February is almost here and that means Groundhog Day plus it is Leap Year! Yes, we have an extra day!
I was curious about why we celebrate Groundhog Day and here is what I found from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) web site. Hundred of years ago people celebrated the halfway point between winter and spring — February 2. Folklore was that if the skies were sunny more winter storms were coming, but if the skies were cloudy then spring was on its way.
During the 1880’s the editor of Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper, Clymer H. Freas, declared groundhog Phil as the official forecaster in determining the next six weeks of weather. The story caught on and soon Phil was nationally known with officials on hand to welcome him out of his den as he predicted our weather until the spring equinox.
If you want to check the accuracy of Phil’s weather forecast and find more information about Groundhog Day check out this link from NOAA:
https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/customer-support/education-resources/groundhog-day
For Groundhog Day the library is planning some fun events for the public. We will show a movie throughout the day starring Bill Murray who finds himself reliving February 2 over and over again. The film will be shown at the back of the library. Plus our crafty reference librarian, Julia will be hosting a Scrabble Tile Necklace program at 3:00pm. For more information and to register for the craft program please call the information desk at 743-5309 ext.1.
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ow to Leap Day. It could be “Oh, no another day doing the same old thing”, or it would be “Cool, a whole extra day for reading!” I prefer the later; I guess I am a glass half-full person and I love books. I am reading Sonia Purnell’s Clementine: The Life of Mrs. Winston Churchill. Purnell gives the reader a behind the scenes look into the woman who helped steer Winston Churchill into power and kept him on an even keel throughout their life especially during the dark days of World War II. What are you reading at the mid point of winter?
Insightful Librarian Blog 
How are you enjoying Clementine? She was a fascinating person! Have you seen the movie The Gathering Storm? It is available on YouTube. Great portrayal of Clementine and Winston!
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I am enjoying reading about Clementine as so little is known about her especially — I feel, here in the states. I will checkout the movie when I am done with the book.
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