A New Year is like a clean slate.  Many follow the tradition of setting resolutions.  Plans are made to diet, exercise, and save money.  While you are busy focusing on your 2022 improvement plan, don’t forget about reading.  Joseph Addison, a 17^th century essayist, is known for the popular quote: “Reading is to the mind, as exercise is to the body.”   In other words, just as exercise stimulates your body to make you stronger … reading stimulates your mind and makes you smarter.  Reading is great exercise for your brain, as you imagine scenarios and follow dialogue.  Another way to compliment a ‘saving money’ resolution is to visit the library, rather than the book or video store.  Remember, the library loans books and movies for free!

Wilkes County Public Library is the place to go if you need a pick-me-up, and a dose of holiday cheer.  The trees are lit and books are on display.  Candy canes for visitors and a winter-scene photo both featuring Santa are popular attractions for children.  Stop by and pick out some good books to read while relaxing at home, by the fire, with a hot beverage.  There are also plenty of holiday movies to borrow for family entertainment.

November 22 came and went without my literary birthday recommendation.  Blame it on the beginning of the holiday rush . . . Since this month’s chosen read celebrates an author born on December 12, this article will recommend two-in-one.  I’ll start with the belated and end with the upcoming.  I am also planning my ‘to-read list’ for the new year.  This is always a hard chore since I want to read everything I hear about, and time never allows for that. I will begin hosting monthly in-person Literary Celebrations at the Roaring River Winery (in Traphill) beginning in January.  Look for more information about this in our library news column, or call 336.838.2818 x 241  

“We have so much to be thankful for.  One day a year hardly seems adequate…” - Anonymous

This quote means so much and is a special reminder for me when celebrating Thanksgiving.  And on behalf of Wilkes County Public Library staff, we are especially grateful for all the community partners and Library Friends who contribute to making our library a place where everyone can be empowered and inspired. 

We would also like to recognize all the veterans in our community and extend a special thank-you for their service.  In honor of Veterans Day, the library’s community room is showcasing a photography exhibit by Martin Tucker, Vietnam veteran and photojournalist.  Stop in the library through the month of November and see Vietnam photographs brought home by North Carolina Veterans.