The Library is for All Ages
Summer has arrived. School is over for the summer. Families are planning trips. Kids and adults are signed up for swim classes, art camps, jazz and ballet classes, and more. Visits to the local aquarium are scheduled. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are seeking activities that engage the brain and keep the body active.
Along with those physical activities, we also need mental stimulation. A wonderful place to visit is the local library. Alan and I take our grandchildren, Rowan and Eden, to the library.
Our local library offers more than books. There are classes for children and adults. From games to crafts to story time, the library is filled with activities and ways to learn. We’ve created origami creatures, listened to special guests share about other countries, participated in a scavenger hunt in the children’s section, attended music hour in a special room, and sat in a window book nook to read books.
After we have chosen books to take home, we get in line at the checkout counter, and wait our turn. A table nearby offers coloring pages, word find sheets, information about the ocean, and a calendar of upcoming events. These things are for everyone to take home. No charge.
Last year, a display near the entrance offered free seeds for everyone to take home. This gave a great learning experience for kids and adults. We planted cosmos seeds and watched beautiful plants burst from the soil providing purple and white flowers during the summer.
Another project was a plastic bag with a bean inside. Instructions on how to take care of the bean and how to watch it grow were provided. Each project offered the opportunity to share what we learned with each other.
The Summer Reading Program offers prizes for a certain amount of books read. T-shirts, bookmarks, and coupons to local eateries can be earned.
My local writer’s group, the American Christian Fiction Writers South Carolina Lowcountry chapter meets at the library on the fourth Saturday of the month. We have a private room with tables, chairs, and a television screen for online presentations. The members of the group have expressed thankfulness for the library, the staff, and the volunteers.
The children’s area is decorated with unique art pieces. From a large mural of a dinosaur to paintings and drawings by local folks, there is always something new to enjoy at the library.
Recently, as we entered the library, I realized that “Storytime for Toddlers” was finishing. Toddlers filled the children’s area. Parents and grandparents followed as the smiling young ones walked from the book shelves to the computer area to the play area. The children’s section was buzzing with sounds of laughter and stories being read aloud.
I looked at Rowan. He didn’t complain about all of the babies and toddlers. He smiled and looked at his sister Eden. Rowan was on a mission looking for books. Bop (my husband Alan) and Rowan went to look for chapter books. Eden and I went to the computer games and to find stories about baby animals.
The staff is always available to help us find a book or to offer guidance. When we enter the Wando Mount Pleasant Library, we are greeted with smiles. As we search, the staff is happy to help us find the perfect book. When we’re ready to check out, we are greeted with more smiles. Sometimes, we receive bookmarks or stickers.
Some libraries offer food programs for the summer. Free food is given to those people who need nourishment.
Looking around, I notice people sitting in comfy chairs reading newspapers. I see folks searching for books. I see people returning books at the designated area. The activity inside the building is fascinating.
The Charleston Friends of the Library Big Book Sale event was recently held at a local auditorium. Over 50,000 books were available for purchase at low prices. This event helps raise funds.
I’m thankful for libraries and librarians. I’m also thankful for authors and books. I’m an author and seeing people reading and checking out books from the library makes me smile.
Have you visited your local library? What interesting activities did you notice?
Have a blessed day,
Melissa Henderson
TweetThe Welcome Turkey and a Thank You
“Please arrive at the hospital at 5:30 pm for your scheduled scan. Please bring identification, insurance card, and a list of medications you are currently taking.”
I have memorized these requirements because of having numerous trips to the doctor and scanning areas of the hospital. Recently, I needed to have my 4th scan for the month completed. Doctors had alerted me of the need for repeat scans in one area of my body.
As Alan and I found a parking spot in the hospital parking lot, we noticed an unusual amount of empty spaces. My medical appointments are usually during office hours, but this one was scheduled after the doctor’s office had closed for the day.
Alan parked the car. Exiting the vehicle, I proceeded to the same door where I always enter the building. The sliding door was locked. No signs alerted me to any reason why the door was not open.
There was no one standing at the entrance to give me directions. However, there was something there at the door.
A turkey. A wild turkey walked from bush to bush around the front door. This animal poked its head in the bushes and retrieved leaves and berries, or at least that was my impression of what the turkey was doing. No sounds. No running toward me to chase me from the area. Just a turkey taking a walk and looking for a snack.
I noticed two ladies walking toward their cars. “Excuse me. Do you work here? I have to get a scan and the door is locked.”
The ladies smiled and one answered. “Yes, the hospital doors are always locked after 4:00 p.m. You’ll have to enter the building through the emergency room.”
I thanked the ladies for the information. I inquired if they always have a turkey near the door. They laughed and mentioned seeing turkeys in the parking lot every day.
Walking back to the car, I laughed at how God provided that “welcome turkey” to give me laughter while I was worrying about the upcoming scan.
“Thank You, Lord,” I spoke aloud.
After finding the correct entrance to the scan area, I entered the building, checked in with the receptionist, and found a seat. While waiting, I silently prayed for everyone in the emergency room.
The door to the radiology department opened and a woman spoke with a loud voice. “Henderson!”
I jumped out of my chair and returned her shout with a friendly smile and cheerful voice.
“Hello. That’s me!”
The technician paused, looked at me, and said, “Thank you so much. My last patient was so grouchy and complained about everything. But when I called your name, you answered with a smile and a friendly hello.”
I listened as the woman continued to share the gripes of the previous patient. During the conversation, I thanked her for being there and for taking good care of me during the scan. She said that no one ever thanks her.
With the procedure over, I spoke words of encouragement. “I hope you have a good evening and a better day tomorrow.” Then, I shared the story of the welcome turkey and we laughed.
We may never know what another person is experiencing in life. I was concerned about the results of my scan. The patient before me could have been filled with worry and fear.
I’m thankful to God for having “a welcome turkey” at the hospital door. I’m thankful to have shared a smile with a stranger and hopefully, brighten their day.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson