The Joys Of Reading

By JULIE JARMAN

The joys of reading are and have been a mainstay throughout my life. I can literally not remember a time when I did not have a book in my hand. I even remember the very first time being inside a library when my mother took me along with her while I was very young.

The almost somber and hushed tones of the room, beautiful books in numerous bookcases of all sizes, shapes and forms. Even the way the plastic book protectors bounced off in the light felt magical.

Since then, many hours have been spent in several different libraries over the years, such as public, school, or college libraries. Regardless of any reasoning, I have always found comfort, acceptance and a sense of safety in the library scene.

Over the years, the realization of the many ways and forms in which one can enjoy a book isn’t anything materialistic. All those books in the library stacks promise a story. It’s up to the individual to commit time in order to understand the message presented inside each page. There are numerous subject matters including romance, thriller, fantasy and beyond. It is no secret that there are thousands of quality movies that were introduced in book form first such as King Kong; Harry Potter Series; and Oppenheimer, all began in book form.

Children’s picture books happen to be a personal favorite kind of read. The illustrations of some of these titles are breathtaking and the words usually bring out a wonderful message to the reader.

For example, in the children’s book, Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, the colors are very warm and inviting. In addition, the messages’ beautiful blend of artwork create a message of kindness that’s key, especially if someone is having a bad day. Children’s books are the main reason why the Staunton Public Library invests so much in the children’s collection and in the new interactive story-book display known as the Story Book Walk which is posted on Sixth Street out at Water Tower Park.

Staunton’s Library felt that it was important to offer this giant book form display to all the families of Staunton.

Thanks to the funding from the Illinois Humanities Foundation, as well as the following local fundraising and support from local businesses such as: Duda Ace Hardware; Cisler Real Estate and Associates; Staunton Cares Group founded by Roxanne Gregory; Friends of the library John Hochmuth and Family; Dr. Tom and Jayne Cioni; Brad and Deb McNaughton; Russ and Anita Masinelli; finally, Brian and Julie Jarman.

The library’s staff would never have gotten it done and in the ground if not for these wonderful volunteers and family members: Ron Hitch; B. Jarman; Dennis Hitch; Kenneth, Eric, Carter and Ryan Hitch, who spent their weekends working on the project last Spring.

The Story Book Walk officially became a year-old at the end of April, 2024. It has been an exciting and worthwhile project as staff members have been taking turns changing out story-books every four to five weeks, depending on weather.

Lilly’s Big Day by Henkes; Grumpy Monkey by Lang; and The Mitten by Tresselt have been just a few of the children’s books featured at Water Tower Park. There are now 38 stories ready to go with the hope to add more as the years go by.

This project has been a dream come true for the Staunton Public Library and the community it impacts for those who love these books as much as the library staff. Life is much better with a book to share, especially while the material and the joys of reading consist of a large interactive form.

Come by Staunton’s Public Library to check out the vast reading material or stop by Water

Tower Park to check out the latest story as the joys of reading continue.