As snow starts to fall and the cold air sets in, there’s no better time to take a break from winter festivities and curl up with a good book.
Christie Smith, reference assistant for the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County, told the Mount Vernon News that library patrons are currently enjoying new reads like “Mercy” by David Baldacci, “The Dark Hours” by Michael Connelly and “The Christmas Promise” by Richard Paul Evans. In a podcast titled “What are you Reading?” Smith and co-worker Katie Beverly discussed two new winter reads this month – “Twisted Tea Christmas” by Laura Childs and “Once Upon a Wardrobe” by Patti Calahan.
“Both are sure to give you all those winter and holiday feels,” Smith said.
The podcast, premiering on YouTube, Spotify and Anchor on the last Monday of the month, is set to air Dec. 27 at 4 p.m.
As individuals continue to spend an increasing amount of time with technology, Smith said, alongside putting away their devices to read, a great way to limit screen time is to simply get outside.
“We have opened several Storybook Trails at area parks that have been wonderful additions to our communities,” Smith said. “We have also added new circulating items called ‘Beyond Books.’ These items include cake pans, giant lawn games and bird-watching kits.”
Though the library was forced to close its doors to the public during the pandemic in 2020 and early 2021, staff continued to provide curbside service to ensure patrons still had access to materials.
“During that time, we added a chat feature to our website as another option to put patrons in contact easily with library staff. We also boosted our Wi-Fi services to cover a wider range around our building and extended its hours of operation,” Smith said.
This transformation amid social distancing guidelines marked the shift of the library’s programming to digital platforms. Now, Smith said, the library’s YouTube channel is packed full of storytimes, podcasts, craft instructions, cooking programs and more for community members to enjoy.
The library branches, Children’s Floor, Teen Makerspace and Adult Services departments have also created craft bags patrons can take home to work on until they are able to have in-person programming return.
“The pandemic forced us to think outside of the box to ensure that our patrons' needs were being met,” Smith said. “Many of these programs are going very well, and we plan to continue them into the new year.”
