If you pay attention to your library, you’ve learned by now that we provide books, movies, music and scads of vetted information through databases. One thing you may not immediately think of when you think of the library is personal fulfillment. A pandemic can do a lot to suck the joy out of everyday life and we’re here to help you recapture some small measure of enjoyment. This winter, squeeze some peace, calm and personal enrichment into your day, compliments of your library.
Join a Poetry Group
I’m not a poet, but I’ve co-hosted a poetry open mic before and it’s an amazing, cathartic and warm experience. The poets who join us are always supportive and encouraging of each other. The poetry always comes from the heart and I come away inspired to find new ways to express my own feelings and experiences through words. Most importantly, I learn that caring, thoughtful people are all around me and it makes me feel better about the world.
Take a chance on the upcoming Virtual Open Mic Poetry Reading on Tuesday, February 22 at 7-8 p.m. Join us live viz Zoom at this open mic event co-hosted with the Columbia Chapter of the Missouri Writers’ Guild. Share your own original poems, or just listen and enjoy. Register to watch: www.dbrl.org/open-mic. If you’d like to be a reader, please also sign up at http://dbrl.me/rp. We will have a limit of 12 readers.
Explore Your Creative Side
I’m also not much of an artist, but I’ve always really enjoyed entering the “flow state” with paper and pencil or brush and canvas. With art, there are no rules, only guidelines. It’s very freeing to mix your own colors, draw your own lines and create a world straight from your own mind.
If you need a little jump start, why not sign up for the upcoming Winter Paint-Along on Thursday, February 17? The session is in person and runs 6:30-8 p.m. in the Friends Room of the Columbia Public Library. Join Lisa Franko from Access Arts for an enjoyable evening of guided painting. Ms. Franko will lead you through the basic techniques of acrylic painting. All supplies provided, and beginners and all skill levels welcome. This program is for adults and teens, and masks will be required. You can register here: www.dbrl.org/paint-along. The Callaway County branches at Fulton (February 22) and Holt’s Summit (February 24) will feature the same program, led by librarian Lisa Stock, later this month.
Family Game Night
Family. You live with these people. Your relationship has weathered some of the worst days you’ve ever known and you’re still working your way through every day together. Let’s celebrate with some fun and games! Dust off your Monopoly or Risk game, pop a little popcorn and gather round! If your family also happens to be into chess, make sure you tune in for Chess: Opening Moves on Tuesday, February 8 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. This event will be live via Zoom and it will be led by experienced chess player Jason Delpire, who will discuss the opening, why masters make certain decisions and how to decide on your first moves. Intended for players who know chess notation, though there will be a quick refresher. This program is for those ages 10 and older. Register here: www.dbrl.org/chess.
Explore Fiber Arts with Creative Bug
Whether it’s knitting, crochet, weaving or sewing, CreativeBug has a course for you — and it’s all free with your library card! Beginners and experienced crafters alike will find projects and how-to videos for a wide range of fiber arts. I can’t imagine anything better than a nice knit pair of mittens as a lovely Valentine’s gift, or just an everyday way to say “I care.” As a fair knitter and a halfway decent crocheter, I love the sense of satisfaction I get after completing a cute little baby hat or a handy little pouch to keep special mementos. Find your next project today!
Plan Your Spring Garden
You know it’s coming, but sometimes the darker days of winter can all but erase memories of spring. Break out of the doldrums and break out the seed catalogs! Browse the library catalog for garden inspiration. We’ve got great ideas for vegetable and flower gardeners alike!
While I’m not a Pollyanna, I am relentlessly hopeful that the library can make a difference for our community by showing them that there are little bright spots in the world, no matter how cold or dark winter may be. Keep looking for them and we’ll all be there together when the sun shines on us in the spring!
