Books Bring Us Together
Graphic by Park Hill resident, library staff member and graphic novelist Thane Benson.
By Tara Bannon Williamson
Have you ever met someone and instantly knew you would be the best of friends because you shared similar tastes in books, movies or music?
Beloved fictional characters become as rich a character reference as a college roommate or neighbor. The shared experience of viewing dramatic shows include the collective inhale of expectation, sigh of relief and shared tear at each twist, turn, and thrilling finale. (Just ask anyone who’s caught up on Downton Abbey. Careful, they might cry on you.)
Book clubs provide both a place to meet new fictional friends as well as real life friends. While you read alone, the book club provides the opportunity to share your experience and connect with others. We were recently moved by a grateful mother’s appreciation for our kids’ book club as it provided advantages to her and provided healthy and safe social opportunities.
We look forward to expanding our book club opportunities starting in May, collaborating with the Lighthouse Writers Workshop with a Big Read event. The question, “Have you read/seen/listened to anything good lately?” is a popular conversation starter for a very good reason; it helps us connect to one another.
Park Hill Library Events
All Ages Storytime
Thursdays at 10:30 a.m.
All ages are welcome for this storytime!
Book Babies: Early Walkers
Thursdays at 11:15 a.m.
Stories, action songs, and rhymes developed to meet the needs of babies on the move and their caregivers.
Tales for Twos
Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
Join us for a storytime just for two-year-olds and their caregivers.
Book Babies: Pre-Walkers
Fridays at 11:15 a.m.
Stories, rhymes, and lap songs developed to meet the needs of infants and their caregivers.
Pajama Storytime
Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.
Stories, songs, and fun for all ages!
Teen Advisory Board (TAB)
Tuesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 6 p.m.
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to join the Park Hill TAB. Help plan library events and projects at the Park Hill Library, talk about your favorite books, and make your opinion count!
Genre Chat Book Club
Thursday, Jan. 16, at 3:30 p.m.
A book club for grades 2 and 3. We will explore a variety of book genres, and participate in discussions, crafts, and activities related to the story. This month we will read The Year of the Dog by Grace Lin.
Teen Book Club
Thursday, Jan. 16, at 4:30 p.m.
A reading group for teens in grades 6-12 that meets to talk about books, eat snacks, play games, and have some laughs. Bring your friends! Help us think up a better name for our book club! For our first meeting: we’ll eat, talk about which books to read, give our club a name, and take home the book to read for February.
Storytime Break
The Park Hill Branch Library took a short storytime break for the holidays. Regular storytimes will continue beginning Wednesday, Jan. 8. Please stop by for Open Play on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon.
Pauline Robinson Library Programs
After School is Cool
Monday through Friday from 4 to 5 p.m.
In January ASIC will continue with Monday Madness and Friday Fun. Both include various crafts, legos and games. On Tuesdays in January, Science Matters will be visiting, Wednesdays will be craft day, and Thursday Abrakadoodle will be visiting to lead children in painting projects.
Family Storytime
Saturday, Jan. 18
Join us for stories, music, and fun
Considering a Business?
Monday, Jan. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Come join us for a free workshop exploring the realities and rewards of owning a small business; receive strategic tips on how to start a business, and learn more about the Innovation Lab business programs. Sponsored by Innovation Lab at Northeast Park Hill. For more information, visit MiCasaResourceCenter.org or call 303-573-1302.