As we ease our way into 2022, I have been thinking about how many columns I’ve written over the last two years—as we have adapted, recalibrated, innovated, readjusted, and persevered—offering the Elsie Quirk Library is an evolving resource for the community. If you have read this column even occasionally, you are likely aware of my tenuous relationship with the construct of time, but I have rallied my ability to embrace the concept of the Gregorian calendar so as to make two Elsie Quirk New Year’s resolutions.
My first resolution is inspired by the words of the late Desmond Tutu, “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” The library already reflects this idea in many ways; in 2022, we will strive to create an even more expansive and inclusive environment in which to explore and celebrate our shared humanity. Whether through reading the latest book examining human nature, streaming music through our Hoopla app, devouring a popular novel, listening to an audio memoir, checking out a controversial movie, running down a research rabbit hole using our databases, or having a spontaneous conversation with a stranger while contemplating the current library displays, you can depend on the Elsie Quirk Library to support civil, lively, informed community engagement.
Not to worry, though, we are not just lofty ideals and esoteric thought at Elsie Quirk—we take every opportunity to have a good laugh. Thus, my second resolution is inspired by the words of the late Betty White, “I just make it my business to get along with people so I can have fun. It’s that simple.” In the coming year, you can also count on your local library to provide resources for delight, humor, glee, and merriment. Both Betty White and Desmond Tutu had in common the tendency to cachinnate, which is defined as, “to laugh loudly or immoderately.” While we try to maintain a peaceful and calm library environment, a little raucous laughter, in between our very serious and philosophical work, is never a surprise at Elsie Quirk.
If you have made some resolutions of your own, come in and check out our Resolution Support display, with books on cleaning, organizing, wellness, budgeting, cooking, and more. Is your resolution a little more unusual? Are you determined to learn a language, catch 19 different kinds of fish, read books from every continent, repair that leaky sink once and for all? If you need help finding unique resources to make your year rewarding, we enthusiastically invite you to ask.
A Sampling of Elsie Quirk Library Events, Opportunities, and Resources to Explore:
In-Person Programs
- Monday, January 10, 10:15 a.m. – 1:45 p.m.
Englewood Modern Quilters
Share recently created projects; help provide guidance for current and future projects.
- Monday, January 10, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Read with the Dogs
Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills.
- Tuesday, January 11, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Health in Motion Bus
Florida Department of Health staff will be on-site to provide no-cost health screenings and referrals for general health and wellness. Nursing staff will help individuals who lack medical insurance find a medical home for ongoing health care through referrals to the Community Health Centers of Sarasota County. No appointments needed. The bus will be located in the west parking lot. Flu shots will be available.
- Tuesday, January 11, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Englewood Camera Club
Monthly meeting of the Englewood Camera Club, open to all. For more information: EnglewoodCameraClub.com
- Thursday, January 13, 10:30 a.m.
Storytime in the Golden Reading Garden
For ages 0-5. Join us for outdoor storytime in the Golden Garden. Interact and participate with your child in a variety of early literacy activities that feature stories, music and movement, and crafts.
- Thursday, January 13, 10:15 a.m. – Noon
Short Story Discussion Group
The Short Story Discussion group meets the second Thursday of each month. Readings will be from “The Best American Short Stories of the Century” (expanded edition, 1999), edited by John Updike.
- Thursday, January 13, 1 – 3 p.m.
Quirky Knitters
Bring your projects, patterns, and questions to Elsie Quirk Library and join the Quirky Knitters for an afternoon of knitting and crochet. All skill levels welcome. Registration is not required, just come on in to knit and chat!
- Thursday, January 13, 10:15 a.m. – Noon
Beginning Genealogy
Learn how to research and document your ancestors and family history with members of the Englewood Genealogical Society using online genealogical resources. Registration required.
- Friday, January 14, 10:30 a.m. – Noon
Basic Conversational Spanish for Beginners
Come and learn basic conversational Spanish with instructor Dan Duffy. This class is for persons who know little or no Spanish.
Community Support
- Job Seekers Kits
A purple folder packed with helpful tips, resources, and tools for job seekers, available at our community resource table.
- Care Kits
Reusable sinch bags with useful everyday items for those in need, such as personal hygiene supplies, sox, first aid supplies, and Kind Bars, available by asking any library staff member.
- Snack Bags
Full of popular snacks for children and teens 18 and under, available in the youth department.
- Virtual Programs
Sign up or learn more at: scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com/events
- Alphabet Storytime
Online storytime for kids, enjoy Elsie Quirk’s own Cris and George reading books with their favorite letters, and discover new library friends from other branches.
- Tech Help by Zoom
Need help with your new phone? Can’t figure out how to get e-books on your iPad? Want to find out how to make Word stop putting spaces where you don’t want them? Set up a tech by Zoom appointment with an Elsie Quirk staff member by registering online or giving us a call. We are also happy to talk you through setting up a Zoom account over the phone.
