I first heard of Alzheimer’s disease at age thirteen, when my father’s uncle moved in with my grandmother, next door to us. We quickly realized why he could no longer live alone. His diminishing memory meant he needed someone to remind him how to dress for the weather and when it was time to brush his teeth. If my grandmother needed to run errands, someone from my household would stay with her brother to keep him safe.
Many kids have relationships with grandparents or other adults who are experiencing some form of dementia. It can be a confusing situation for a child, wondering why the grownup they love can’t do the same things anymore or why they ask the same questions over and over. As with so many of life’s struggles, books can help. Continue reading “Helping Kids Understand Dementia”
The overlook trail at Eagle Bluffs conservation area has beautiful fall foliage and the bare trees in the winter offer views you can’t get in the summer.
The daily temperatures have finally dropped and the leaves are turning and falling. Whether you love it (that’s me) or hate it, fall is here and winter is on it’s way.
Veterans Day is November 11, the recognized date that we as a nation pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the armed forces. It is a time to honor and express our gratitude to those who have defended our freedoms, protected our way of life, and often sacrificed much for the greater good. It is a day to remember their valor, their dedication and their unwavering commitment. Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day and was established on November 11, 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. This conflict, often referred to as the “war to end all wars,” was a devastating global conflict that changed the course of history. Armistice Day was a day to remember those who had served and the profound importance of peace. In 1954, the name was changed to Veterans Day, reflecting a broader recognition of all veterans, not just those of World War I. It now serves as a day to honor and thank all American veterans for their service.
I am not a veteran. Despite living with a veteran for 40 years, I am sometimes jarringly reminded that I do not fully understand how his service affected him, how his lived experiences differ from my own. Would we have a more consistent and visible compassion for our veterans if we were more aware of those experiences? Maybe. Helping people grow and learn are some of the things public libraries do best, so let’s take a look at some books written by veterans and people working with veterans. Let’s become more aware of their stories. Continue reading “Veteran’s Day Stories”
As leaves burst into their glorious autumn colors and as pumpkins begin adorning doorsteps, it is a sure sign that Halloween is just around the corner. The last week of October, many people will perform the ritual carving of pumpkins giving them eerie, flickering faces, an iconic symbol of the holiday. But where did this tradition originate? Let’s dive into the fascinating history of the jack-o’-lantern and its evolution from folklore to a beloved Halloween tradition.
The name “jack-o’-lantern” is derived from “Jack of the Lantern” which refers to a mysterious figure known for carrying a flickering lantern to guide lost souls. Over time, the name was associated with the practice of carving faces into vegetables and placing candles inside to create a similar, eerie glow.
The Legend of Stingy Jack
One of the most prevalent origin stories of the jack-o’-lantern is tied to the legend of Stingy Jack. This tale tells of a man named Jack who was not only a trickster but also miserly. As one version of the story goes, Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him but cleverly avoided paying by convincing the Devil to transform into a coin. Instead of paying, Jack pocketed the coin next to a silver cross, preventing the Devil from returning to his original form. Continue reading “The History of the Jack-o’-Lantern”
Posted on Monday, September 25, 2023 by Reading Addict
“If all printers were determined not to print anything till they were sure it would offend nobody, there would be very little printed.” ― Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States
Banned Books Week is upon us once again: October 1-7. The theme chosen this year by the American Library Association (ALA) is “Let Freedom Read” with the slogan “Free People Read Freely.” I love this theme. I love freedom. And really, who doesn’t? Some of our greatest leaders have supported the idea of the freedom to read. President Dwight D. Eisenhower gave a commencement address at Dartmouth University on June 14, 1953 in which he said “Don’t join the book burners. Don’t think you’re going to conceal faults by concealing evidence that they ever existed. Don’t be afraid to go in [sic] your library and read every book…” And from across the aisle, upon signing the amendment to the Library Services Act February 11, 1964, Lyndon B Johnson said “The central fact of our times is this: Books and ideas are the most effective weapons against intolerance and ignorance.” Continue reading “Let Freedom Read!”
During National Recovery Month we celebrate the achievements of people who are overcoming issues with substances and mental health. Recovery Month helps spread the word about better ways to treat and recover based on evidence. It encourages the growth of a strong and proud community of people who are in recovery. We also give credit to the professionals and community members all over the country who play a big role in supporting recovery in its different forms.
While each of our buildings and our digital library has local and national resources and information for you, I want to remind you that we are also a repository of stories. People telling their experiences with the hopes of inspiring you. In recognition of Recovery Month, let’s take a look at memoirs that represent recovery, treatment, family and community. Continue reading “National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month”
Studies have shown that loneliness increases the risk and severity of dementia. Unfortunately, the condition can too often lead to social isolation. But your library can help.
The Daniel Boone Regional Library Vision Statement reads, “DBRL strives to be at the heart of the community, a trusted resource and partner known for excellence, creativity and open, equitable access, connecting every person to opportunities for a lifetime of discovery, learning and joy.” Nobody ages out of library services, and the goal of access for everyone continues with changing life circumstances, including a diagnosis of dementia. Continue reading “Memory Café at Your Library”
During the Depression, many people saved buttons, collars, and even zippers from clothes they couldn’t use anymore. Usable pieces of cloth were often sewn together to make a different item of clothing. These button collections have often been passed down through the generations. I received many buttons and lace collars when a family member passed and used some to make clothing for my children when they were small (however, now that they are in their 20s, I don’t think they would be very interested in my homemade creations). Recently, I came across a great activity for our September Crafternoon: button and bead mosaics. All supplies will be provided, but we welcome you to bring any buttons, beads and small pieces of jewelry/mementos you might want to use.
Join us on Thursday, September 14 from 2 -4 p.m. in the Friends Room at the Columbia Public Library. This program is for adults and registration is required — register early as craft classes fill quickly.
For more ideas on decorating with buttons and beads, check out these library resources. You can also explore Creativebug, which is our database on arts and crafts activities. You can view tons of creative ideas with instructional videos and more are added monthly! You will need your library card and pin (your birthdate in MMDDYYYY format) to use this database.
Stay tuned for our October Crafternoon in the library’s program guide, website and social media!
These are some more CDs I’ve been keeping in rotation as I put off replacing the dysfunctional AUX cord in my car. Thanks to the library, I always have an album accompanying me from point A to point B 🙂. What are you listening to in the in-between?
When to Listen: Embarking on a day you’re not sure you’ll get through (a long shift, a difficult visit, a first meeting); on the way back home, when you remember how most things are survivable (enjoyable, even, when you rely on the people around you and let them rely on you, too).
Feels Like: Coffee in the evening. A good hair day. Telling your friend a sad story, realizing it’s kind of funny (They’re laughing, and now you’re laughing, and it doesn’t really matter why).
Favorite Lyric: “Not too great at relationships / At least I try” (“90 Proof” ft. J. Cole)
I know fall is close when the chrysanthemums show up for sale, popping their sassy color all over the place. They are a favorite replacement for fading annuals, cone flowers and zinnias that have begun to get a bit raggedy.
Did you know you could save your hardy or garden mums through the winter and tend to them so they revive in spring?
While we treat them as annuals, certain plants grow as perennials in their home countries. And while these autumn mums in pots are not necessarily hardy and won’t have a lot of time to settle, with care you can overwinter them. After they have bloomed, trim them back and plant them in an area of your garden with good drainage and protect them from the thaw/freeze cycle of Missouri’s winters. Uncover them in the spring and as they begin to leaf out, pinch the new growth back to encourage multiple blooms or let them grow as nature intended. Missouri Botanical Gardens offers a care sheet with more details. Continue reading “Recycle That Plant!”
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