It's time again for summer reading! Our theme for 2020 is Imagine Your Story, with a focus on fairy tales, folklore, and fantasy. In the coming months (and beyond!), we hope that you'll find plenty of opportunities to stretch your imagination and let your creativity shine. We encourage you to read great books...but also to tell your own stories, draw pictures, make things, and explore. There's no limit to what your imagination can dream up!

We particularly like fairy tales (and fantasy books) because they encourage readers of all ages to think outside the "norm," and explore magic, make-believe, and adventure--both in our real world and in worlds created by our favorite authors. Sometimes, watching a fantasy hero or folklore figure perform great deeds can make us think about great deeds happening around us, or ones we can do ourselves. And of course, as Roald Dahl would say, those who don't believe in magic will rarely find it. And we want readers everywhere to find as much magic as they can, every day!

We know our Summer Reading program looks a bit different this year, and we wish it didn't have to be that way. But there are still tons of stories to share and fun to be had this summer, and we hope your library can help!

If you'd like to join us for Summer Reading this year, please visit our Summer Reading Virtual Headquarters. You can sign up, track your progress, find some fun activities, and more. And if you have any questions, please just let us know!

We hope you'll have a great summer.

Resource Spotlight: HOOPLA

Did you know? Among our other BCCLS-friendly online resources, Wallington's public library offers a subscription to Hoopla, a digital streaming service filled with fantastic ebooks, comics, movies, music, audiobooks, and more. The coolest thing about Hoopla is the very wide range of collections it offers! New and old movies, comics for adults and for kids (we know they love them!), and music ranging from classic to contemporary, with a wide range of genres and pre-made playlists you can stream right from your phone, tablet, Kindle, or computer.

For kids growing restless at home, the entertainment factor on Hoopla is nearly limitless. There's educational books and movies (like an in-depth look at Fiona the Hippo, who stole everyone's hearts not too long ago), and a few throw-back classics you may want to introduce them to (anybody else remember falling in love with It Takes Two, featuring the Olsen twins?). There's even audiobook readings of some of their favorite story time books (like Dragons Love Tacos, one of Miss Marlene's top picks). 

You can access the entire Hoopla digital collection via Hoopladigital.com 

We're pleased to say that Hoopla is offering "Bonus Borrows" to help out all their subscribers (like our patrons!) while the libraries remain closed. There's a TON of new, free resources and selections available for the time being, including free access to Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in ebook and audiobook. 

How To Get Started

You can access Hoopla on any of your phone, tablet, Kindle, laptop, or other home devices, but you will need your valid Wallington library card number to create an account. If you're a Wallington resident and don't have a library card yet, apply for a free digital card at BCCLS.org.

We know that navigating new subscriptions can be tough, so we made these tutorials to help you get started. You wilIf you need additional help, don't hesitate to contact us via our library's email or ask your questions in the comments below. 

Homemade Face Masks Around the Web

We know that times are tough, and many people are looking for ways to construct their own face masks for personal safety or donations. Luckily, there are tons of great tutorials online that can help even the most novice of sewers put together a protective face mask, most of which use scrap materials you may already have at home. Here are some of our favorites, including the ones we used to make the masks pictured above:

CDC Notes on DIY Face Masks

from the Center for Disease Control 

Face Masks: A Picture Tutorial

from The Button Counter

(This one's our favorite! There's lots of pictures and easy-to-follow instructions.)

A Photo Tutorial for the "Olson Pattern"

from Sew Can She

(This post also includes tips and background information on using DIY face masks.)

Face Mask Sewing Pattern
from Craft Passion

(A slightly more advanced tutorial that offers different size masks, including children's sizes.)

Joann's Make-To-Give Response

from Joann's Fabrics

(A huge collection of resources including patterns, fabric suggestions, and where to donate.)

A Video Tutorial In Spanish

from The Health Ministry of Cuba via YouTube
(For those who prefer instructions in Spanish!)

Please remember to check CDC and HCP guidelines for masks! If you intend to donate face masks to people or organizations in need, be sure to find out exactly what their looking for and what works best for them. We hope you're staying safe and stay healthy!  

To Our Patrons

With news of the COVID-19 pandemic breaking all over the world, our little library has joined countless other community organizations in closing its doors to help #stopthespread of this novel disease. We wish it wasn't necessary, but we are committed to doing everything we can to help keep our patrons, staff, and community safe at this time. We're taking the restrictions and recommendations from our local, state, and federal governments very seriously, and we urge you to do the same!

Of course, no local library exists only within the four walls of the building itself. We're happy to say that, while we may not be able to encourage you to visit us right now, our resources always extend as far "off the shelf" as our patrons want to take them. Consider passing the time at home with an ebook, a new movie, or a magazine! Or check out the many museums, zoos, and destinations offering virtual tours and demonstrations. Even some of our favorite authors are offering readings and lessons to stream at home. Our full digital collections (and much more) can be found on the BCCLS website, on our library's Facebook page, or here on our blog as things move forward. 

We hope everyone in our wonderful Wallington community stays safe and healthy during this difficult time. We're so thankful to all the first responders, medical professionals, food workers, and many others in Wallington and beyond who work so hard every day so keep us safe and well. 

We hope to see you at the library soon!