Summer Reading at PPL

Hi, everyone! A funny thing happened on the way to writing this post.

So, you may remember that I try to build my retirement days around the word CREATE -- crafting, reading, exercising, assisting, traveling, and/or embracing. This morning, when trying to get a few things done before heading out for a library volunteer gig, I told hubby that it was tough fitting everything in. His reply was vintage hubby: "Maybe you should've chosen a shorter word." Later, when resting on the couch after returning home from the library, I countered that I should have chosen a word with the letter N -- N for napping, that is.   :)

Thankful Thursday

Summer activities are in full swing at the Pickerington Library, which means volunteer opportunities abound. Today, two of us signed up kids and awarded prizes for the Summer Reading Program. What fun!

Today, I am thankful for:

• patrons that bring their little ones to public libraries,
• librarians who continue to find creative ways to attract young readers, and
• being available to lend a helping hand.

Books & Movies & Such 

My first blog was Scrapping with Purpose, a blog primarily dedicated to card making for Operation Write Home. When retiring, I decided to start a new blog -- one with a broader take on life. Well, it seems old habits are hard to break, and about all my posts have focused on card making. But, today's the day when that changes.  :)

with PPL Staff Member Colleen

Leisure reading, book clubs, and library events have become favorite pastimes. This past Saturday, the Pickerington Public Library hosted its annual Teen Book Fest -- an event in which tweens, teens, and their parents interacted with 21 of their favorite authors. 

The keynote was delivered by Gene Luen Yang. In the presentation, Mr. Yang discussed the need for diverse books. During the talk, he challenged audience members to be diverse in our reading selections by:

• reading about characters and life experiences different from ourselves and our own experiences,
• reading about topics about which we have little or no knowledge, and
• reading books in different forms/styles than our typical selections.

This really struck a chord with me. I tend to gravitate towards fiction. Favorite authors include Toni Morrison and Mark Twain. (Talk about diversity, right?) But, recent selections seem to fit the diversity criteria outlined by Mr. Yang.

• Middlesex by Jeffrey Euginedes
• The Witches by Stacy Schiff and Dead Wake by Erik Larson
• Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

I must say I have really enjoyed these diversions. Going to have to remember to vary my reading selections on a more regular basis. 

Parting Thoughts

Next post is likely to involve a card. Have the seeds of an idea for a couple of challenges sprouting in my head.  :)

In the meantime, our Words 2 Craft By New Beginnings Challenge is in full swing. If you have a wedding, graduation, retirement, new baby, new dad in the works, this might be a perfect challenge for you.

Until next time, thanks for stopping and happy scrappin'!