Fall is in the air…or is it?

Just as the days are getting shorter and it seems the temperatures are cooler, thoughts turn to sweaters, falling leaves, and pumpkins (or all things pumpkin spice, ha)…and then it’s hot again!! Fall weather is unpredictable for now but will soon be here to stay.

The official first day of autumn is Monday, September 23rd this year according to this post from the Farmer’s Almanac.

The “Weather Dude” also has some interesting facts about autumn along with a song and links to the other seasons:

The Weather Dude


Of course, we have these books and many more for you to check out about the fall weather!

Fall by Harriet Brundle- E 508.2 BRU

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak- E PAK

Weather in Fall by Jenna Lee Gleisner- E 508.2GLE

If you’re thinking of taking a drive or traveling to see the fall colors, this interactive map will give you a time frame for leaf changes :

Fall Foliage Map

For a quick refresher on why the seasons change, this video provides an easy explanation:

The Four Seasons


Even though we are looking forward to crisp autumn days with bonfire nights, this is also the time to think about spring! Fall is the time to plant tulip, daffodil, and other spring bulbs so you will be able to enjoy them after the bleak days of winter.

Gardening With Kids

The Will County Forest Preserve has several upcoming events to enjoy the outdoors in the changing season. You can find a program or hike the trails to learn about nature.

Forest Preserve District of Will County

Whether you call it fall or autumn, we hope you find some useful information to enjoy the upcoming season!

Favorite Holiday Food

We posted the question on our Makerspace board “What is your favorite holiday food?” We received the following responses:

Pizza!

Cheeseballs!

Biscuits!

Chicken Strips!

Ham!

Chicken!

Cake!

Sushi!

Chinese Food!

Cookies!

and Tasty Food!

Thank to all who posted responses, I am definitely hungry now! Keep your eyes open for more questions on our Makerspace board!

 

Best Presents

We asked the question on our Makerspace board, “What is the best present you have ever received?” Many people respond and here are their choices:

iPad or Tablet

LOL dolls

A pet frog

a doll house

a trampoline

Legos

a Nerf gun

Pokemon cards

a football

a book (thank you for picking this one 🙂  )

Someone also wrote the best present they ever received was their family and friends. That made me smile!

Someone else wrote the best present they ever received was a father.

We have a new question on the Makerspace board about holiday food. Stop by and let us know what is your favorite holiday food.

 

Thankful Thoughts

thkfThe week before Thanksgiving, we set out a basket with slips of paper where patrons could share their thankful thoughts.   thankfuletters

Responses included: family- mommy, my dad, sister- friends, my dog, yummy food,  my house, the “libary”, my doll Julie, making snowmen, and even Miss Carolyn got a shout out! But this was our favorite:

20161126_135521-2

This holiday season from Thanksgiving through the New Year, there are many ways to consider being thankful and spreading kindness and good cheer to others.  Here are a few books we have for children…

  E WOO      E LES        E EVA

   E MUR    J 179.9 AMO  E HEN

These books could be used as a discussion starter about simple things to do for others in a “pay it forward” kind of way.  What are some simple things to do for family or neighbors that show kindness and that only require time, effort, or minimal cash?  Here are a few ideas to get started:

  • Let someone go ahead of you in line
  • Send cards to soldiers or nursing homes
  • Donate gently used books or toys to others
  • Shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk or driveway
  • Bring a neighbor’s trash containers up the driveway
  • Carry groceries for someone
  • Open or hold the door for someone
  • Give thank you cards to people: bus driver, custodian, parents
  • Do a chore for somebody
  • Cheerfully do your own chores
  • Say hello to everyone you see, and share a smile
  • Give someone a compliment
  • Donate canned goods to a food pantry, or supplies to an animal shelter
  • Sing carols in your neighborhood
  • Make a bird feeder for your feathered friends
  • Clear the snow off someone’s car
  • Help a sibling with homework
  • Bake cookies and share with a friend or neighbor
  • Call a relative just to say hello
  • Read to a younger child…or an older person…or anyone!

Any of these small things can show someone you care and brighten their day, not just during the holidays, but all year long!