The sky is a flat, steely-gray expanse, rendering the ocean below it a pale slate lapping against the ash-colored sand so that the lifeless landscape stretches into forever. My usually colorful view from Old Orchard Beach’s Libby Memorial Library Children’s Room windows is just one, solid, cold, misty, gray panorama. One might think that such a view would be depressing, but I actually feel nothing, but intense gratitude.
I am ever thankful for all of the blessings in my life from the big ones (like my job, the wonderful women with whom I work, my fantastic family, and my happy home) to the small, perhaps overlooked, ones (like a canteen of clean drinking water within arm’s reach, a pair of really cute, very comfortable shoes, and the salad topped with my own homemade dressing in my lunch bag). I have a lot to be thankful for, as do most of us, and November is that time of year when taking a few minutes to remember our great many blessings feels right.
Gratitude is on the long list of Things To Do this month at Libby Library. Stop by and grab a leaf from the front desk to add your thanks to our Gratitude (Book) Tree located back in the periodicals area. As the saying goes, ‘gratitude turns what we have into enough.’ Sometimes all it takes is just recognizing those small gifts to realize that fortune isn’t measured in dollars, but in sentiment.
Here at the library, we are extremely grateful this month to be (finally) resuming our in-person programming.
Our juvenile services team has been very busy putting together children’s programming. Lego Club is being held every Wednesday from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., and Storytime is every Thursday at 11 a.m.. In addition, older kids are invited to our once a month STEAM Saturdays at 10:45 a.m. This month STEAMers will be meeting on Nov. 12 to explore the theme of bridges. Chandra has some great stories and projects in the works.
We are thrilled to be participating in National Games Month this November. On Friday, Nov. 18, we will be hosting a special, homeschoolers-only Table-top Game Open House from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., and on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. everyone is invited to join us for a day of game playing. There will be an assortment of board games, cards, puzzles, and pencil games available – hopefully, a little something for everyone!
We haven’t forgotten our more mature patrons!
Every Thursday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Mahjong players of all abilities, from curious to kick-your-butt, meet up in the Community Room for some riveting tile play.
On the Second Thursday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m., starting on Nov. 10, we will be welcoming all knitters, crocheters, quilters, and other fiber artists for the Creative Fiber Club. Teach something, learn something, share something, or just hang out with fiber arts enthusiasts. Bring your own project and supplies, and meet us in the Adult Reading Area, near the fireplace. It doesn’t get much cozier than that!
Also for adults in November, in collaboration with Robillard’s Garden Center, we will be hosting a Cocktail Container Gardening workshop on Nov. 16 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Don’t pine all winter lamenting that you don’t have any fresh herbs to add to your mixed drinks. Join us for this one-time workshop, where participants will create their very own cocktail herb garden for making those delicious concoctions to while away the winter hours. Space is limited, and pre-registration with a $5 deposit (refunded on the day of the class) is required. Stop by the circulation desk to sign up.
As you may have heard, our very own Libby Lobster has come out of his shellfish seclusion and has resumed his crustacean capers. Details of the New Adventures of Libby Lobster can be found on our blog at http://ooblibrary.blogspot.com. We are very appreciative of Bob Cochran’s ability to interpret and record Libby’s shenanigans for us.
We have much to celebrate and to be thankful for on a normal day, but November is shaping up to be a banner month here at Libby Library for remembering that life at the beach is better than good.
And here at Libby Library we are ever reminded of that old saying from our friend, Arthur the Aardvark, “having fun isn’t hard, when you’ve got a library card!” When you get a moment, swing by the library and check out some of the fun we’re having.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
