Last Saturday I took a ride into the danger zone. Ha, not really. If you've read even a few of my previous posts you probably know that I'm danger-avoidant, not an adrenaline junkie at all.
I went to the library. This is not the branch I usually frequent, but rather the North County branch, a whole 25 minutes away from home. I was on the library website placing a few holds and when I signed out, I saw a big notice: "Matinee screening of Top Gun: Maverick has been added. "That sounded like a fun movie, and since it hasn't yet made its way to streaming, I checked it out. It was starting in an hour, so I reserved a seat and asked John if he wanted to go. He didn't have any interest, so I headed into the danger zone by myself.
And it was a fun movie! There were only four of us in attendance, so I didn't have to feel too concerned about being in a large group in public. They even had closed captioning on. I don't know if this is the norm, but all four of us were senior citizens so it didn't hurt. One of the other women seemed to be enjoying herself so much that she added to my enjoyment. As soon as the lights went off she popped the tab on a can of soda and broke out a bag of popcorn. She laughed, cheered, clapped, and generally had a good time. I may take some refreshments of my own the next time I watch a movie at the library.
I've always relied on the library for books, but now I'll also look forward to movies and concerts (but maybe not ukulele lessons or Pokemon card trading).
Very nice!! Our local library offers a number of different things: Chair Yoga (for those with mobility issues), Virtual Yoga classes, story hour (of course), Majhong, a writer's circle, book discussions and ESL classes. I want them to start a knitting group!
ReplyDeleteWe have monthly movie matinees at my library, too. It's definitely popular, especially with the seniors. We also have a book club and adult paint nights. It's good to explore more of what the library offers!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like so much fun! I know my library has always had programming for kids, but I've never thought to check to see what they might offer adults. Of course, I probably can't take advantage of many programs, but it's a good idea to check into it to see.
ReplyDeleteOur library does a bunch of innovative things like movie screening, book groups, craft groups, Zoom interviews with current authors. They also have a 3D printer that you can learn on then sign up to use.
ReplyDeleteOne of the neatest things they did recently was hold a jigsaw puzzle swap. You dropped off your puzzles ahead of time and collected chits for the number of puzzles. Then on a Saturday morning they held the swap. Two of my knitting friends participated and were very happy to move some puzzles on and get new (to them) ones. In the most recent newsletter they've announced a jigsaw puzzle competition. A max of 6 people to a team, with all of the teams assembling a copy of the same puzzle.
I pretty much just borrow books in all the formats and attend an occasional author zoom.
I really like the ideas of a jigsaw puzzle swap and the puzzle competition! I need to find my library's suggestion box and pass these ideas on to them.
DeleteThis post comes at the perfect time! I just read an email from my local library about an Orchid Talk in March, specifically about growing orchids in Pittsburgh. I am planning on going and am loving the library for providing a space for communities to gather, learn, watch movies, discuss books, and yes... read!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great walk on the wild side, Bonny! :-) My library has so very many cool programs -- for kids, teens, and adults. And now that they've expanded the physical space, there are even MORE things going on! One thing I really like is "Documentary & Donuts" (they screen documentaries once a month and serve . . . donuts; go figure). There are also lots of different types of book groups, regular gardening programs, several "creation station" programs (they have an extensive suite of creative digital tools and even a 3-D printer with classes and sessions on how to use them), a cookbook club, and . . . just a whole lot. I love my library!
ReplyDeleteMost of the programs at our local library seemed geared towards children or people looking to update their resumes and find work. Over the "border" in Montgomery county the Ambler library has a knitting group. I've considered going, but it is not really at a convenient time for me AND it is a bit of a drive. But, maybe ....................LOL
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, our public library lent artwork -- framed prints of famous works and sculptures, too. My mother took advantage of that religiously! Every few weeks there'd be something new hanging on the wall in the living room and a new sculpture on the piano (or occasional repeat favorites...). When I was a teenager, I loved borrowing albums (which I could never afford to buy).
ReplyDeleteOh for Pete's sake... I'm "anonymous" again!!
ReplyDeleteOur library offers a variety of programs such as crafts, movies, author chats via zoom, various educational and recreational programs for all age groups. Our library currently has a grant for the Navigator Program that helps people in need navigate the various social services available to them.
ReplyDeleteFun! My library is getting remodeled and they have opened a small library in a local mall. Instead of going there, I've been going to a library a town over when I have been getting my taxes done and I usually just check out books. I once took my then 4 year old great niece who I had to explain borrowing to as she is used to going to a used bookstore with me and picking out a book to keep. Anyway they have a Collaboratory with quilting and embroidery machines, a Cricut and laser cutter. They have classes and other things going on. It all sounds interesting but everything fills up quickly so I hope to get into something in the future.
ReplyDeleteI'm loving the idea of quilting and embroidery machines at the library! I can imagine that they would fill up quickly (our 3D printer instruction is booked for months) but hopefully you can get into something enjoyable in the future.
DeleteOur library system is connected to the whole county so I can go anywhere borrow anything and return anywhere. We love the city library but there is another branch one close to us that we haven't visited yet and I'm itching to go.
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