But first, seeing just what you can pick up curbside at the local library.

By Erik Pedersen
FROM: OC Register

Now that our local library has gone back to curbside pickups, I walked the dog to our branch to collect some things I’d requested. (Yes, I have books everywhere at home and towers of things to read for work – not to mention audio and e-books on my phone and Kindle – but there’s always a need, or a desire, for more.)

Once there, I stood talking outside to one of the librarians – masked, at a distance – as a car pulled up and a patron got out to collect her waiting book. And let me tell you: She was thrilled to have it in her hands. As much as it was clear she didn’t want to interrupt our conversation, she could not help herself. Her book! It was here! She just wanted us to share her excitement.

It was pretty great, to be honest, because how often – especially over the past two years – have we had the chance to express such joy to strangers? As we’ve had to adapt to a lingering pandemic, maybe moments like this seem a little sweeter.

As the afternoon light faded and the dog nudged me to continue our walk, I thanked the librarian and everyone who got my books gathered, bagged and ready for pick up and I headed home, treasuring my own bounty and feeling grateful for the simple magic of a library.

So tell me about your own library experiences and what you’ve been reading. Are you a physical book reader or have you embraced the wonders of the digital catalog? Or need a card? Go here for Los Angeles County, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County library card information (or you can also go to local libraries like Altadena or Torrance, too.)

Now, let’s look at a wonderful Q&A with author Natashia Deón (seriously, each answer is so good), as well as links to stories you should check out and this week’s best-sellers. Plus, we’ve got some great stuff coming up.

Thanks, as always, for reading. Read Interview Here