Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Carnegie Public Library! In observance of the holiday, the library will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25 (the day before Thanksgiving) and remain closed Thanksgiving day, and all day Friday, Nov. 27.
The library will reopen to curbside service on Monday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. Book drops will remain open and, as always, the Ohio Digital Library is available online 24/7!
Librarians, we talk about books. A lot. I am fortunate to have frequent, rich conversations about books with family, friends, coworkers, library patrons, and community members just about every day. I enjoy hearing what folks are reading now, reading next, and won’t ever forget having read. I am not the fastest reader, so quantity is not my goal. I seek books I can savor, sit with, and recall long after I have finished them.
Reading, for me, is one of life’s greatest pleasures. I have, however, struggled to read for pleasure since the pandemic began. My ability to focus has been sporadic, and little could hold my attention. Reading is such a blessing, a therapeutic escape for so many of us, and not being able to do so was maddening. Finally, I struck gold. At some point, I had placed a hold on “Red at the Bone” by Jacqueline Woodson. I do this a lot – I request a book because someone recommended it, I read a favorable review, or I happened to like the cover or title. I don’t remember what led me to Red at the Bone, although the author’s accolades speak for themselves.
Woodson, an Ohio native, is a New York Times Bestselling author, and she and her work have won numerous awards including The Caldecott Medal, Newbery Honor Medal, Hans Christian Andersen Award, and the 2020 MacArthur Genius Award. Woodson’s body of work includes picture books, novels for middle grades, young adults, and adults.
Moving fluidly forward and backward in time, Red at the Bone tells the story of two urban black families and how their paths vary and converge through several generations. It is written poetically, with phrases and descriptions you will want to read again and again, and it is written powerfully, with observations and truths about race, class, education, love, and identity. Naturally, I wanted more. I grabbed Woodson’s book, “Brown Girl Dreaming,” from our shelves and have just dug in. Written in verse, this adolescent novel has me captivated already. The book begins with familiar Ohio scenes, then Woodson tells readers about her childhood years in South Carolina and New York. The flow of her words and beauty of her observations has me grateful to be reading again.
Adults: Carnegie Public Library is posting weekly giveaways through the holidays. Visit the library’s Facebook page to answer this week’s question: “Thanksgiving is this week and your favorite celebrity chef calls you and wants to help make dinner… who are you cooking with?” Leave your answer in the comments section on the giveaway post, and you will be entered in the giveaway. Winners will be chosen at random each week, and announced the following Friday. We love reading your responses!
Also, check out the library’s social media pages for upcoming adult “take & make” crafts. New this week, engagement librarian Kaitlin Cottrill has a new video series entitled “Online for the Holidays!” Kaitlin will give helpful hints and tips about online shopping, using online tools for holiday get-togethers, and more.
Fayette families: Holiday programs are on the horizon! Check out the new edition of Cooking with Christie – watch as she makes her “Scrumptious Sausage Dip!” Our holiday newsletter is full of fun events and programs for Thanksgiving and Christmas! Online now, check out “Hello Friends!” each week on the library’s Facebook page. For children 5 and younger, “Hello Friends!” features stories, rhymes, crafts, games, and other fun! “Bonnie’s Books” and other virtual favorites like “Tell Me Your Story” also continue weekly.
Have you watched Carnegie Library on YouTube? Check out our channel for educational, information-filled, and entertaining videos featuring books, interviews, tutorials, activities, and more! Search Carnegie Public Library, Washington Court House, Ohio, or follow the link from our website, cplwcho.org.
Our online resources are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! Information about all of our resources can be found on the library’s website, www.cplwcho.org, or by calling the Washington Court House Library at 740-335-2540. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @cplwcho.
