“Hi, I’m Your Neighbor”
In these times of physical (and social) isolation, Glendale Library, Arts & Culture is still creating community for all of us that live, work or play in the Jewel City.
“Hi, I’m Your Neighbor” is an opportunity to connect with the Glendale community during this isolated time. We will share more news and new opportunities to meet your neighbors soon, so please follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get updates, see photos, and learn more about experiences of the COVID-19 era in Glendale. You can find the first four submissions below.
“Hi, I’m your neighbor. My name is William and I miss going to preschool and playing with my friends and teachers.
I enjoy spending time with my family and continue learning new things. During the week, while my parents are working from home, I spend a lot of time with my grandma and sister. We do a lot of fun science experiments and play in our yard. On the weekends, we have family days. My parents, my sister and I spend the whole day together doing fun things. I like playing with my toys and building things with my Legos. I really like going to Descanso Garden and looking for turtles and ducks but I have to wear a mask. I don't like wearing a mask but when I am outside I have to so I can protect myself and others.”
William recommends:
“I like ABCmouse because it teaches me to read, I get to take care of a pet hamster, listen to stories and watch educational videos. In one of their videos I learned about the Ice Age. I really like Woolly Mammoths because they are relatives to elephants, one of my favorite animals.” Check out ABCmouse for free with your library card.
“Hi, I’m your neighbor! My name is Meghan and I work as a Children's Librarian at the Central Library.
During the Safer at Home order I've learned just how important human connection is to me--and how we're really all in this together. I've also rediscovered just how much I rely on the postal service! My coping mechanisms include reading, drinking tea, getting outside at least once a day, playing Animal Crossing, making regular video calls with friends and family, journaling, and most of all self-isolating with somebody who makes me delicious comfort food and makes me laugh even when things are hard. I miss seeing you in the library, families of Glendale! Please stay safe and help to keep our community safe too--and of course keep reading <3”
Meghan recommends:
Children's novel: “I just finished Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson. This one really charmed me and I finished it in a single sitting. It was light and poignant all at once.” Check it out!
Adult novel: “I'm in the middle of Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel, and I already think it's safe to say I'll be recommending this one. Just wow.” Download it!
“Hi, I’m your neighbor! My name is Chuck and I’m a Librarian & Musician.
Over the past three months, I have learned that I can definitely work efficiently and productively from home, but I definitely need to walk outside more often. My family, pets and work have helped me get through this! I'm blessed to have plenty of all three!”
Chuck recommends:
Book: “The Good Shepherd by C.S. Forester. Well crafted, intense.” Check it out!
Music: “Mae Iracema by Moacir Santos from his Ouro Negro album. Nobody wrote like Moacir. Ouro Negro is a 2004 tribute to this famed Brazilian composer.” Listen to Moacir Santos on Hoopla.
“Hi, I’m your neighbor! My name is Mike and I’m Glendale’s Teen Librarian.
I have learned that it is all right to feel all kinds of things during this time, ranging from sadness and anxiety to gratitude and hope. I've gotten better at letting myself feel what I feel, and not judge myself for it. As my picture shows, I have taken up a new hobby: playing the tin whistle! I had never played an instrument before, and I figured if there's ever a time to take up something new, this is it. I chose the tin whistle because I found out that was the instrument I particularly enjoyed listening to when I listen to Irish folk music. Progress is slow and steady, but I can more or less play 'Mary Had a Little Lamb', 'Happy Birthday' and 'Auld Lang Syne'. I'm working on learning the Irish Folk song 'The Wild Rover'. Right now, no-one would want to hear me try and play it (my poor wife) because it sounds like someone beating a cat, but I'll get there eventually.”
Mike recommends:
“Since I'm learning 'The Wild Rover', I'll recommend listening to that.” Listen here!
“Also, I recommend anything written by Bill Bryson. I've been reading his stuff since I was a teenager, and two of his works: 'A Walk in the Woods' and 'In a Sunburned Country', are two of my favourites.” Check out or download!
