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By James Gardner

Clark County Public Library

For some people, the love of their job might be about money, having a lot of money or never worrying about not having enough that drives them to a particular field. Maybe they want a car that goes fast or takes a plethora of vacations that require multiple stamps on a passport. Sometimes, it is the job itself that creates that sense of satisfaction. I consider myself satisfied with my job as a librarian because it gives me many opportunities to talk about some of my favorite things: books.

I like reading and talking about what I read, and I have a job where people care about what I read. However, one does not need to be a librarian to share their love of reading. Thanks to social media, people have a medium with which to share various aspects of their lives, and for those who like to get some use out of their phone’s camera, people have an opportunity to share what they read through a library shelfie (basically, it’s a selfie with books, and let me say I love how social media involves one of my favorite things). On the eve of Library Shelfie Day (which is every fourth Wednesday in January), now’s the time to create your own library shelfie.

Ask almost any teenager or influencer about a selfie, and they will describe it, in their own words, as a subtle art. Sure, there’s making sure you, as both model and photographer, are camera-ready (making sure there’s no food in your teeth, no glare coming from your glasses, etc.). Books don’t even have to be confined to the shelf. Stack them in a tower based on the color. Pose with your favorite book like it was your BFF. Create your own book fort with your favorite mysteries. There are many options to make your shelfie represent yourself, but the mark of a truly great shelfie is how it reflects you and what you like to read.

But if you’re not comfortable sharing your reading habits through photography, feel free to simply talk to our librarians if you like a certain author’s books, want to read new books by someone different, or go totally outside your reading comfort zone, picture not required.

Once you’ve taken your shelfie (or decided not to), you can check out these library programs happening this week:

Tuesday, Jan. 23rd, at 6 p.m. will be the library’s monthly meeting of Write Out There. This writing group welcomes writers of all kinds to get some awesome writing prompts to get you started and we can also do workshops where other writers can share their work and get feedback. Bring anything you’re working on, or just bring paper, pencil, or laptop to do some writing and have some fun. Contact jgardner@clarkbooks.org for more details.

On Wednesday, Jan. 24th, at 2 p.m., the Kentucky Picture Show will feature a romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Journalist Annie (Ryan) becomes enamored with recently widowed architect Sam (Hanks) when the latter’s son calls into a talk radio program requesting a new partner for his grieving father. Rated PG with a runtime of 1 hour, 45 minutes.

On Thursday, Jan. 25th, Learning @ the Library features a speculative fiction author and his literary creation, both ripe for rediscovery. Journey through the foreboding Appalachian hollers with author Manly Wade Wellman and his creation Silver John. First published in 1963, Silver John is a wanderer singer who travels the hills of Appalachia with his silver-stringed guitar, his wits, and his good heart, encountering all sorts of supernatural evil from American folklore. This program will also discuss Wellman’s storied career as an award-winning author whose work spans decades. The potluck begins at 6:15, with the Wellman program beginning at 7. Bring a dish if you’re attending the potluck before the program.

On Saturday, Jan. 27th, at 1 p.m., local artist Sara Clarke will teach a Valentine Linocut printmaking class. For this medium, a sheet of linoleum is used for a relief surface, and a design is cut into the linoleum surface with differently shaped, sharp handheld chisels. The finished carving can be used to print on paper and fabric. Because of the tools involved, this class is intended for adults who are comfortable with the idea of using sharp chisels and understand that safety is paramount. Feel free to bring your own designs or use the one Sara brings. Seating is limited so reserve your spot by registering through www.clarkbooks.org or call the library at (859) 744-5661.