When a year ends ...

As the year draws to a close, it seems fitting to take a moment and ... think.

It's been another strange year, and even as we start to find new rhythms and schedules - start to feel something a little bit closer to "normal" - there are more uncertainties and hiccups that come our way. But we're making it, readers and friends, we're making it ... slowly and carefully and sometimes very tired, but we're making it. 

One day at a time. 

One book at a time.

We're not sure what the new year will hold for us here in the Library, but we do know there will be books. So many books. Methods of escape and a way to retreat from the current situation. Ways to learn about new things - or try to understand the world around us. Books that give us hope, make us smile (or cry, if you're in to that sort of thing). 

There will be posts and bookish challenges/games to play, and our furry friends will continue their antics and adventures. 

We will keep making it, one day at a time - one book at a time - together.

Holiday Hours

Our furry ambassadors are quite excited about the holiday season, and having a little too much fun playing with the Library's decorations:

They want to make sure everyone knows the Library's holiday hours too, so you can make sure you've got all the books and movies you may need! Here's our Christmas and New Year's closings: 

Friday Ramble

Not to scare anyone, but next Friday is Christmas Eve. Are you ready? I'm not 100% ready, but I think I'm getting there ... hopefully by this time next week, I'll have gotten all the loose ends tied up and can relax and enjoy the holiday.

Piano Covers of Disney Songs
Y'all. I stumbled across this on YouTube, and it's a game changer. As a lifelong fan of Disney anthems, and - in adulthood - a deep appreciation for the scores themselves, finding a collection of these performed in simple piano instrumentals? Yes please. So soothing, so relaxing. Perfect for listening to while working. (And there's a whole selection of videos with more songs!)

Treats & Eats (aka "Recipe Surfing")
Is anyone else deep down the rabbit hole of recipe hunting? I keep going back and forth between appetizer/finger foods and sweet treats ... This time of year always makes me want to get in the kitchen and start making delicious things - maybe it's the holidays and festiveness, or maybe it's the winter-time creeping in (hibernation season!). Here's a few that have caught my eye:

• Mini Macaroni and Cheese Bites
• Butterscotch Crunchies
• Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread
• Dark Chocolate Loaf Cake with Peppermint Cream Cheese Glaze

Winter Book Bingo
Did you notice? There's a new Book Bingo board up on our Instagram and it runs through the end of February. (You can also find all the details in this blog post). The prompts are fairly open-ended, giving you lots of freedom and flexibility in your picks. If you're stumped, stay tuned: there will be a post (or few) with ideas for specific prompts.