Each year, as store advertisements transform overnight from autumn themed signage printed with falling orange leaves to wintery images of prancing reindeer and evergreen trees, holiday shopping begins in earnest. While some shoppers fill bags upon bags with items galore, a saying of unknown origin provides a more frugal hint on what to buy loved ones for the holidays: something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. Frugal and extravagant shoppers alike can knock that out in one trip to a big-box store, however there is also a library version of that list.
Something to read can obviously be found within the shelves of books, magazines and— a bit of a plug— a variety of local, national and international newspapers available for anyone to peruse. Expanding upon the definition of reading found in Merriam- Webster’s dictionary as “to receive or take in the sense of letters” opens up that concept to audio books, to electronic books downloaded onto what amounts to a piece of plastic, or any other means by which an everyday individual can absorb content in a way they find accessible. While one cannot give away the local library, they can certainly take someone to get a library card, participate in literacy programs, work weekly trips to the local library into a busy family schedule, or serve as a senior reading volunteer, all of which end with the lifelong gift of giving someone something to read.
Something to wear is a slight stretch until spotting Friends of the Library t-shirts displayed in used bookshops and side rooms at libraries around the county. Typically made of thick cotton and printed in bright colors, they are far too exclusive to be found in common shopping malls and can be coordinated with often-available book bags to accessorize the logophile look. Proceeds from each sale benefit local groups operating as they have since the first Friends of the Library group took shape at Glen Ellyn library in 1922, a tidbit attributed to author Susan Cushman. Those various Friends groups serve different needs at libraries across the country but all generally support the pursuit of literacy and wearing their logo announces that ideal to the world.
Procuring ‘something they want’ is less of a stretch: stop by the reference desk and questions get answered. The more challenging part of answering to ‘want’ is found on the American Library Association website with funding available to librarians facing discrimination or defending intellectual freedom, alongside a grant for graphic novels. Children might want to find the next book in the series they are reading from their local branch library while adults might want to check out a new novel but a larger question emerges nationally. Indeed, what does America want from public libraries?
Want, it seems, is tied to need. The youngster coloring a free bookmark after story hour grows overnight into a tween who needs help with homework. The teen who quietly grabs a self-harm reduction support group flyer might develop into an adult who decisively reaches for the mental health outreach pamphlets. Certainly, the library has something giftable to wear, to want, to read. However, the need for knowledge, for information, for help in a busy world which, postpandemic, is so conveniently located online that the human connection is wearing thin- that need is more real than any tangible present purchased at the store. Answering what one wants and needs is vital.
May we all receive what we want this year, give a good read to someone we appreciate, provide something to wear for those we care about and land on what we need. Our local libraries are full of possibilities to that end.
• The Alpine library’s annual Winterfest is happening from 4 to 6:30 p.m on Dec. 6. Sponsored by the Alpine Library Friends Association, Mickey’s Christmas Carol will be on the big screen followed by a craft in the children’s area. Bring a handmade gift to trade, enjoy a musical performance by Stella Strings of San Diego, choose a gift book from the ALFA bookstore and more.
• Natasha Papousek from Crescent Moon Designs will be offering henna and glitter tattoos at the Alpine library from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 9 in the teen zone.
• Join in the Crafters’ Paradise from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 14 at the Alpine library to learn how to knit or crochet with free yarn included.
• The Alpine library hosts family story time every Wednesday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
•Would you like help downloading the latest magazines, ebooks, and audiobooks for free? Stop by and receive help from library staff in a tech drop-in session on Dec. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Alpine library.
•Calling all, kids: stop by the Campo-Morena library on Dec. 3 to pick up a craft to make at home.
• Looking for a good adventure? Joining the Dungeons & Dragons group from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Campo-Morena library.
• Head to the Campo- Morena Village library every Thursday for digital literacy and tech help all day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. County residents can learn the basics of using a Google Chromebook, desktop computer, and other devices. Receive a Google Chromebook and MiFi device to take home for a year while supplies last with a county library card.
• The Campo-Morena Village library also offers preschool storytime from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. every Friday with stories specially chosen for children ages two and younger.
• Stop by the Descanso library every Wacky Wednesday after school for a different activity each week: Draw with Me, craft, video games, or 3-D printing.
• Feeding San Diego will be on hand at the Descanso library on Dec. 15 from 9 to 10 a.m. for residents in need of nutritious food.
• The Potrero Elementary after school program will visit the library from 4 to 5 p.m. on Dec. 15.
• The Potrero library will host the monthly Senior Food Program from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 22 for seniors 60 years of age or older. USDA food is given to registered participants on a monthly basis.
Visit www.sdcl.org for information on these and other San Diego county branch library events happening in August.
You can email Jessica at: jessica@integritynews.us with comments and suggestions.
