Transition: from summer to fall

     If you've been in the library lately, you've noticed that our display colors have changed.  We are transitioning from summer into fall.  We're using lots of reds, oranges, and yellows.  Our lighted display cases are filled with colorful fall flowers, bright orange pumpkins, and books that showcase pumpkins and the likes.  Even our round foyer table is topped by a large basket of sunflowers; the dark blue table cloth is covered with bright yellow books and bookmarks announcing our upcoming grant writing program.
     Yes, the weather has finally changed.  Yesterday was the first day I was able to walk for 30 minutes outside without feeling like I was in a sauna.  The sky was that brilliant, clear blue, and the white puffy clouds against the tall dark green pine trees made the day just absolutely delightful.  The call was too powerful.  I just had to go for a near-fall walk.
     So, how are you going to handle the transition from summer into fall?
     Right now there are lots of fall demands.  The kids are all going back to school and have new schedules to follow.  The weather has become cool enough for the road crews to start moving our traffic patterns (we have one bridge coming down and not being rebuilt to completion until July 2012, which routes traffic to different avenues and streets for almost a whole year).  We've even had an increase demand at work.  And there are so many projects I want to finish before the end of the year.  Does all this sound familiar to you?
     There's always going to be change and disorder in our lives.  Sorry to say this, but that's the way it's supposed to be.  Nothing stays the same.  Haven't you noticed that before?
     Well, I'm here to tell you that it's important to restore your equilibrium once in a while.  Occasionally you're going to have to remember to put yourself first!  If you don't, you're going to get the crazies!  Don't you know about the crazies?  Haven't you already experienced them?  Well, some of us have.
     So...let me invite you to take some time and come the library where you can check out another great read or DVD.  Reading (or watching a good movie) allows you to have some get-away time from all the demands you face every day.  Fun reading should be something you have in your life every day.
     Why not block out some time to join our Novel Destinations adult book club.  We meet the second Tuesday of each month (except December - for obvious reasons - and May - another obvious reason month) at 6:30 p.m. right here in the library.  In fact, this month, Tuesday, September 13th, would be perfect for you to give yourself some time off and join us.  Jane Shelton from South Georgia Travel will be sharing with us her China Adventure and we'll all talk about what books we're reading now.
     There are other things here at the Moultrie-Colquitt County Library to help you transition from summer to fall.  Come in and sit yourself on the couch in our reading area, take the time to sit and read the newspaper or a magazine.  Or look over all the good books we have on our sale shelves and tables.  Find out about the new stuff in the genealogy library, or bring your children to the Children's Library and let them play for a while among all the fun stuff.  In fact, you'd be surprised at how much fun you'll have reading a wonderful child's book.
     You can't function effectively without some "me" time.  Make your transition from summer to fall a delightful one.  After all, it's your life and your time.  (Well, part of it is, anyway.)  Why not enjoy the coming of the Great Fall.  Soon it will be all around us!  Yeah!  And we're here to help you in any way we can.  We're your passport to freedom!