Library Happenings

By Julie Jarman

Happy August everyone! This month signals the last few weeks of summer vacation before school starts again. Life can be a bit stressful with the new school routine, constantly changing seasonal weather patterns, and chaotic news cycle we are all feeling right now. It is so important to find something relaxing, funny and soothing this time of year for good mental and physical well being. Someone once told me that children who laugh an equivalent of over five hours a day are much happier compared to adults who barely laugh at all. How much time have you spent laughing today is the question. The Staunton Public Library has a way to curb some of that pent up anxiety with just a library card.

In case you didn't know it, great comedies in both books and movies fill our library shelves. Funny authors such as Janet Evanovich, M.C. Beaton, Emily Henry, Carl Hiassen, David Sedaris and more can be found here. The children's collection is no different. Mo Willems, Ryan T. Higgins, Dav Pilkey, and Roald Dahl are just a few of the countless hilarious stories we have in the children's room.

If you would rather watch a good movie, come check out our kiosk of great comedies, both old and new. Barbie, The Lost City, Jungle Cruise, 80 for Brady, Free Guy, The Spy Who Dumped Me,The War With Grandpa, Ghost Busters: The Frozen Empire, the New Raiders movie and so many others too numerous to mention are here too. There's nothing like a great comedy to bring some happiness to your day.

In reality,children's movies might be the funniest medium of all since they are created solely to make younger ones smile. Soul, Encanto,Frozen,Trolls, Kung Fu Panda 4, Wonka, and Wish plus so many more can be found on the shelf just waiting for someone to take them home for awhile. Minions, Paw Patrol, Inside Out and Migration have just been ordered last week to enhance the good vibes. I think the minions are a perfect to work off all your troubles for a couple of hours. You are also welcome to search the stacks for your own laugh out loud silly book or hysterically funny movie as your browse the collection. Our library is also able to order items from other libraries too with a valid library card.

Another important way to add to your joy is our Story Book Walk. If you have not made it to Water Tower Park yet on Sixth Street, I encourage you all to visit. On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tilman is the new story in our permanent display. It can be found on the path to the playground just across from the pickle ball courts and the bike trail. This interactive display is a great way to introduce young ones to the joy of reading. The library also has a smaller version in our front hallway. Knight Owl by Christopher Denise is currently beautifully displayed there.

Starting in September, the library will begin bi monthly story time again, welcoming back our two student book clubs, co hosting the Peace Poster Contest for junior high students with the Staunton Lions as well as coordinating a new adult local speakers series. Please stay tuned for more information on all of these programs and more. Our contact information is 618 635 3852, Facebook page is librarypagestaunton and my email is [email protected]. Please stop by soon at 306 W. Main next to the Police Department or call us to see how you can get a library card. We hope to see you at the library one day soon.