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By James Gardner

Clark County Public Library

Though calendars will try to say that summer officially starts on June 20 this year, it feels like it’s been around a little while longer. Memorial Day (a day many look at as the “official” start of summer) has passed, schools have released their young students out into the wild, and the weather seems to be finally cooperating (however, with Kentucky weather, the only constant is change). While summer as a season might not have arrived according to the calendar, summer as a vibe has definitely arrived, and the calendar–at least the one at the National Day Calendar’s website (nationaldaycalendar.com)–says that National Wanna Get Away Day is June 18th. 

Summer is the perfect time for all sorts of getaways. For those who might not be willing to travel, the library has books with some great ideas for day trips without having to leave the state. Cameron M. Ludwick and Blair Thomas Hess have a few ideas that they’ve recorded in their book “My Old Kentucky Road Trip: Historic Destinations and Natural Wonders”(K 917.69 Ludw). Find things to do in larger cities like Lexington and Louisville, or find more out of the way destinations like Rabbit Hash, Kentucky and its unique general store. If you’re looking for Kentucky destinations that are a little more unique, try Zoe Ayn Strecker’s Off the Beaten Path Kentucky: A Guide to Unique Places”(K 917.69 Stre). Divided into different regions of Kentucky, this book features destinations like the American Cave Museum, because Kentucky has plenty of caves to explore, and the Kentucky Reptile Zoo, for those who want to look at a turtle or snake but not necessarily take one home. If your idea of travel involves a pair of sturdy boots and a scenic trail, the library also has books on places to go in Kentucky’s great outdoors like “50 Hikes in Kentucky”(K 917.6904 Roge) and “The Complete Guide to Kentucky State Parks”(K 917.69 Reig). We also have books for people with more specific and more faraway destinations in mind in our travel section; just look for the 910 call number. From Disney World to Denmark, there are plenty of places to go. 

For those who don’t want to necessarily travel, there is another method to get away. Take a walk around your neighborhood with the tips garnered from “52 Ways to Walk: the Surprising Science of Walking for Wellness and Joy, One Week at a Time”(796.51 Stre) or if you’re looking for more of a challenge, there’s also the “Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Half-Marathon Training”(796.4257 Hedr). You don’t even have to leave your couch to get away, not when there’s “8 Minute Meditation: Quiet Your Mind Change Your Life”(158.12 Davi). I myself enjoy meditation, especially if I can’t physically get away. 

However you choose to get away this summer, whenever summer starts for you, the library can help you find a way to get away. 

But come back for some of these programs:

• On Wednesday, June 19t the Kentucky Picture Show will be showing a classic 1944 film starring Gene Tiereny and Dana Andrews. A police detective (Andrews) falls in love with the woman (Tiereny) whose murder he is investigating. 1 hour 28 min. Popcorn and snacks provided!
• On Thursday, June 20, at 6 p.m., the library is holding its monthly meeting of Write Out There! All kinds of writers are welcome to attend our monthly writing group where we’ll share our work, generate some ideas for writing, and just talk about writing in general. Contact James @ jgardner@clarkbooks.org for more information.
• On Saturday, June 22, at 2 p.m., the library will hold its monthly meeting of the Spice Club! The Spice Club is a great way to try out new spices and share ideas with other home cooks! We will provide some info on the next featured spice, and a sample for you to try! Please bring a tasting sample if you would like! See the Reference Desk to register & pick up your spice sample.