At The Library: No Time For Boredom

No Time For Boredom 

Hula Hoops, Book Clubs And More Make A Summer Of Adventure 

By Rachel Reddick 

Park Hill Branch Librarian 

July has been recognized as the National Month for some fundamentally great things like picnics, ice cream, grilling, peaches, and blueberries. But this month the library has leaned into one specific celebration: National Anti-Boredom Month. 

It’s easy to get bored in the summer. It’s too hot for some plans and too expensive for others. Schedules can be radically different from other times of the year. But worry not: the library offers solutions. 

Kiddos 0-18 have the chance to register and participate in our Summer of Adventure series. (More information is at summerofadventure.org/.) July’s programs at Park Hill include a Teen No-Strings-Attached Book Chat, which is an open “book” club for teens. No assigned reading, and the material discussed isn’t limited to books. Got a movie, podcast, web comic you’re into? All can be discussed at the July 3 meeting. Younger ones have two different drumming programs, a book celebration and a chance to learn hula hooping. We continue to offer our weekly baby and toddler storytimes, as well as an art exploration event geared specifically for ages 5 and unders. (Check out the listings for details on these programs.) 

Adults aren’t forgotten. We have an informative session everyone is encouraged to attend called “Talking About Death Won’t Kill You.” It helps outline steps to ensure the end of your life is less about chaotic paperwork and much more about how to honor the person you are. It 

might sound heavy to get through, but our feedback has been that this ongoing series is friendly, helpful, and surprisingly upbeat. 

Most importantly, the Park Hill branch offers all our regular services. Do you need a cool place to hang out when the temperature is off the charts? We’ve got (usually) reliable AC. We have movies you can take home or stream, books you can check out or download, and a whole host of resources to help make life less boring. 

And we have you, our community. Every person who visits us or uses our services helps make the library function as intended. A library without a community to use it is no proper library at all. Stopping by
and seeing us may allow you to run into someone you haven’t seen in a while and catch up. You can learn about new ideas taking hold and new spaces you want to explore. You can bond with a stranger over a title you just returned. 

Are there topics you think aren’t well understood or maybe one that you’re just excited to learn more about? Tell a librarian. We can’t promise to offer everything, but it’s easier to try if we know what people want. 

Boredom always happens some- times, but we hope to help you maintain a more consistent level of engagement. We are not here to give you assignments. There are no “right” books to read or movies to watch. There is what material you find helpful, interesting or fun. 

Hope to see you soon. 

 

July Library Programs 

Park Hill Branch 

Baby Storytimes | Thursdays 10:15-10:45 

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for babies ages 0-18 months and their parents or caregivers. 

Toddler Storytimes | Fridays 10:15-10:45 

Stories, songs, rhymes and fun for toddlers ages 18-36 months and their parents or caregivers. 

TAB | Tuesdays, July 9 & July 23, 4:30-5:30 

Anyone 6th-12th grade are welcome to join and help with library programming and resources geared towards teens. 

Writing Circle 2.0 | Thursdays, July 11 & 25 1:30-3 p.m. 

Join our supportive community of writers to hone your skills and feel inspired. All levels and styles of writers are welcome. 

Teen No Strings Attached Book Club I Wednesday, July 3, 2:30-3:30 p.m. 

Get in the mood for Spring Cleaning with archaeologist and author Chip Colwell, who delves into humanity moving from gathering to gluttony through the ages and the consequences to today’s world. 

Taiko with Toni (Japanese Drumming) | Wednesday, July 10, 3-3:45 p.m. 

Thrill to the thunderous sounds of the taiko (Japanese drum). Toni Yagami brings an exciting “Matsuri” (Japanese festival) to Park Hill. 

Talking About Death Won’t Kill You I Saturday, July 13, 2-3:30 p.m. 

Do you have a Death Plan? How do you let your loved ones know your wishes? Consider what you can do while you are healthy and what you want done after you’ve gone. Bringing questions and items of comfort is encouraged. Moderated by Cierra McNamara. 

Cancer Café | Monday, July 15, 2-3:30 p.m. 

This peer group is for anyone post- diagnosis, whether in treatment or in remission. Family members and caregivers are welcome since uncertainty and anxiety around cancer affect everyone involved. 

Itsari World Percussion | Wednesday, July 17, 3-3:45 p.m. 

Together, percussionists Chadzilla & Ed Contreras show the roots of modern American music. From Africa to the Middle East, to South America and the Caribbean. Audiences will enjoy the great drumming, dance, education and humor that is Istari. 

Kids Book Celebration | Thursday, July 18, 4-5 p.m. 

We will explore a book or series every month and do activities and crafts related to what we read. Parents of young children need to attend with their child. This month we are exploring sports. 

No Strings Attached Book Chat | Saturday, July 20, 11 a.m. -12:30 p.m. 

Read whatever you want and attend whenever you can. Share a recent read, an old favorite, or anything in between. 

Death Café | Monday, July 22, 2-3:30 p.m. 

Death Café is an international movement that invites people to gather, normalize conversations around death to make the most of LIFE. This is not a grief support group or counseling session. Respect for all views is a priority. 

Learn to Hula Hoop with Mad About Hoops | Wednesday, July 24, 3-4 p.m. 

Have you always wanted to learn how to master the hula hoop? Come learn from the experts. 

Qi Gong | Wednesday, July 31, 11 a.m.- 12:15 p.m. 

Qi Gong is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine. Sometimes called “meditation in motion,” it includes slow, dance-like movements to improve breathing, reduce stress, and gently move the body. All levels and abilities are welcome. 

You Are the Curator | Wednesday, July 31, 3-4:30 p.m. 

Join Shawn Bowman of Two Bee Industries to create tiny museum exhibits while talking about who gets to call something “art.” We’ll have multiple activities making small sculptures, paintings, even tiny “art cars” while looking at the Ramen Museum, Ice Cream Museum and other exhibits around the world. 

Pauline Robinson Branch 

The Pauline Robinson Branch library is currently closed for renovations. While construction is underway, limited library services are being offered across the street at Hiawatha Davis, Jr. Recreation Center at 3334 Holly St. Services are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• Chromebooks are available for public use, as well as printing and copying. 
• A cart of free fiction books for all ages and DVDs is available for browsing. 
• Digital Navigator appointments are available Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
• Bookmobile is on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 
• Community Resource Navigators are available Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m.