Tag Archives: library patrons

Blindly Chosen, Faithfully Read

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To build up a library is to create a life. It’s never just a random collection of books. –Carlos María Domínguez

March is just around the corner. Before we leave this heart-centered month, I wanted to mention an idea that came to my attention through my favorite hangout – our local library.

blind date with a book

 

On Valentines Day, the Bud Werner Memorial Library  provided an act of kindness through their Blind Date with a Book program. They set-up their library patrons up for an enjoyable night of entertainment.

The gift was wrapped up in brown paper, tied up with string, including a clue or two to help the reader make  their date selection. The title and author’s name was hidden and the reader had to accept on blind faith that what was “between the covers” was something good.

But as on any blind date, the only way to get acquainted with a character is to learn something about them. With time we get to know whether a character is as a mystery, a hopeless romantic or ready for a wild or steamy adventure. Sweet idea!

I’d like to conclude this writing today by repeating a bumper sticker that is frequently seen here where I live. One is on my car. It says “I came for the skiing and stayed for the library.”

What an asset to have a wonderful library in any community.

This blog is brought to you by Sue Batton Leonard, award-winning author of Gift of a Lifetime: Finding Fulfilling Things in the Unexpected.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Literary Benevolence

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More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness.~ Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) Comedic Actor, Filmmaker, Writer

Happy Thoughtful Thursday. Today I am thinking about seasonal opportunities for sharing literacy. If you are a library patron or a book lover, these ideas might appeal to you – acts that you can do for others that will mean a lot.

  • Write a literary letter from a beloved literary character about the true meaning of Christmas.
  • Leave post-it notes in random places with uplifting quotes from inspirational writers.
  • Pay off someone’s late fees at the library
  • Drop-off free, pass along books on buses, at a table in a restaurant, on a park bench, in a senior citizen center.
  • Pick-up an extra newspaper at the newsstand and give it to the person behind you in line.
  • Arrange a book swap in a public place and invite anyone walking by to join in, even if they come empty handed. Make sure you have a good supply of  pass-alongs.
  • Put a pass-along book in someone’s mailbox, gift wrapped. What a nice surprise!
  • Create a gift for a loved one – a Shutterfly book of memories. www.shutterfly.com
  • Check out an extra book from the library and take it to a shut-in.
  • Set up a Book Angels program in your community to give new or gently used children books at Christmas time.

book angels

Photo: Book Angels from www.deviantart.com

These random acts of literary kindness can be given at anytime of the year but will especially be appreciated during the holidays.

This blog brought to you by www.CornerstoneFulfillmentService.com. See you tomorrow on All Things Fulfilling.