Some books stay with you

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Some books stay with you — whether you reread them or just recall the names, places, settings or feelings a book evokes, I love the ones that linger.

I savor too the ones that connect you to a friend or another great story.

Recently, upon recommendation from a friend, I read “The Book of Lost Friends” by Lisa Wingate. Based on historical events, this novel begins in Louisiana in 1875 with the life of Hannie, a former slave.

Along with her unlikely companions, she sets off on a dangerous quest for truth and long-lost family members. Hannie’s narrative alternates with that of Bendetta Silva, a first-year teacher in 1987 Louisiana.

Bendetta is thrust into a poverty-stricken school district in a reluctance to change community. With great skill and care, the author weaves together the events of 1875 and 1987 into a satisfying and thoughtful resolution.

Immediately, I told my friend about “Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi, which also employs interchanging narratives.

Homegoing begins in 18th century Ghana with half-sisters, Effia and Esi. One sister remains in Ghana while the other is sold into slavery and taken to America.

Each chapter is told from the perspective of the following generation, tracing their lives across the globe and throughout time, each impacted by the events that came before them. Both books, powerful and well-written, will stay with me; you don’t soon forget when you’ve walked in another’s shoes.

The library’s current hours are as follows: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Friday 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. The library has designated Wednesday hours for at-risk and senior community members.

We ask that patrons observe social distancing, and that children under 13 years of age are accompanied by a parent or guardian during this time.

The library encourages patrons to wear masks as a courtesy to others. The building will observe limited capacity and utilize only the parking lot entrance off of East Street. Patrons will be asked to enter and exit via the parking lot doors.

Take advantage of Curbside Service! Curbside service will continue from Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., until the library returns to full hours. Requests for library materials can be placed through our online catalog at www.cplwcho.org, through the SEO Libraries app, or by calling the library at 740-335-2540.

Users requesting items online or through the app will need their library card number and PIN. Please contact the library if you require assistance.

Statewide delivery service has resumed! Items you requested prior to March have begun to arrive and new requests will be filled in the upcoming weeks. When your materials are available for pick-up, library staff will notify you. Jeffersonville patrons can use their cards to request items for pickup in WCH.

Would you like to pick-up but are not sure what you want to read or watch? Call the library and staff members will help create a “bundle” of books and other items just for you! Or, submit a request through the library’s “Dear Carol” reader’s advisory form at www.cplwcho.org/dearcarol.

You can continue to enjoy library programming from home! Join us on Facebook for Storytime on “Facebook Live” with Mr. Aaron and Ms. Noel. Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. is Preschool Storytime. This program is for children 3 – 5 years old, while Thursdays are Books & Blocks for children 1 – 3 years old. Check it out!

And, each week, visit the library’s Facebook page and our new YouTube channel for fun and informative new content. You and your family will enjoy video tutorials from our Tech Tutor, “Just for Fun” short videos, and “This Really Happened” and “Tell Me Your Story” with Miz Anne!

You can now enjoy “Bonnie’s Books” with Ms. Bonnie from the Jeffersonville Branch! Check out our online calendar for the details on cooking programs, “Move It! Move It!” active movement for children ages 3-8 and their families, “Where’s Aaron” geography challenge for children ages 5 – 12, “Nature Wednesdays,” and more!

The library’s Guiding Ohio Online Tech Tutor is available during library hours listed above or by appointment. Message us on Facebook, the library’s website, or email [email protected], and she will get back with you as soon as possible.

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.

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By Sarah Nichols

Carnegie Public Library Director

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