The Best Book Club Ever? Area Libraries Offer Big Read Program Again

Ten area libraries will offer the Big Read program, which encourages patrons to read the same book with the goal of promoting reading, sparking discussion and building community.

You know how the typical book club works: A group of people read the same book, then meet to discuss it.  But not too many take the premise of a book club and make it a months-long community experience that includes learning about not only the literature but also relevant and related movies, food, geography, music and more.  The Big Read, a program put on by 10 area libraries, is once again making that happen with the goal of promoting reading, sparking discussion, and building community.  The Shoemaker's Wife, this year's book, tells the story of two lovers whose journeys take them from the mountains in Italy to their new home in America. Inspired by her own family history, author Adriana Trigiani's novel tells a love story that also …

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Young at Heart

Beat the Winter Doldrums with a New Activity

Take up a new hobby or improve upon a skill during the long days of winter.

The winter doldrums have officially set in—the holiday hustle and bustle is over, leaving us two long months (I’m very optimistic!) of cold weather and snow.  Even a normally high energy person like myself feels like crawling under the covers with a good book.  But it’s helpful to remind ourselves that these boring months of winter can be great times to do the activities that we never have time to accomplish when the weather is beautiful outside.  Here are some suggestions of fun and educational activities that can help keep us sane until spring:  Although I generally learn to cook by simply experimenting in the kitchen, there are some cuisines that I have some difficulty mastering.  For example, how can I get the vegetables in my Thai …

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