Book lovers know that reading a good book can provide both comfort and joy. A great read can be warm and welcoming, like an old friend. Familiar faces and places come to mind effortlessly, or, we are transported through time, space, and the limits of our own imagination to a place far better than we have ever known. Comfort can be found in both familiarity and escape. Books can take you there! A terrific book can also bring great joy. Soul affirming observations, beautiful vignettes, and raucous laughter can be found between the pages of a book. Edification and discovery bring untold happiness to the curious mind. Reading makes this possible! In “Shadowlands,” the biopic about the great theologian and author C.S. Lewis, screenwriter William Nicholson sums up the solace Lewis found in reading with the line “We read to know we’re not alone.” We are not alone in the world, in our experiences, or in our questions. Reading reminds us, when life makes us forget.
Parents, teachers, students, readers, friends, and fans are all welcome on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Grace Methodist Church to welcome New York Times Bestselling author Margaret Peterson Haddix! During this visit, Ms. Haddix will discuss her books, take questions from attendees, and sign autographs. Books ‘N’ More from Wilmington will be selling Ms. Haddix’s books during this event. Be sure not to miss our famous hometown author!
For all: The holidays are right around the corner! All bakers and Pinterest makers are invited to participate in the Carnegie Public Library “Gingerbread House Contest.” Submit your creation Nov. 28 – Dec. 3 in one of four categories: Adult, Teen, Family, or Child. Houses will be on display at the library: Winners will be selected by popular vote, and announced on Dec. 12. We can’t wait to see what you create!
The “Next Chapter Book Club” will meet at the library on Monday, Nov. 28 at 4 p.m. This reading group is for adolescents and adults with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our members (including some who cannot read) love books for the same reasons most people do! The Carnegie Public Library will be hosting the local Next Chapter Book Club on Monday afternoons until the Christmas holiday. Currently, the club is reading a selection by Margaret Peterson Haddix.
In Washington Court House: Story Time is on hiatus for the next week. But do stop in to check out new books and add to our “Tree of Gratitude” in the Children’s Department! Preschool Story Time for children 3 – 5 years old takes place Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., is Books & Blocks for children 1 – 3 years old. Siblings are welcome at either session. Each week features a new theme: Dec. 6 and 8 is “World Holidays!” Also each Tuesday at 11 a.m., join us for “Books & Babies.” “Books & Babies” is a 15-minute session specifically created for our youngest patrons, ages birth – 1 year old. We look at board books, do finger plays, bounce on laps and explore. This early literacy time will introduce your baby to the library and the world of books! Now through December, you can join the Carnegie Fantasy Football League! Kids and teens, grades 1-12, pick your NFL players each week before Thursday and celebrate the following Monday. Prizes will be awarded weekly!
In Jeffersonville: On Monday, Nov. 28 all ages are invited to join “Jungle Book Party!” At 4:30 p.m. we will make our own binoculars and have a “Safari Animal Hunt” for your favorite “Jungle Book” characters. Every Tuesday at 11 a.m., come listen to stories, play instruments, create crafts, and socialize with other little friends at Toddler Time. Each week features a new theme! Tuesday, Nov. 29 is “Thankfulness!”
Information about all of our programs can be found on the library’s website www.cplwcho.org, or by calling the Washington Court House Library at 740-335-2540 and the Jeffersonville Library at 740-426-9292. All programs are FREE, unless otherwise noted. Check us out on Facebook; follow us on Twitter!
