By Stacey Anter
The Library Detective
4-7-14
Find out what's happening in Coventryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Let’s shout it from the rooftops: Today is No Housework Day! Of course it happens on a Monday this year (April 7th), and we’ve just finished cleaning and catching up on chores over the weekend, but what the hay! Enjoy the day! If you normally do the housework, take the day off. It’s just dishes, and dusting, and laundry, right? If your spouse or significant other usually does the housework, do it for him or her. It’ll be a nice surprise and a welcome break. So, come to the library and borrow a book that you’ve wanted to read, or watch one of our movies, or download an e-book or audio book from our E-Zone. Today is also International Snailpapers Day, which is a day to appreciate the newspaper that brings you news and information every day. After all, we need to be informed to be involved. Maybe today, you can actually sit back and read the newspaper for a change.
Find out what's happening in Coventryfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Wednesday, April 9th is National Cherish an Antique Day. You would be surprised what you have tucked away in your attic or basement, or to find out about that heirloom that was passed down from previous generations. Find out and even document the story that goes with your antique, ala Antiques Roadshow. That antique is, after all, part of your family history. This is also a day that we should remember how things used to be handcrafted with care instead of being manufactured by machines. This makes me think of the History Channel program, American Restoration, where Rick’s Restorations brings old worn-out classics back to life. The work that restorers do is amazing.
April 9th is also National Former Prisoner Of War Recognition Day. If you know a veteran who was a POW, don’t forget to thank him or her for his/her service. Many veterans do not hear the words, “Thank You for Your Service” and they feel as if they are forgotten. If you know a Veteran, and a former Prisoner of War, say “thank you,” because as the saying goes, “Freedom isn’t free.” You can also say it on other days of the year, when you meet up with a veteran.
Thursday, April 10th is National Siblings Day. If you have a sister or a brother, take time to appreciate them. Siblings are our first friends when we are little. They look after us, they take care of us, they tease us, they play with us, they torment us and teach us to stand up for ourselves, they teach us how to get along with others, they laugh with us, and they cry with us. No matter where your siblings are, call them, visit them, and tell them how much you appreciate and love them.
Friday, April 11th is National Teach Children to Save Day, and since this is also Money Smart Week, it’s a perfect combination. Many Libraries will have programs teaching and encouraging Financial Literacy to children and adults. Basic Accounting 101 says you shouldn’t spend more than what you earn. If you don’t have the money for it, don’t buy it. Just because you have a credit card, it doesn’t mean you should use it. Always try to put a little bit aside for a rainy day. For more information on Money Smart Week or National Teach Children to Save Day, visit the American Library Association website at http://www.ala.org/.
As a former school librarian, I remember my fellow teachers talking about DEAR time in their classroom. DEAR stands for Drop Everything And Read, and Saturday, April 12th is National Drop Everything And Read Day which celebrates reading together as a family. When your child or another family member sees you reading and, more importantly, enjoying it, this inspires them to read. Sometimes all it takes is one book to hook any reluctant reader. If your child is having trouble reading in school, find an audio book version for him or her to listen to while reading along in the book. You’ll be surprised at how much your child improves. And, your child may even enjoy it.
I call myself the Library Detective because I can find the answers to any question you can think of, or at least I can point you in the right direction. To find out more about housework, prisoners of war, antiques, siblings, financial literacy, visit our local library; there are more Library Detectives there, too.
