Can you believe that it is December already? In the words of the Grateful Dead, what a long, strange trip it’s been. The world is such a weird place right now. I don’t want to focus on the pandemic. We all have COVID-19 fatigue. I am tired of Zoom meetings. Let’s find some joy in our world, and let’s find that joy through libraries.
I love books. I really do. Exploring the words an author has carefully crafted and placed on a page allows me to escape. I learn about people, whether fictional or real. I feel a connection to the characters or human beings in a book. I feel less alone in this world. In addition, many people enjoy audiobooks. A narrator can really bring a story to life. Sometimes the author is the reader, which can add an interesting dimension to a story, especially when it is nonfiction.
Don’t even get me started on picture books or graphic novels! Illustrations can bring a story to life. Artists and illustrators are so talented. With picture books, they help a child connect words to pictures. And sitting with a child and reading together – well, that is priceless. Graphic novels, on the other hand, bring a story to life in a way that you may have never even imagined. I especially enjoy nonfiction graphic novels. History can jump off the page and be illuminated in a way you never anticipated.
I will admit it here – I do not read every day. I like watching TV and movies. Pop culture is fun to explore. The library has DVDs for all ages. We carry some of the things you cannot find on streaming services. Our catalog makes it easy to find new items in our collection – check out the link under “New Additions” on the right side of our page https://durango.ent.sirsi.net.
Over the holidays, you’ll probably be spending time at home with your loved ones. Do something different and check out a board game from the library. We have a selection of titles for all ages. From competitive to cooperative games, you can spend time together in an unexpected way with a board game!
Finally, our youth services team has weekly activity kits available for children from preschool through teens. Simply contact us to arrange for a pick-up during our curbside service hours, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday.
Durango Public Library staff members can help you find your next amazing book (whether physical or electronic, written or audio), DVD or game. You can email us at reference@durangogov.org or use our Hold Shelf Surprise service if you need help picking something out. Remember – anyone can get a library card. We can set you up over the phone at 375-3380. The library is the one place where you don’t have to pay for services, and it is available for everyone.
Take care, everyone, and have a safe and happy end to the year.
Sandy Irwin is library director at Durango Public Library.
