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By James Gardner

Clark County Public Library

An aspect of life that I still find fascinating, even after spending a few decades on this earth, is how cyclical life is. It began as a child. From August to May (perhaps even June if there were a lot of snow days), I went to school from 8:30 a.m. to about 4:00 p.m., the only respite being summer vacation, where there were no actual demands on my time. Upon graduation, I traded public education for college, where the daily schedule might change, but the basic premise was there: school, school, summer, then back to school. Even as a librarian, I have noticed a cycle that culminates in the phenomenon known as Summer Reading.

For teachers, summer’s arrival signals an ending, a moment of peace, and a chance to catch your breath. For librarians, it is the opposite, the excitement permeating the air like the ozone charge before a storm, but a good storm. A storm of awesomeness, perhaps? Maybe a storm of relaxation, as long as that isn’t an oxymoron. Summer is the time where the days are long and vacations are plentiful, but that free time can also be spent–wait for it!–reading. The library and its summer reading programs for both kids and adults are as big a part of summer as ice cream and swimming pools. June 1 is when the Adult Summer Reading program begins, followed on June 3 by the Children’s Summer Reading Program Kickoff. On that day, kids will not only have a chance to sign up, but there will be inflatables, balloon animals, and much more. Plus, all of June and July will be full of fun and educational activities for both kids and adults. The library has adult programs that teach people how to make cheese or pickle vegetables or let them relax with a little adult storytime. Children’s programming will have kids making fun things like sand art bottles and butter. Plus, kids and adults can sign up for our summer reading program to win fabulous prizes (emphasis on “fabulous”).

Truly, I am excited to watch this new variation of the summer cycle start up again where, instead of catching my breath, I can witness people enjoying summers at the library. Be sure to save June 1 or 3 in your calendars and have a great summer. At the library.

This week’s Kentucky Picture Show, premiering on Wednesday, May 31 at 2 p.m., features the inspirational true story of Jesse Brown, the first Black aviator in U.S. Navy history, and his enduring friendship with fellow fighter pilot Tom Hudner. Helping to turn the tide in the most brutal battle in the Korean War, their heroic sacrifices ultimately make them the Navy’s most celebrated wingmen. Snacks will be provided.

On June 6, join the library’s Learn @ the Library Potluck, with special guest star Andy Gary, for a chance to partake of some delicious food among the clouds. Nearly everyone, at one time or another, has been awestruck by some amazing storm cloud or how a sunset has painted a breathtaking backdrop. Whatever your interest in the clouds, cloud spotting might be one of the easiest hobbies to take up and a nice way to reconnect with the natural world around you. Join us as we learn a bit about clouds – how they form, how to identify types of the clouds we see, and perhaps what they may tell us. Registration is required; to register, please contact the library at 744-5661 or register through Evanced. Please bring a dish if you’re attending the potluck, which begins at 6:15 p.m. Or you can just attend the program itself, which starts at 7 p.m.