I recently watched a talk by author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie about the importance of telling more than one story. She discussed, with humor and graceful clarity, the harm caused when we only have access to one story about a people, a place, or our own selves. One of the profound values that libraries provide is the opportunity to read, see, hear, or even experience many stories, thus illuminating multiple facets of an issue, idea, life, or event. To have contrasting reference points allows us to draw informed conclusions, to hold complex opinions, and to ask insightful questions.
If, for example, we have only one story about librarians, though it be told in multiple contexts, then what we “know” is that librarians wear cardigans and dowdy glasses, have ruthlessly practical hair and footwear, and are very disapproving and shushy. We miss out on the contrasting stories of librarians who are fierce defenders of free speech; who have diverse personalities ranging from shy-but-helpful to just-a-tad-bawdy; who have fabulous shoes and encourage rebellious thinking and wild imagination; or who, like the staff here at Elsie Quirk, laugh so readily and heartily that sometimes patrons have to do the shushing.
Elsie Quirk is brimming with stories—printed and digital, visual and auditory, gleeful and morose, true and imagined, esoteric and farcical, inspiring and offensive, new and classic— there is room here for every kind of story, including yours!
This week’s events:
Friday
- Lemon Bay Festival: Music With Dave Kilbride 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- Lemon Bay Festival: The Living Gulf Coast: Exploring Our Natural Treasures 2–3 p.m.
Author Charles Sobczak provides a presentation on the many parks, preserves, and eco-destinations found in Southwest Florida. - Spanish Reading Goup 3–4:30 p.m.
Reading is at the beginning-intermediate level.
Saturday
- Suncoast Writers Guild Long Writers 10:15–11:45 a.m.
- Spanish Storytime 10:30-11:30 a.m.
For ages 3-11. Bilingual stories, songs, and activities.
Monday
- Forty Carrots Partners in Play 10:15 a.m. OR 11:45 a.m.
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. Attendance is limited to 12 families per session. - Great Decisions Discussion Group 10:15 a.m.-Noon
The Great Decisions program highlights eight of the most thought-provoking foreign policy challenges facing Americans each year. - Beginning Genealogy 1–3 p.m.
- Englewood Camera Club Board Meeting 3:15–4:45 p.m.
- Monday Night Movies 5 p.m.
This week’s movie is the lowest budget Oscar winner ever, set and filmed in Florida. - English for Spanish Speakers – Gratis Clase de Ingles para Hispanohablantes 5:30 – 7 p.m.
For Spanish speakers, who want to improve their skills in speaking and understanding English, with emphasis on correct pronunciation. Students must be able to speak some basic English.
Tuesday
- Master Gardener Plant Clinic 10 a.m.–Noon. Get free answers to your Florida gardening and landscaping questions. This is made possible through a partnership with UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County.
- Tech Time: One-on-one help with a librarian. 10 a.m.–Noon A Reference Librarian will be available for help with e-books, computer basics, or questions about your electronic devices. Reserve a 30-minute session by calling 941-861-1207 or by signing up at the Reference Desk.
- Family Garden Club of Englewood 10a.m. – Noon
Wednesday
- Family Tree Maker 10:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
- Creation Station: Valentine’s Day cards 3:30–4:30 p.m.
For children ages 5-9. - Englewood Authors Writers Group 5–7 p.m..
Thursday - Short Story Discussion Group 10:15 a.m. – Noon.
- Family Story Time 10:30-11:15 a.m.
For ages 0-5. Interact and participate with your child in a variety of early literacy and school readiness activities that feature stories, music and movement, and crafts. - Quirky Knitters 1–3 p.m.
All are welcome to knit and chat.
