Hello, everyone!
As of this writing, we’re solidly under the heat dome; somehow “hot” doesn’t seem like an accurate descriptor of the temperature outside. I hope everyone is staying safe and as cool as possible!
Whenever it gets this sultry out, I’m always reminded of lazy days spent sprawled in the shade with a pile of books to distract me. Reading in the summer as a kid felt especially liberating- there was nothing obligatory about it, no pressure to do the kind of “responsible” reading so often the norm during the school year. As we get older, I think we tend to get a little more sheepish about this type of reading, apologizing for it under the umbrella of beach reading, porch reading, summer reading, like we’re just taking a break from being more serious readers. But I think it’s important, and kinder, to give ourselves permission to relax, to enjoy a book on its own terms; unwinding at the beach with goofy paperback can be the most valuable type of reading we do if we’re finding in it exactly the pleasure we need. C. S. Lewis maybe explained this best in his definition of a truly literary reader, one who thoroughly engages with a work for just what it is, delighting in it not for what it “gives” us but for the sheer joy of reading itself. Here’s to that attitude, and for reclaiming the (very fun) seriousness of the beach read!
A few exciting things happening at Skidompha this week: On Saturday, following Damariscotta’s Pride Parade, we’ll be hosting Tea and Thee with Lincoln County Unity and Community. This will be a chance for tea and conversation- all are welcome! At the end of this week, too, Meghan and I will be heading to Philadelphia for the American Library Association’s annual conference. We’re so excited to be representing our Library and we’re sure we’ll be absorbing a ton of great ideas and inspiration to share with our colleagues and with our patrons.
As always, be well and we look forward to seeing you at Skidompha
Chloe Deblois
Adult Services Librarian
Skidompha Public Library