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Check It Out: National Library Week a chance to praise libraries

The Columbian
Published: April 9, 2017, 6:00am
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The American Library Association has designated April 9-15 National Library Week. This year’s theme is “Libraries Transform,” and Olympic soccer gold medalist and World Cup champion Julie Foudy is serving as the National Library Week honorary chair. Keeping in mind the “Libraries Transform” theme, ask yourself how the library has transformed you and/or your community. Whether it’s open access to information, opportunities to connect with others, or having a space that is free and welcoming to all, public libraries are one of America’s most democratic of institutions.

I can say that without a doubt the public library has made me the person I am today. Visits to the library were a regular and much anticipated event in my family. We moved several times when I was a little girl, and one of the first things my mom would do after each move was to take me to the library and get library cards. An unfamiliar town soon became a bit less intimidating for me once I had that library card. Books and librarians: these were among my most important support systems while growing up. I can even thank a librarian for indulging my cat obsession. When my family lived in Yuma, Ariz., a very kind children’s librarian found out that I wanted a cat. Well, lo and behold, she just happened to have a litter of kittens ready for adoption! I’m not sure my mom was quite as ecstatic as I was at this news, but a short time later, my family had two new kittens. See how wonderful librarians are?

I cannot claim to have any kittens available for adoption, but I can pass along some of the fabulous titles in the library’s collection — something I love to do. Celebrate National Library Week by visiting your local branch and seeking out your own special treasure. Maybe it’s a travel guide to Ireland, an issue of your favorite magazine, or a classic Hitchcock film. Or perhaps you’re a fan of digital media and have discovered our awesome collection of e-books and downloadable audio titles. As my wise and funny husband likes to say, the library is a great resource for whatever floats your boat. Indeed.

A handful of titles that just might float your boat:

• “10 Great Dates to Energize Your Marriage,” by David Arp.

• “Career Courage: Discover Your Passion, Step Out of Your Comfort Zone, and Create the Success You Want,” by Katie C. Kelley.

• “DIY Garden Projects: Easy Activities for Edible Gardening and Backyard Fun,” by Mat Pember.

• “Earning the Rockies: How Geography Shapes America’s Role in the World,” by Robert D. Kaplan.

• “Flapper Pie and a Blue Prairie Sky: A Modern Baker’s Guide to Old-Fashioned Desserts,” by Karlynn Johnston.

• “The Man Who Made Things Out of Trees,” by Rob Penn.

• “Trespassing Across America: One Man’s Epic, Never-Done-Before (and Sort of Illegal) Hike Across the Heartland,” by Ken Ilgunas.

• “We’ll Always Have Casablanca: The Life, Legend, and Afterlife of Hollywood’s Most Beloved Movie,” by Noah William Isenberg.

Correction

One of the books mentioned in the April 2 column had co-authors, but only one of the authors was mentioned. “Gardening With Foliage First: 127 Dazzling Combinations That Pair the Beauty of Leaves With Flowers, Bark, Berries, and More” was written by Karen Chapman and Christina Salwitz.


Jan Johnston is the collection development coordinator for the Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Email her at readingforfun@fvrl.org.

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