holidays
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Crafty Gifts for the Holidays and Beyond
As year-end holidays approach, you may be looking to supplement (or replace!) store-bought gifts with handmade items. Take inspiration from one of the books below and make use of these dark winter evenings to make a homemade gift. Made with Love: Get Hooked with 30 Knitting and Crochet Patterns by Tom Daley British diver and… Continue reading
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Fall Into Reading: Beyond Halloween
The leaves are crunching beneath our boot heels, the sweaters are coming out of the corners of our closets, and cozying up with a book goes along with this season like a warm fire and fuzzy socks! Fall into the season with these reads celebrating all the various festivities the season has to offer! The… Continue reading
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Read Something Gifted
What was your favorite book you received as a gift this year? I’m assuming you got at least a few, but if somehow that didn’t happen then what was your favorite bookish gift; you know what I mean, all those non-book gifts that folks just love to give to readers. I’ll begin: mine was Read… Continue reading
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Dysfunctional Holidays
I don’t know about you, but for me this has been a very, very long year. Between Covid-19, the election, and the Black Lives Matter Movement there has been a lot of family tension. With the holidays coming up it makes it even harder to think of those family dynamics coming into play. While quarantine… Continue reading
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Thrilling Tales for the Holidays
Now that Hallowe’en is past, we approach the holidays with visions of murder dancing in our heads. We’re talking about the next few months of Thrilling Tales – Seattle Public Library’s popular Story time for Grownups, of course! It all starts this Sunday: November 17, 7 p.m. with a Storytime for Grownups at Third Place… Continue reading
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Ready, Set, Holidays!
The holidays are nearly upon us. For many of us, it’s time to start thinking about making a Halloween costume, what dish to make for Thanksgiving, or what gifts to make for friends and family. Now is the time to start planning! Here are some books to guide you as the season approaches. In The… Continue reading
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Holiday Reads for the Rest of Us
To get into the holiday spirit this year I’ve been cranking up the Christmas tunes, decorating the Christmas tree, and drinking hot cocoa while watching Home Alone, but when it comes to books I need something a little less sparkly and bright. I like to read realistic fiction – nothing against a good cozy mystery… Continue reading
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DIY Holidays: Crafty Gifts and Gifts of Food
Today is Black Friday, the traditional start of the holiday shopping season and historically the busiest shopping day of the year. If the idea of battling frenzied crowds for the latest must-have doo-dad makes you want to pull the covers over your head and never come out, we have an idea for you – make… Continue reading
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Time to melt: National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day
Did you know that April 12 is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day!? Grilled cheese has always been one of my favorite comfort foods — and I know I’m not alone: People have been loving its ease and possibilities for nearly 100 years. “The United States modern version of the grilled cheese sandwich originated in the… Continue reading
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Ideas for Book Giving this Holiday
Librarians give – and get – a lot of books this time of year. Seeing that familiar shape surrounded by festive wrapping is a special thrill. Sure, we know it is a book, but what book? We recently shared some ideas on how to choose good books for your loved ones. Now here are some… Continue reading
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How to Succeed at Gifting Books this Holiday Season.
Books make the perfect gift, except when they don’t. Few presents are such a joy for a reader to open as a well-chosen book, but we all know that sinking feeling when a literary gift strikes out. Giving a book can be an emotional minefield, as the books we share are reflections our ourselves, bound… Continue reading
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D.I.Y. Holiday? The Time to Start is…NOW!
Yes, yes, it’s two weeks before Thanksgiving, and for many of us it’s too early to think of the holidays. But for those who are among the ranks of making gifts for loved ones, the time to start is…NOW! Check out these do-it-yourself books to help you make that special gift that will be cherished… Continue reading
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Finding ways to honor losses at the holidays
by Ann G. The winter holidays are a time of cheer and cozy family times—for many of us, but not all. More than we realize, many people feel past losses more acutely at this time of year, and even changes from the usual rituals can bring sadness. Beyond knowing that a bittersweet feeling at holiday… Continue reading
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Movie Mondays: Holiday Edition from “The Spoiler”
By now, most everyone knows of both a traditional approach and perhaps a more cynical view of the holidays. Here are a few alternatives to the usual classics that may still brighten your days and lift your spirits, if you are so inclined. The Capra classic It’s a Wonderful Life emphasizes the power of redemption… Continue reading
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Romantic Wednesdays: Holiday Romances
It’s that time again. What time is that, I hear you asking? In this early December, when the spirit of holiday shopping is everywhere, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the season with the gift of a perfect Holiday Romance. Here are just a few to start off the season, but there will be more.… Continue reading
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Science Fiction Fridays: Alternate holidays
I am a proud Grinch. I don’t enjoy anything about the holidays; not the lights, not the food, not the music and definitely not the cold weather. However, one thing I do love is a heartwarming science fiction tale, and it seems like even the most dour author can turn out a warm and fuzzy… Continue reading
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Gingerbread is in the air …
It’s getting cold out there, and the month of December brings out the wonderful aroma of baked goods everywhere. As I am planning a gingerbread-themed birthday party for my daughter, I started to wonder about the origin of the gingerbread man. The gingerbread man may have made his first appearance at the court of Queen… Continue reading