Read On! Delving into TBR piles

Just about every reader I know has a TBR (To Be Read) pile that’s longer than they are. Recently, I delved deep into my TBR to read “The Color of Magic” by Sir Terry Pratchett. It’s the first book in his famous 41-book “Discworld” series. 

All the Discworld books are set on a flat, disc-like planet supported on the backs of four elephants standing on the shell of a giant turtle traveling through space. This first book introduces us to Rincewind, a not-quite wizard, who must keep Twoflower, a tourist with a lot of gold, from getting into too much trouble while visiting his poor and rough country. Mischief and adventure abound. 

There are moments of delight and whimsy in “The Color of Magic,” but the writing can also get bogged down and boring. I have learned that I could have started the Discworld series with any of the 41 novels set in that world. I have also learned that many of these novels have heaping mounds of delight waiting for me to read. I’m not giving up on Discworld, but I’m going to take advantage of the “book generator” on Terry Pratchett’s website to find one that’s a better fit for me. (https://www.terrypratchettbooks.com/book-series/discworld/)

In our temporary location, our collection is probably too shallow for delving far into TBR piles like mine. Luckily, our interlibrary loan service continues! If you don’t find a title in our current collection and don’t want to wait for us to be back in our building (possibly in November) or buy it at the Book Exchange, we can likely get a copy loaned to you from another library. The fee is just $3 to help cover the cost of postage. 

This week, little ones will have fun pinning legs on octopuses Wed at 10:30 am. Older kids and adults should bring an old t-shirt to upcycle it into a bag on Thurs. at 10 am and 6 pm.

Read On! Representation Matters

My daughter is learning to love her curly hair. There’s a lot to love about having curly hair, but it also makes her stand out. She gets comments on her hair almost every time we go somewhere. While most of the comments are kind and well-meaning, as a woman who’s almost 6’ tall, I can say that being noticed because of a trait beyond your control isn’t always comfortable. 

For both of us, finding toys, characters in movies or books, and real-life celebrities who share our unique traits helps us feel more comfortable in our own bodies. I vividly remember when I got my first Jem doll (from the 80’s show “Jem & the Holograms”). She was a 12” doll who towered over my 11” Barbies. It was okay that Jem was tall, so it was easier to feel like it was okay that I was tall. I felt seen, which was beyond amazing.

Because of my experience, I actively look for characters and toys that might help my daughter feel more comfortable with her curly hair. I want her to have the same feeling I did with my Jem doll. I also want her peers to see toys and characters with curly hair. The more they see curly hair in the world, the less likely they’ll view it as something so unique that it requires comment. It might be a trait they notice, but it won’t be any different than noticing someone has brown eyes. 

In the Library, we actively search for material that members of our community can find themselves in. We know how important representation is to people who feel different. In some cases, finding oneself in books or media can be life changing. It was for me. 

If you haven’t found yourself in our collection, please let us know. We’ll see if we can fix that. 

Our Summer Reading events this week have a nautical theme! Boat races at storytime on Wed. at 10:30 AM and boat crafts Thurs. at 10 AM and 6 PM. 

Read On! The Board of Trustees

Your Pryor Library’s Board of Trustees is in the process of updating their bylaws. This is an action that’s part of our strategic plan and is something Boards should do regularly. This update is mostly improving wording and clarity. If you want to read the bylaws, let me know or check out the City Council agenda packets for the meeting when Council will approve the bylaws. 

In the Library world, there are two types of Library Boards – fiduciary (responsible for operations, budgets, etc) and advisory (advising another governing body on operations, budgets, etc.) Libraries, like yours, whose budgets come from the City have advisory boards.  

The two main duties of the Pryor Library Board are to determine Library policy and recommend for hire, supervise, and evaluate the Library Director. Any policy the Library enacts must be approved by the Library Board. When we make a major revision to our policy manual, we send it through Council. (Our policy manual is on our website’s home page under “Library Info” and then “Policies.”) 

When I was hired almost seven years ago, my interviews were with the Library Board, not the City. After I accepted their job offer, we went through the process of getting my hiring approved by the Mayor, Budget Committee, and City Council. The Board also reviews my job performance a few times each year. 

We are fortunate to have an amazing group of people on our Library Board. All five trustees volunteer their time for meetings and help the Library with major projects like moving to the Graham (and back) and staffing our Summer Reading ending celebration. We could not ask for a more dedicated Board. 

Speaking of Summer Reading, don’t miss our first week of activities! Storytime is on Wed. at 10:30 AM and pearly crafts are happening on Thurs. at 10 AM and 6 PM. 

Read On! Books & Brews

Despite loving book clubs like I love my favorite books, I am not the best book club member. Our Books & Brews Club has been reading together since March, 2018, which adds up to about 50 books we’ve read together. Of those 50, I have probably read half the books. Luckily, the other members of our club don’t seem to mind when I haven’t read the book. 

When I do read the book, especially if it’s outside my comfort zone, I am always glad I did. For instance, I wouldn’t have been likely to pick up “Five Presidents” by Clint Hill, but when I finally started reading it for February’s book club, I couldn’t put it down. I’m still working on finishing “The Left Hand of Darkness” by Ursula Le Guin, the book we discussed this month. I’ll finish it even though I now have some spoilers. 

Next month’s book, “The Guncle” by Steven Rowley, may stay on my to-be-read pile for a while, but I’m looking forward to reading it too. It promises to be a heart-felt story of love and family. I’m told it is also funny, which is a plus. 

Books & Brews meets the first Saturday of every month from 1 – 3 pm at Fat Toad Brewing Company. We have a nice core group of members, but are always happy to welcome newcomers. We eat and visit about everything *except* the book for the first hour, then in the second hour discuss the book for as long as we need to. We also share what else we’ve been reading. This piece of the meeting is great for getting recommendations!  

Our group has developed into a very nice community of readers. Whether we agree or not, the discussion is always fun and friendly. I encourage you to come to a meeting, even if you haven’t read the book.

Next week, we’ll begin our Summer Reading Program registration! We’ve got activities, game boards, and prizes for every age, so be sure to stop by!