Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month and the Library has been celebrating. No one is untouched by African American history. If you’re not familiar with this important month, I’d like to introduce you! There’s lots more to learn, but here’s a start.

In 1926, Black History Month was not a month, it was only a week. Author and historian Carter G. Woodson and the ASNLH (Association for the Study of Negro Life and History), started the celebration intending to promote the study of African American history and accomplishments in the U.S.

Although people began celebrating for a whole month as early as 1969, Black History Month became a nationwide observance in 1976. On our country’s 200th birthday, President Gerald Ford encouraged all Americans to celebrate Black History Month. He said that all Americans should “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

The Library would like to help you “seize the opportunity” by taking the time to read one of our handpicked books highlighting African Americans in history and in the present. You won’t have to dig for these! They are easy to access on the display shelf to the right as you walk in the Library (pro tip: we highlight new themes on this shelf every month, and we encourage you take these books home and read them).

Last year for Black History Month, I enjoyed perusing Linda Tarrant-Reid’s Discovering Black America : From the Age of Exploration to the Twenty-First Century. It gives a thorough and engaging overview of major events and people in African American history. I stress the word “overview” as each chapter left me with loads of people, places and events to explore further.

African Americans have influenced our country as soldiers, heroes, inventors, scientists, writers, mothers, fathers, military strategists, abolitionists, government leaders and the list goes on.

People like Gordon Parks, Hollywood’s first African American director who also fought racism through photography. Or, Jesse Owens, whose gold medals shone brightly in the darkness of WWII. Or, the first successful heart surgeon: Daniel Hale Williams. These are only a handful of examples.

Every American has the great privilege of celebrating Black History this month. Reading a book is just one way! The internet is full of great ideas to remember, learn about, and celebrate the influence of African Americans.

Happy celebrating!

Kendra

P.S. Special thanks to the Ford Library Museum Website for their great info on Black History Month.

Anticipation

Merry Christmas from your Library Staff!

There’s nothing quite like waiting for something you want. No matter what this holiday season means to you, chances are, you’re anticipating something (even if it’s just the end of long lines at Walmart!). Sometimes as adults, we lose our sense of anticipation: that excited distraction that hangs out in the back of our minds and adds a buoyancy to the mundane. I think that’s part of why we still smile when we see a kid excited about Santa.

Santa makes his much-anticipated entrance to the Library.

 Those were the faces we saw this month at “Santa at the Library,” a program put on entirely by the Friends of the Library (with help from the Siloam Springs Kiwanis club, Once Upon a Time Books and a whole batch of AMAZING volunteers). Hope you enjoy this (very homemade) video montage of the anticipation and enjoyment that we experienced with Santa at the Library (and don’t miss the exclusive interview with Santa & Mrs. Claus at the end)!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

 

Santa gave us a reminder of the joy of anticipation, and there’s more to anticipate in 2019!

The fun doesn’t end after Christmas at the Library though. You can anticipate more fun programs coming up in the Spring! Stay tuned for…

our Adult 2019 Reading Challenge, designed to incentivize reading in genres you may not have previously explored.

Guest lecture on Arkansas’ involvement with Japanese internment camps from Kim Sanders (the exhibit curator for the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies).

1000 Books Before Kindergarten kicks off on Saturday, January 26th! This program will encourage reading during the vital early stages of child development.

 

Anticipating great things in 2019,

 

Kendra

Strong (Thankfulness) Muscles

I waited by the side of the pool for my turn to demonstrate that I could swim the thirty feet all by myself. Today was the day. The last day of swimming lessons.

“Don’t forget to tell your teacher ‘thank you.’” My mom had reminded me on the way. Panic struck my introverted heart.

“Could I just write him a card instead?” I asked hopefully.

“No, sweetie, today is the last day. You need to tell him in person.” It’s not that I didn’t like my swim instructor. It’s just that he was about four times my size and the pool echoed constantly with the shrieks and laughs and shouts of ten thousand other tiny swimmers (yes, ten thousand).

“Go!”

I paddled with all the strength my little arms and legs could muster. Breathless, I popped up from the water and bravely declared:

“THANK YOU FOR TEACHING ME HOW TO SWIM!” Mildly startled, the 20-something swim coach said, “you’re welcome,” and sent me back to the safety of the wall. Relief flooded my soul.

I never learned how to be an Olympic swimmer, but I did learn the importance of expressing gratitude.

This week is Thanksgiving, and while there’s lots of advice out there for how to stay physically fit during the holidays─I’d like to focus on another type of fitness: strengthening our thankfulness muscles. Atrophied thankfulness muscles lead to depression, discontent, bitterness and general unhappiness. Don’t worry if you’ve been a gratitude couch potato─a little bit goes a long way. Here’s a trusty acronym to make it even easier.

T – think about it

The first step is to stop and think─even for one minute─about something you can be thankful for. If you’re reading this blog, be thankful you can read! We’re talking basic stuff here. Make a list, close your eyes, do whatever. Think.

H – have the courage to say it out loud

Words change the atmosphere. A genuine “thanks” lifts the spirits. Sometimes, we might be so used to someone doing something for us, that we don’t even think to thank them anymore. This can happen easily in families or between close friends. Other times it’s just awkward or emotional because someone did something that we can’t repay them for. But people need to hear our gratitude─out loud─and we need to give it. Thankful words strengthen relationships.

A – Act like you mean it

Have you ever heard someone say the words “thank you,” but they might just as well have said “you’re the inconvenience keeping me from the rest of my very important day”? People can tell what we mean by our words. If you’re gonna say it─mean it.

N – Notes!

I had a mentor in 7th grade who was a saint. She took a pack of hyperactive, sugar-loving, hormonal-feeling, awkward preteen girls to the local Wendy’s every week and somehow, in between Frosties and coming up with code names for boys we liked, she managed teach us about writing thank you notes. “The great thing about notes,” she would tell us, “is that you can read them over and over again.” You might never know the power your note had to encourage or inspire the person you thank. Nothing replaces a handwritten note.

K – Kick it up a notch

There’s always room to grow in gratitude. What would be a gratitude challenge for you? Maybe you’ve lost the habit of simply saying “thank you” to your close friends or family. Maybe you know there is a difficult person at your office (or at your thanksgiving dinner table), how might you express gratitude even for them? Is there someone who has helped make you the person you are today? What would it look like to tell them “thanks”?

Our capacity to be grateful can be strengthened. Just like stronger muscles, a stronger capacity for gratitude leads to greater health. And as a bonus, you don’t have to change into gym clothes or do any crunches!

Thank you for reading this blog. Your time and attention mean a lot.

Till next time,

Kendra

Holiday Helpers

Halloween can seem like the tipping point of a roller coaster, signaling a thrilling rush into the holidays. Well, “thrilling” can be one word. Other words might be “stressful,” “hectic,” and “expensive.” We want to enjoy the holidays, but…dog gone it when the turkey fryer doesn’t perform as advertised, and all three kids have Christmas concerts in different places, and no one would coordinate for a family picture─well, the holiday spirit feels about as relevant as a Hawaiian Santa during an ice storm.  

So, in preparation for the challenges to come, I’ve solicited the help of some of the experts who leave their advice tucked away in our shelves. Here is a hopefully helpful smattering of what they have to say. But don’t take my word for it, use our handy search computers or ask a friendly librarian about where to find more!

Gifts

If you’re like me, you can feel like the gift you give is a direct representation of the love you have for someone. It’s time to forget that. It’s the intangible stuff like listening and choosing to be present that really communicate love. I like what Clark Howard says about kids and gifts: “Remember, your kids don’t love you based on what  material goods you give them; they love you based on how much of your heart you share” (Clark Howard Living Large in Lean Times pg.83. On the shelf at 332 H83).

But….a nice gift certainly is meaningful over the holidays. I love these picks from some of our authors:

• Find a cute mug, stuff it with your favorite drink mix, and wrap it all up with a good book. Come visit our Friends of the Library bookstore and get a good book at a bargain price (Mary Hunt Cheaper, Better, Faster pg. 150. On the shelf at 646.7 H91).
• The holidays remind us of the importance of family. Dig up a vintage family photograph and put it in a plain frame. Give it to an older family member and thank them for their legacy (Mary Hunt Cheaper, Better, Faster pg. 150. On the shelf at 646.7 H91).
• For the men in your life who are hard to buy for─consider a smattering of small gadgets for the home. Visit your local hardware store and put together a toolbox (or put a few smaller tools in a mug). “Stroll the aisles and you’ll get all kinds of great ideas…let your mind wander. You’ll be quite a hit” (Mary Hunt Cheaper, Better, Faster pg. 143. On the shelf at 646.7 H91).
• What do you love to do for people? How could you meet a need? Try giving an “IOU gift.” Sometimes people feel uncomfortable “cashing in” on a service.To really knock this one out of the park, try setting a reminder for yourself in January to follow up with the recipient and remind them how much you want to wash their car, babysit their kids, or buy them lunch at their favorite sandwich shop (Mary Hunt Cheaper, Better, Faster pg. 138. On the shelf at 646.7 H91).

Making Conversation

• Real Simple’s Celebrations offers dozens of question ideas to ask around your dinner table. From “Do you have a favorite book or author?” to “What are the most important things in life?” These questions will keep you talking till the gravy coagulates (pg. 23, on the shelf at 642.4 R13).                                                                           
• The Penny Game can also inspire conversation. Put a penny with a date sometime during the childhood of each of your guests. Hide it under a plate or glass, then have each person share a significant memory from the year of their penny (The Reluctant Entertainer pg. 95. On the shelf at 642.4 C83).                                                       
• Hosting a larger party and want to make sure you make time to talk to everyone? Steal Cheryl Najafi’s party mingling secret: “To avoid getting held up in a long conversation, always hold a tray of food. That way, you can dip into a pocket of conversation, say a few words, dole out nibbles, and duck away to the next group” (You’re So Invited pg. 179. On the shelf at 793.2 N14).

There’s a lot more where this came from too, for example…

Decorate for less:

Gold is in! Try spray painting your autumn decor gold to make lovely and inexpensive accent pieces (Mary Hunt Cheaper, Better, Faster pg. 185. On the shelf at 646.7 H91).

Class Parties

Cookie cutter cuteness comes to the rescue when it’s time to pass Christmas gifts to your children’s classmates! Find inexpensive christmas cookie cutters. “Lay the cookie cutter in the  middle of a piece of clear cellophane. Fill the center of the cookie cutter with tiny candies such as jelly beans. Gather the cellophane and wrap with a bow” (Mary Hunt Cheaper, Better, Faster pg. 196. On the shelf at 646.7 H91).

Entertaining

Sandy Coughlin redefines the perfect host: “Being a hospitable hostess means loving, giving, and making others feel warm and welcomed. It’s not about stuff, glamor, or glitz. It’s about fostering authentic relationships” (The Reluctant Entertainer pg. 33. On the shelf at 642.4 C83).Phew! I feel better already!

Enjoy the holiday season and let these resources help lighten the load.

Till next time,

Kendra

Cupcake Contest

The nervous baker gingerly places exactly 6 cupcakes before the judges panel. Straight-faced, smug, and smiling respectively, the three judges prepare to taste. With a gliding motion, the first judge dives through the buttercream and airy-soft cake with his fork. He holds the bite in his mouth while the baker holds his breath.

Suddenly a rush of doubt overtakes the baker for three paralyzing seconds.

“Did I overbake?” He wonders. “Is the buttercream too butter-creamy? Did I overbeat the batter or under mix my mix?”

The tension! The anguish! The glory of victory! The letdown of defeat! When the gavel comes down on his cupcake confection…what will the verdict be??!

We’ve all sat on the edge of our seats watching Cake Boss or The Great British Baking Show. Now you can be a part of the action with….[insert inspirational trumpet sound]:

The Library’s Valentine’s Day Cupcake Decorating Contest!!!!!

That’s right. It’s time to dust off your muffin tins, roll up your sleeves and get ready to get sticky in some friendly competition. Our own Trisha Lynn from Cafe on Broadway, Sheila Wilmeth from Heavenly Creations, and long-time Friends of the Library volunteer, Donna Schwartz will judge the competition.

Here’s how it works:

1. Fill out a registration form at the Library (to be turned in no later than January 27th at 4:00pm)
2. While you’re at the library, get a copy of the rules. Read this carefully. Ignorance to the cupcake rules is no excuse.
3. Craft six uncommonly creative, cream of the crop cupcakes and bring them to the Library on February 3rd at 1:00pm (contest will be in Meeting Room B, just down the hall to the left of the front desk).

Can’t decide between coconut cream and raspberry-filled espresso? No problem! You can enter as many times as you want. Just fill out a separate registration for each entry. This year our contest is for adults only.

May the best baker win!

-Kendra

10 Holiday Problems the Library Can Help You Solve

Do you find yourself wishing for a few personal assistants around the holiday season? Let your library be of service! From long road trips to awkward parties, here are 10 problems the library can help you solve this season.

Long road trips

Of course we all love to visit Great Aunt Gertrude in Kansas City, but sometimes the long road trip seems to sap our holiday fervor before we even get to her front door. Never fear, the library is here. Pop in one of our fabulous audiobooks or CDs and make the car trip part of the holiday fun! Need some ideas? Get in the holiday spirit with Gwen Stefani’s You make it feel like Christmas or A Pentatonix Christmas by Pentatonix.

Jazz up your road trip with the tight a capella harmonies of A Pentatonix Christmas

When your throat is sore from singing, why not enjoy some old classics like Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, or Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women?  We also have popular authors like Dean Koontz, James Patterson and Danielle Steel. Or how about a collection of funny and heartwarming dramas designed for family vacations! Adventures in Odyssey: The Ultimate Roadtrip: Family Vacation Collection. Browse our collection and enjoy the ride.

Stress

Let’s face it: the most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the most stressful times of the year. A book like Brené Brown’s  The Gifts of Imperfection could be just the mental re-set you need. Or perhaps Elaine St. James’ Simplify Your Christmas: 100 Ways to Reduce the Stress and Recapture the Joy of the Holidays. You might also feel better if you are prepared for the worst. The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Holidays by Joshua Piven and David Borgenicht may provide the peace of mind you’re looking for. Everything from putting out a turkey fire to creaming your friends in a snowball fight to making a last-minute Menorah–you’ll be prepared for anything the season can throw at you.

 

These kids know how to get a project done! They show off their Lego skills at the library on Santa Saturday this month.

To-Do Lists

 

Maybe in the middle of extra holiday projects, you realize other responsibilities are falling by the wayside. Let David Allen help you out with his proven methods in Getting Things Done : The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. The holidays are also notorious for overspending and under budgeting. Get back on track with Dave Ramsey’s The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness.

Gifts

Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive. Enjoy time with your family AND check off some holiday “to-dos” with homemade gifts. Fun Christmas Crafts to Make and Bake: Over 60 Festive Projects to Make with Your Kids might be a good place to start. Or consider Carol Field Dahlstrom’s Simply Christmas 201 Easy Crafts, Food and Decorating Ideas. Be sure to stay on budget with Holly-Jolly Crafts Under $10. 

 

Christmas movies

Okay this isn’t a problem, but who isn’t looking for a good holiday movie this time of year? Don’t spend your money, borrow a movie for free with your library card. Tune in next week for our library staff’s favorite Christmas movie titles!

Books, movies and decorations like this Christmas tree get us in a holiday mood. Special thanks to the Siloam Springs High School Art Club for decorating the Library’s windows!

Finding Christmas books

If you want to curl up with a cozy Christmas book this year, we have placed a special Christmas sticker on all of our Christmas-themed books. For an even easier search, check out Valerie’s picks for holiday books this season on the front display shelf (first shelf on the right as you walk in the library). They aren’t just for display, they’re for YOU!

Party Food

Potlucks, family gatherings, office parties, school celebrations–the list of “bring-a-snack-to-share” events can be daunting! We have a plethora of recipe-filled cookbooks and magazines for all cooking levels. Christmas Cookies and Candy Easy-to-Follow Recipes for Mouth-Watering Holiday Treats by Portland House could be a good place to start. And don’t forget about our online magazine collection! Real Simple magazine contains handy tips and recipes for the holiday season as well as many others.

These girls grab some quality time at the Library on Santa Saturday this month.

Talking to strangers at parties

When friends and family draw near, we can sometimes find ourselves in awkward situations with people we either don’t know or haven’t seen in years. Mark Rhodes may speak to you in his book How to Talk to Absolutely Anyone : Confident Communication in Every Situation. Or maybe you need a reminder that it’s actually okay to be an introvert and not like parties. Susan Cain can help you out with, Quiet : The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.

 

 

Creating Quality Family Time

School’s out and you may find yourself wanting to create some quality time with your kids. You might find some helpful ideas in The Family Dinner Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids One Meal at a Time by Laurie David. Maybe you just need some fresh games for your little ones. Family and Party Games by Bounford, Trevor and The Diagram Group can give you creative ideas for 3-year olds all the way to over-10-year-olds.

Understanding holidays besides Christmas

Do you have a friend or neighbor who doesn’t celebrate Christmas? Do you feel misunderstood or ignored because you don’t celebrate Christmas? Although about 92% of Americans do celebrate Christmas (according to a Pew Research Survey done in 2013), there are still a significant number of people who don’t. The holiday season is a perfect opportunity to open constructive dialogue and to learn about friends and neighbors who may celebrate differently than you. Try New Year’s to Kwanzaa: Original Stories of Celebration by Kendall F. Haven, or Light the Lights! A Story About Celebrating Hanukkah and Christmas by Margaret Moorman.

All the best to you and yours,

Kendra

P.S. Look for our bonus blog in honor of Christmas next Tuesday. We’ll take a short break and resume bi-weekly posts on January 9th.