At the Elsie Quirk Library, we are spicing things up this month! Any month of year at the library you can find a delicious mystery to dig into, or a tangy romance to savor. Or maybe you prefer to relish a well-seasoned classic, or do some juicy research using our databases. But this month, you can also pick up an aromatic to-go spice sampler kit to make life just a little more delicious! These kits contain a sampling of international seasonings, recipes to try, and some fun facts about each mixture. Among other traditional blends, the kits contain my own favorite spice mixture, which has become all the rage of late, za’atar. While I have long coveted za’atar as a secret ingredient, I am begrudgingly pleased to see others discovering its distinctive tangy, nutty, roasted, divineness.
Speaking of spice…just between us, an Elsie Quirk Library staff member may have been an unofficial Spice Girl in the 90s. It’s a 5th Beatle kind of situation. Come down to Dearborn Street and see if you can discover the true identity of Quirky Spice. Or, if pop culture is not your thing, come in and read the serious news in our selection of local and national newspapers, ask an obscure question at the reference desk, or just bask in the overall calm and erudite atmosphere. Whatever you come in to discover, we are happy to see you, happy to assist you, and happy to be your community library.
A Sampling of Library Events, Opportunities, and Resources to Explore:
In-Person Programs
- Mondays 10:15 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. and Noon – 1 p.m.
Forty Carrots Partners in Play
For children, up to age 5 with a parent or caregiver.A free class for you and your child to enjoy together. Experience new educational activities, join in circle-time fun, meet other families and receive valuable parenting and child development information.
- Monday, November 8 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. The dogs love the attention and the kids love the interactions.
- Tuesday, November 9 & Wednesday, November 10 3-5 p.m.
Children’s Book Week Book Swap
Bring a gently used children’s or teen’s paperback or hardback book to exchange for another book. Contact the library for more details.
- Thursday, November 11 – Closed in honor of Veteran’s Day
To-Go Programs
Take home bags full of amusement.
- Creative Teen Destressing Kit
Available in the teen section.
- Pudding Cup Turkey Craft
Available at the youth desk.
- Meditative Rock Painting Kit
Available in the adult section.
- Quirky Spice Sampler Bag
For adults, teens, and families! For a kit, follow your nose…or ask at the desk.
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 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.
