Time to plan for a Summer of Reading

Greetings and salutations and flowers and warm winds and boats and picnics and all the good things that happen when the sun is high in the heavens:

Although we are still a couple of weeks away from the summer solstice (June 21st, the longest day of the year), the season that I like to call “planning season” is upon us. This season generally begins as soon as the leaves appear on the trees. Living as we do in a northern clime, summer is foreshortened making it important to make the most of each “warm” day. By planning, we can cram as much as possible into this short but glorious season. (In North Dakota they call the seasons June, July, August, and winter…)

The term solstice can also be used in a wider sense, as the date (day) when this occurs. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. In some cultures they are considered to start or separate the seasons while in others they fall in the middle. The English expressions "midwinter" (winter solstice) and "midsummer" (summer solstice) may derive from a tradition according to which there were only two seasons: winter and summer. (Wikipedia.org)

Taken in the English sense, summer has arrived and we had better make haste to enjoy it as long as we can. Here is what the library has for you:

The Summer Library Program at Pine River Public Library:

“Be Creative at Your Library” is the theme for the summer reading this year. How fun is that? Sign up at this writing was last week, the first week in June. Go sign up because the program officially starts June 8th and will run through August 1st.

Kids (This is not baby goats, though that would be fun as well.) program is for ages 5 to 12.

Thursday is activities day only for those participating in the reading program.

Teens program is for young adults (I refuse to call all of you “kids”. In days gone by you would be “young ladies and gentlemen”. Let us hope that you are still.) ages 13 to 18. This program spans the same dates as above. There will be special programs for the teen group.

Once again the library will be doing a “Mystery at the Library” for those participating in the reading program.

Construction on the new roof is moving right along. The hope is that this will not interfere with our reading programs, but if so, there is a plan “B”. Some programs might need to be held off site at Kitchigami Regional Library. (This is the headquarters for all the libraries in our region, not a lending library. It is, however, also located in Pine River. To some of you this may sound idiotically simplistic, but to others it may be illuminating.)

Be creative and enjoy our library at the same time! Who could ask for more?

I remain,
Browser, the library cat

Printed in the Pine River Journal 11th June 2009