slogan, “Libraries will take you other worlds” or “Travel the world in a book.” It is not only that a book may take place in a different country or even a different plane of reality, or that the library contains a plethora of history covering practically the entire planet Earth or that you can tap into Google Earth from our computers and literally view another place in real time. It is that every book you put your hands on has a grain of the unknown within its pages, even if it is just some slang word in a YA novel you were not privy to. Every time you break open the spine of a book, you are certain to stumble upon something new to you; whether actually within the pages or in the way that you view the world/the way that you think after finishing that book. There will always be something.

I mean, is that not just something to marvel at? How little we know and how much we are always learning more? How our world is just ready to show you something new, if only you are willing in slow down and look? Does that not just simply make you want to open up a book??

— Samantha Hanchett, Marketing Coordinator

HAPPENINGS:

Tax Assistance

Tuesdays only; through April 12

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers will be providing free assistance to individuals with a household income of 50k or less or those 65 and older in filing their 2021 tax return. Assistance is provided by appointment only on Tuesdays between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Program runs through April 12. Call the library to schedule an appointment.

Android Mobile Devices – A Basic Tech Class

Wednesday, Feb. 9, 10 a.m.

Join us for an in-person, group technology class where we introduce the basics. This week, we will be focusing on Android phones and tablets. Bring your mobile device with you for a hands-on tutorial. No registration is required. Class is held in the computer lab and limited to 10 attendees.

Beginner Flow Yoga

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 9:45 a.m.

An introductory class that moves slowly through a simple vinyasa sequence with focus 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. Supplies are limited. Registration is appreciated.

Apple Mobile Devices — A Basic Tech Class

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 10 a.m.

Join us for an in-person, group technology class where we introduce the basics. This week, we turn our focus onto Apple devices. Bring your iPhone or iPad for a hands-on tutorial on how to use your device. No registration is required. Class is held in the computer lab and limited to 10 attendees.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

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

For the kids:

Toddler + Tykes Story Time

Thursdays, 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 wraps up with a fun, simple art + craft activity. An excellent space to meet other caregivers and children in the community. Intended for ages 2 – 4 years with their caregivers.

LEGO Club

Thursdays, 4 p.m.

Calling all child LEGO masters and first-timers! Our LEGO group meets every week to create and build whatever they can imagine. A great place to meet and mingle with other children interested in 3D creation. We also offer larger LEGO bricks for those who may find the smaller bricks tasty. Intended for ages 4-11 years with their caregivers.

Arts + Crafts

Monday, Feb. 14, 4 p.m.

Spark your child’s imagination and creativity with our arts + craft hour. We will be getting messy and making slime. All supplies provided at no cost. Intended for ages 4-11 with their caregivers.

At the branches:

Boston Library

Quiddler Club

Tuesdays, 2 p.m.

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-plus.

Pavo Library

Bingo

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2:30 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon game of Bingo with a Valentine theme: terms of endearment. Freshen up on a few little used loving pet-names, meet and mingle with others in the community. Light refreshments offered.

Coolidge Library

Arts + Crafts

Monday, Feb. 7, Drop-In

Enjoy a fun Valentine-themed art + craft activity anytime during open hours. All supplies provided by the library. Intended for ages 2-11.

Arts + Crafts

Tuesday, Feb. 15, Drop-In

Drop in anytime during open hours (1:30 to 6 p.m.) for a fun art + crafts activity. Our arts + crafts range from paper crafts to painting to slime making. All supplies provided by the library at no cost.

NEW RELEASES:

“Show Me the Bunny,” by Lauren Berenson

“The Magnolia Palace,” by Fiona Davis

“Mermaid Confidential,” by Tim Dorsey

“Quick Sliver,” by Dean Koontz

“Violeta,” by Isabel Allende

A QUOTE TO THINK ABOUT:

“Silence’s importance is increasing as I’m getting older . . . we need it for balance, to get our brains empty. Just eating information makes you unable to move.” — Ryuichi Sakamoto

Free Community Resource Directories.

Our 2020-2021 Community Resources Directories are available at your local library! Stop in anytime to grab a free copy full of useful and updated businesses and organizations to help you get what you need. These free directories are available thanks in part to Hurst Boiler.

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. Available wherever you listen to your podcasts!

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