At the library: Stories to warm the heart this fall

By Gwendolyn Flannery

When I was shelving kids books at work recently, I came upon one cute book the library recently purchased. The picture book is a heartfelt story, and even though it is mainly composed of pictures it had most of the librarians close to tears. The story is called Can I Be Your Dog? It follows a dog named Arfy, a stray living on the streets by himself. He starts to send letters to potential families, asking a question: 'Can I be your dog?” Each house has a pro and con in his mind, but he really will take anything. He just wants a nice home with a loving family.

Throughout the book, he is turned down by all of his possible housing options, but still keeps the positivity that someone will adopt him. In the end, the local letter carrier comes forward and adopts him, sending him a letter asking, 'Can I Be Your Human?” She has seen him send his letters for weeks and sleep outside every night, so she opens her arms to him to be her dog and have a loving home.

Even though this is only a kids book, everyone can learn from Arfy's story. Arfy helps shed a light onto dogs and animals who are strays or may be living in shelters, all without a home and love. Some people prefer a specific breed and go find puppies through breeders, even when there are different, and better, options, like adoption.

Many dogs need a home, and would love to have a loving home, wherever it may be. The next time you come into the Washington Public Library, stop in the children's section and look for Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings to read a short loving story to open your eyes to the possibilities of opening your home to friendly animals wanting to be your dog.

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, at noon in the second floor reading lounge, Brown Bags and Books will be listening to A Thanksgiving Visitor. It is the story of a young boy and his beloved aunt preparing for a festive Thanksgiving. The love and the comfort he feels for a close family relative shine through the story.

The library and Art Domestique are hosting a poetry reading called 'The Poetry of War” on Wednesday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. at Art Domestique. If you would like to share a war-related poem, sign up at the library. Otherwise just come to listen. The event is occurring in conjunction with a World War I artifacts exhibit and is another way to acknowledge our veterans.

The 'Coloring” group has started meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday of the week. This group has met in the past and is excited to get together again. Coloring pages and utensils will be provided however, you are welcome to bring your own. See you soon at your Washington Public Library.

New materials:

Gifts and memorials

The following books were given in memory of Norma Meyer by her family and friends:

Marrabel and the Book of Fate by Tracy Barrett

Island War by Patricia Reilly Giff

Breakout by Kate Messner

The Tattooist of Auschwitz (large print) by Heather Morris

Field Tripped by Allan Woodrow

Front Desk by Kelly Young

Adult Fiction

Past Tense by Lee Child

Friday Black by Nana Kwame

Adult Biography

Who Thought This Was a Good Idea? by Alyssa Mastromonaco

Adult non-fiction

A Year Off by Alexandra and David Brown

Home Body by Joanna Gaines

The Mechanical Horse by Margaret Guroff

Milk Street Tuesday Nights by Christopher Kimball

Almost Everything by Anne Lamott