May!!

 I feel like a broken record saying this, but I can't believe how fast 2026 is moving! It's already May!

While it feels like a blur, May is the quiet before the storm here at the library. We are finishing up our spring fundraiser and have a little downtime before our busiest time of the year: Summer Reading. A lot is going on in the background, but to the patron, the library hopefully feels calm! Besides being able to browse, attend a program, or use our computers, the library has a few things laid out around the building. Believe it or not, these activities are actually programming!

Passive Programming is another example of my responsibilities in Adult Services. Passive Programming is a program that requires no attendance or registration and is generally a "set it and forget it" kind of activity. It's something that is available to patrons no matter when they come to the library. In our annual report to the state, I'm required to keep track of what passive programs I have and an estimate of how many people participated. Throughout the year, I try to change up what's out, but below are just a few of our most consistent and popular passive programming:

The Community Puzzle:

Along with our Puzzle Swap Area, we have a community puzzle! Located on the Adult side of the library, just beyond the large print books, we have a 300-500-piece. puzzle for everyone to share! Whether you sit for a while and sort pieces or just drive by and add a piece on your way to the stacks, everyone is welcome to help complete the puzzle! I like to take pictures of finished puzzles and post them to our Instagram page. If you ever finish one of our puzzles, make sure you come find me so I can snap a pic!

The Community Crossword:

This is an exciting addition to our passive programming. This Colossal Crossword was donated to the library. Before COVID, we used to have a word search and a Sudoku book around for people to use. It worked for a while, but then it was difficult to maintain for everyone's enjoyment. This poster-sized activity is hard to miss and harder to lose! It's located in our cafe space under our "Billy-Pete" Bulletin board. Pencils are available to write in your answers. 

Book Lists!

This might come as a surprise, but our Book Lists display is an example of passive programming! There are several genres to choose from. I edit these lists from time to time to reflect changing tastes, what's popular, and what's won awards. Not everyone wants to visit the desk and talk to someone about reader's advisory. This is a great way to pop in, grab a little sheet, and find something to read!

Always keep an eye out for more examples of passive programming. I've done grab-and-go crafts for adults, DIY Bookmarks, displays from local governments/organizations, and more!

In other news, my "Not-A-TBR" TBR is going well! I don't have a set list of books to read. Just a random tag on my Libby account and a stack of books from my favorite used book store! It's been nice to just pick a book that moves me! I listened to A Gentleman and a Thief, a true-crime story about a Jewel Thief during the Jazz Age. I really enjoyed this real-life caper! It was like reading a Cary Grant movie, but it was real life! I'm almost finished reading The Perfect Tuba, a story about Tuba culture, Band directors, and two prized tubas owned by the Chicago Philharmonic. It is a quirky, fascinating read!

Coming up in June, this year's Summer Reading theme is "Unearth an Adventure." It's everything I like in a summer reading theme: Dinosaurs, Archaeology, and more. I'm hoping to bring you some cool programming and encourage adults that summer reading is for them, too! I'm already sorting through some weekly prize ideas. One thing I'm looking forward to is asking adults what their favorite dinosaur is. (The most disappointing aspect of adulthood is that no one ever asks me what my favorite dinosaur is. It's the Stegosaurus: a peace-loving, plant-eating plate collector...until you make it mad.)

Until next time, see you in the stacks!