by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

I wasn't into this book the first time I consumed it, but the second time around I started to tune in to all the hidden sarcasm and jokes. I listened to it on audio, and will likely read the series at some point. Having seen the original movie years ago, I went into the book with the impression that it was a silly nonsense story and didn't expect to like it. I was right about the nonsensical parts, but I was wrong about not enjoying the book. Adams was before his time when describing the actual guide. It had all the characteristics of today's Kindle ... here is website I found that makes a good comparison between the two: The Real Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Has Arrived

by Suzanne Moore, Wilkes County Librarian

Wilkes County Public Library is hosting a series of virtual yoga sessions by Dianne Bondy in partnership with Network of the National Library of Medicine.  Dianne is a social justice activist, author, accessible yoga teacher, and the leader of the Yoga For All movement.  Her inclusive approach to yoga empowers anyone to practice—regardless of their shape, size, ethnicity, or level of ability.

Gertrude Stein, the youngest of five children, was born in Philadelphia on February 3, 1874 and grew up in Oakland, California.  Her parents were wealthy German Jews who came to America from Europe, and during her childhood years they often visited Vienna.  Gertrude’s parents died while she was in her teen years, and she went to live with extended family in Baltimore, Maryland.  She graduated from Radcliffe College and later studied medicine at John Hopkins University.  Though noted to be a most brilliant student, she became bored with medical school and dropped out right before completing the program. 

The Children’s Department of Wilkes County Public Library received support for an early literacy program that focuses on the sounds and recognition of alphabet letters.  Every Monday at 11:00 a.m., Elizabeth Lee, Children’s Librarian, interacts on Facebook with an average of 160+ parents and young viewers to share a ‘Monday Mayhem’ arts-and-crafts letter activity.  There have been 43 programs since the series began in November 2020 with an average of 2500+ on-demand views.  

With support from the Flettie Alifair Church Literacy Fund, WCPL will be able to purchase ABC books as give-aways to families of young children.  The books will be used as an incentive for program participation and encourage library usage.  Some of the money will also be used to buy books with an ABC connection for the library’s permanent circulating collection as well.

The impact of these programs and related books will help parents bond with their children as they learn, play, and read together.  Children will have increased success with reading skills once they start school, if they are encouraged to learn their letters early through play and activity.  With support from this grant, many children will be able to have books to keep and read at home as they practice identifying letters and the sounds they make