Outreach patron favorites

Originally published in the Ketchikan Daily News, November 2019; written by Rebecca Brown.

Are you old enough to remember Blockbuster Video? Extra points if you remember where the store was located here in Ketchikan!

I used to love to peruse their employee recommendations. Maybe “Leah” liked an edgy crime drama or “Jim” had a favorite Adam Sandler rom-com. Here are some recent favorites from my Outreach Services patrons that you might enjoy! If you’re like me, my newest patron will surprise you.

“Bella” is an older patron who really loves books about gardening, ancient history and Tudor England. She lit up like a firefly telling me about Philippa Gregory’s newest release, “Tidelands.” She said Gregory’s story is so vividly written that she felt “completely transported.” Alinor’s story of an unmarried woman suspected of being a witch is set in 1648 England, during a time of political crisis between the country’s king and parliament.

Another patron, “Olivia,” loves to receive a large stash of movies each week. One of her recent favorites was the 2009 film “One Peace at a Time.” This documentary follows activist Turk Pipkin through 20 countries as he focuses on offering specific solutions to problems like access to clean water, health care, adequate nutrition and education. Olivia said she felt inspired by this film, which made her to think outside the box.

A fun surprise came from my newest Outreach patron, “Ophelia” (also the name of my car in college). She is in her late 70s and loves reading large-print biographies and Christian nonfiction. Not someone I would guess would shyly but curiously inquire if I might please bring her a few graphic novels - to see if they warrant all the fuss.

What’s that? Did I just hear you dismiss this genre as being a profane mode of reading for the lazy? Au contraire, mon frere! Classics, biographies and many fiction stories are available for all ages at the library! From the adult graphic novel section, I brought Ophelia the classic and beautifully drawn “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Harper Lee’s book adapted by Fred Fordham, and “Relish: My Life in the Kitchen,” an autobiographical read by Lucy Knisley and about her foodie upbringing.

Another favorite patron of mine, “Kate,” is spitfire in her late 70s who can only read large print. She especially enjoys reading biographies from the Children’s Section because the information is plainly written and made easier with print that’s a bit larger for kids (and spitfires). She gulped down nearly all of the “Who Was” or “Who Is,” series, marvelous (and short) illustrated biographies for young readers.

Bunches of new large print is being processed now – check out that section’s new shelves soon!