November has snuck upon us, as it does. That means the Elsie Quirk Library staff are hard at work changing displays. As we take down our “She Fought the Law” and “Books Unite Us” displays, and put up our library-wide “Voices” displays, I have been thinking a lot about identities. The library is here to support and engage everyone who walks through the door, to foster life-long learning and equal access to information.
A library is a place where all voices have a platform and are an intersection for the entire community; where people of disparate experiences and backgrounds cross paths in a civil and informative environment. While libraries often celebrate specific weeks or months that are designated to highlight underrepresented communities, or cultural heritage, or historical figures, we also enthusiastically believe that anytime is a good time to celebrate the entire spectrum of identities and heritage that make up our community, our nation, and our world.
The Elsie Quirk Library is also a place to find your voice. We welcome you to explore our collection of books, movies, music, databases, and more to help you find your artistic voice, your civic voice, your spiritual voice, your literary voice, your healing voice, or even your voice of grief and angst if that’s what you need at this moment.
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.
- Thursday, November 4, 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.
- Thursdays 1 – 3 p.m.
Quirky Knitters
Join the Quirky Knitters for an afternoon of knitting and crochet. Bring your projects, patterns, and questions, all skill levels welcome. Registration is not required, just show up to knit and chat!
To-Go Programs
Come in and check out our take-home bags full of creative inspiration and amusement. Available in the children’s room, the teen section, and in the general vicinity of the circulation 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.
