Hello my friend. Do you know what today is?
Friend: Sunday, July 15?
Me: Yes, but do you know what today is?
Friend: Twelve more days to complete the Summer Reading Challenge at the Bartholomew County Public Library?
Me: Yes, that is definitely true. The Summer Reading Challenge is great fun for all ages, and you can win neat “stuff” such as an overnight stay at the Story Inn, a $100 Target gift card, a kids bicycle, a Crosley turntable and more.
But today is also National Give Something Away Day. Donate some clothes, buy someone a cup of coffee, give away your time and mow a neighbor’s yard or send someone a thinking-of-you note. Consider the day another time to pay-it-forward.
Friend: Can I give books away?
Me: Yes, and your library takes book donations year-round. Some of those books make it to the Library Associates ongoing book sale. Proceeds from the sales support library programming.
Friend: Just where is this on-going book sale? I had no clue such a place existed in the library.
Me: The sale is located on the main floor, in the east part of the building. The branch in Hope also has an on-going sale.
Me: If you wait until July 23, you can give away shoes. We are hosting The Wizard of Oz Singalong & Shoe Drive. Donated shoes go to Sans Souci. The organization is especially in need of gently used men’s and kids shoes. This fun event is for all ages and includes free popcorn and beverages. Singing along is encouraged, but not required.
Friend: This sounds like a great time. Going to bring my grandkids and shoes!
Me: July 15 also marks National Ice Cream Day. Yum! In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday in the month of July.
You can scoop up a lot of books at your library about ice cream, including “Scoop Adventures: The Best Ice Cream of the 50 States,” which takes you through a land full of delightful ice cream treats and how to make them. Huckleberry Ice Cream from Montana, Balsamic Fig Ice Cream from Georgia, Raspberry and Red Current Ice Cream form Rhode Island. For Indiana, the book’s author selected Apple Butter Rummy Pecan Ice Cream from Hartzell’s over in Bloomington. How are your taste buds doing?
Friend: Wow! Those are amazing flavors. Do you have other flavors of ice cream books?
Me: Definitely. On the menu, we have “I Scream Inspired Recipes for the Ultimate Frozen Treat Sandwich,” “Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams at Home” and “Vegan Ice Cream: Over 90 Sinfully Delicious Dairy-free Delights” — and others.
Me: Do you like Facebook contests?
Friend: Not sure. Why do you ask?
Me: Because, starting today and ending tomorrow, your library is running a Facrebook contest. Just share with us your favorite ice cream memory. On July 17, a random winner will be selected. That person wins three coupons for 12-ounce Blizzard treats from the downtown Dairy Queen.
Friend: What is your favorite ice cream memory?
Me: My sweet mom loved ice cream so much that she did not eat any during Lent.
Friend: That is a lovely memory. Hope I win this contest.
Mary Clare Speckner is community services coordinator at the Bartholomew County Public Library and can be reached at mcspeckner@mybcpl.org.
