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Permission to Watch the Movie First: To the Lighthouse

by Public Service Associate Juliana

When it comes to “Page to Screen” movies, like many people, I almost always prefer to read the book before seeing the film. Occasionally I’ve done the opposite – watched the movie first and then decided to read the book it’s based on. When I’ve done this in the past, I’ve found myself bored out of my mind because I knew too much. But what I’d like to present today is an argument for when it is very much OK to watch the movie first. 

There are times, if a text is dense or challenging, when watching the film first can offer grounding footwork for when you read the book. They taught us this in high school. I remember watching several versions of Romeo & Juliet, for example, in order to boost our reading comprehension of the play. 

This month, the BPL Book Club read Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf. When I spoke with our book club host Debbie about her reading experience, she offered advice to start with the audiobook for the same reason – to boost reading comprehension. Debbie said she let the audio version of Mrs. Dalloway wash over her, and only after finishing the recording did she pick up the actual book and read. She said by letting it wash over her first she got a better sense of the book and what to expect of setting, characters, themes and plot, etc. I’m more of a visual learner, so I find watching a film works better for me than an audiobook, but it’s essentially the same idea, priming oneself for clarity and comprehension.

To stick with the Virginia Woolf theme, this month I decided to give To the Lighthouse another try. I’d been inspired to pick it up a few years ago after I finished reading the memoir All the Lives We Ever Lived: Seeking Solace in Virginia Woolf by Katharine Smyth.

I must admit, even with an English degree under my belt, I felt intimidated to read a Virginia Woolf novel. I read several of her essays in school, but when it came to To the Lighthouse, I never finished it. I recall reading the first few pages, putting it down and not picking it up again.

I did find myself occasionally still wondering about the novel and if James eventually got to sail to the lighthouse. I felt driven to at least borrow the film. I thought of what Debbie said about Mrs. Dalloway and decided to let the movie wash over me. Little by little the scenes progressed, and I began to be able to distinguish between the characters. 

It’s a family of 10, plus various house guests, and it was the sheer amount of characters that had given me fits during my failed reading experience, trying to decipher who was talking and figure out who’s who and what’s going on. But the film made all of this clear. I fell in love with Mrs. Ramsey (like everyone else at the beach house) and felt involved in the various relationships and tensions. Once I’d settled into the film, it felt not only familial but familiar, like I wanted to live inside their lives longer than the two hour run time. 

After watching the film I became curious again about the book and of the impact watching the movie might have had on me. What if I tried to read it again? I decided to borrow it once more. Now that I’d seen Mrs. Ramsay’s shawl and Lily Briscoe’s easel and James yearning at the window.

If you know who is at the gate when it slams shut, who is painting in the yard, who walks around with a book under his arm, who has a yellow mustache, and who is sitting across from who at the table, you have much more brain space to languish in the lengthy interior monologues, follow the stream of consciousness of the characters, and relish in the craft of the novel. It truly is a marvel. 

I had been worried that watching the film was a mistake, that I’d experience boredom trying to read the book, but it was just the boost I needed. I discovered I was able to sink deeply into the prose and instead of boredom, I was completely absorbed. The film turned out to be the catalyst that made me want to try to read the book again, to be able to venture further into the interiority of the characters and spend more time with the Ramsey’s on the Isle of Skye.

May this be the permission slip you needed to inspire you to do the same.

Further Exploration

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Celebrating Women’s History Month: Reflections, Stories, and Empowerment

By Public Service Associate & Content Coordinator Hannah

I knew I wanted to write a Women’s History Month post, but I didn’t know how to go about it. After all, this month is an opportunity to celebrate the vast accomplishments of women throughout history and the ongoing contributions we make. It’s a time to acknowledge the resilience, creativity, and courage of individual women and the communities that empower them. It’s also a moment to honor and encourage women to support one another on our journeys whether on a grand scale or in quieter, more personal ways. So, with all that in mind, I turned to the library, a natural source of inspiration, and it came through.

While inventorying a section of the Library’s Fiction collection, I came across Isadora by Amelia Gray, and it immediately reminded me of an image I’d long held: a dancer on the beach, paired with a quote I’ve saved in my journal: “You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.” Though I knew little about Isadora Duncan at the time, her words have resonated with me for years. Gray’s writing is lyrical and introspective, diving deep into Duncan’s inner world as she grapples with trauma, art, and her place in life. Isadora is less about her legacy as the “mother of modern dance” and more about her experience as a grieving mother. The portrayal is unflinching and vivid, capturing both Duncan’s artistic brilliance and the chaos of her personal life with deep sympathy. This reading has inspired me to add Isadora Duncan’s autobiography, My Life, to my to-be-read pile.

Around the same time, a reader’s advisory newsletter popped up in my inbox with the subject “Memoirs of Girlhood.” With perfect timing, it led me to T Kira Madden’s memoir, Long Live the Tribe of Fatherless Girls. Madden’s voice is raw and powerful as she delves into the loneliness of being “other”—the daughter of a Chinese Hawaiian mother and a Jewish father. She boldly recounts her experiences with abuse, trust, and the skewed perceptions of sex, dating, and power—subjects that are as universal as they are uniquely hers.

Madden’s story transcends fatherlessness, shining a light on the strength and unity of the women who shaped her, while challenging traditional roles and expectations. As someone close in age, who has also spent time in Miami, I found it especially poignant to reflect on the contrast between our lives. While place names and locations were familiar to me, they represented a profound, emotionally charged history for her. This memoir is both a eulogy and a love letter to the complicated relationships that shape us and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of telling our own stories and, perhaps even more importantly, of listening to those of others.

While checking in returned library materials, Juliana and I began discussing Pamela Anderson’s new lifestyle cookbook, I Love You: Recipes from the Heart. As a longtime fan, I’ve watched Pamela evolve through different eras of her life, so indulge me for a moment. As C.J. Parker on Baywatch, she was known for her looks, athleticism, and undeniable charisma. But beyond that, I’ve always believed her character’s kindness was genuinely heartfelt.

Pamela’s relationships, particularly her marriages to Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee and Kid Rock, thrust her into a period of intense media scrutiny. Her physical image was amplified in tabloids, movies, and pop culture, often overshadowing her true self. However, throughout it all, she’s remained a fierce advocate for animal welfare, fighting against animal cruelty, particularly concerning fur, and supporting the conservation of endangered species. Her journey serves as a reminder that women are multifaceted and resilient.

This brings us back to the book. Pamela has faced her past head-on, sharing her story through a Netflix documentary and memoir, Love, Pamela, which brought her makeup-free face back into the public eye. I, for one, am glad she’s regained control over her narrative, embraced a grounded life back home in Canada, and is sharing her healing journey and inspirational endeavors. No one is perfect, but we can use creativity and passion to educate and inspire others—whether by learning from women’s stories, supporting their causes, or embracing our own multifaceted identities.

I recently purchased Swimming Pretty: The Untold Story of Women in Water by Vicki Valosik as a gift. While I may be more of a floater myself, it’s a perfect read for Women’s History Month, as it shines a spotlight on the often overlooked or belittled contributions of women like Annette Kellerman and Esther Williams. I was captivated by how Valosik dives into the historical struggles and triumphs of women in the water, while also sharing her own journey to become a master of artistic swimming. These women not only helped shape the development of swimming as a sport but also advocated for water access, education, functional swimwear, and safety, leaving a lasting impact. (Have you heard of wartime swimming?) Their achievements emphasize the vital role women have played in shaping sports and demonstrate their far-reaching influence in saving lives and inspiring future generations. 

One of my Personalized Picks patrons mentioned she was looking for more books like Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This book exemplifies the themes of Women’s History Month through Kimmerer’s profound contributions as a scientist, educator, and author. In Braiding Sweetgrass, she beautifully intertwines Indigenous wisdom with scientific knowledge, offering a powerful narrative about the interconnectedness of nature and culture. Kimmerer’s reflections highlight the nurturing roles that women play—not only in our communities but also with the natural world. Her writing is a celebration of women’s wisdom and the essential role we play in shaping a sustainable future.

Last but not least, in our nonfiction collection I’ve often noticed a striking book cover featuring a woman with an eye patch, so I finally picked it up! A Private War: Marie Colvin and Other Tales of Heroes, Scoundrels, and Renegades by Marie Brenner tells the story of the courageous war correspondent who gave her life reporting from conflict zones. Colvin focused on the human cost of war, especially the experiences of women and children, and her mission was to document “humanity in extremis,” ensuring the stories of war’s most vulnerable were heard. Women’s History Month is a chance to celebrate figures like Colvin and recognize the vital role of women in the media. Our unique perspectives challenge stereotypes, broaden narratives, and authentically reflect the world.

Whether from the worlds of art, literature, sports, activism, or beyond, I hope my journey of letting the library guide me this Women’s History Month inspires you to explore the stories of women. These women have shown us what it means to stand tall in the face of adversity and stay true to oneself. As we honor their achievements, let’s also take a moment to reflect on how we can support and uplift the women in our lives, creating a world where every woman has the space and encouragement to thrive. Thank you!

Photo credit: Arnold Genthe, 1915
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Make February a Month of Movie Mania: Oscar Homework with BPL

by Public Service Associate Juliana

Image from Adam Elliot’s Memoir of a Snail

I adore this time of year. The release of Oscar nominations makes it completely appropriate to stay home cuddled on the couch night after night watching movies. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2, so for the month of February, I consider movies my homework.

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Create a Reading Journal This January

by Public Service Associate Juliana

Photo by Juliana Farrington

January is a perfect time to set up new systems. Last January I decided to start a Reading Journal. I was interested in more than keeping a list. I’ve kept a reading list for years, and it didn’t feel like enough anymore. I read lots of books and spend lots of my time reading, and in 2024 I noticed that while my year end totals were admirable, I wasn’t retaining much of what I read. I couldn’t spout out plots or tell you spoilers. I rarely ever remembered the endings. I wanted to be able to have something to say about a book a month or year after I’d read it or at least have the journal to refer back to. Ultimately, I wanted the time I invested in reading to count for more. 

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Leah Recommends Award-Winning Young Adult Fiction

by Associate Librarian Leah Boyden

Earlier this year I took a course on engaging teens within libraries. As a lover and reader of young adult material and former middle school teacher, this task was right up my alley. A former student of mine encouraged me to write a blog post for the library and because of their encouragement I signed up!

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Haunted Novels for Fall

by Public Service Associate Juliana

Many Octobers I have steeped myself in scary movies, but this year I feel driven to read something scary. There’s no better place to start than with a classic from horror queen, Shirley Jackson. When I searched the fiction stacks I found The Haunting of Hill House. Orange and black cover, inky, black-edged pages and the title in gothic font, I was immediately obsessed.

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Fantastical Detectives in Magical Realms

by Public Service Associate Autumn

I love a good mystery novel, though I came to them much later than I should have. As a teen, when I had run out of my own books to read (for the week) and my family could not make it to the library, my grandfather gave me several Agatha Christie novels from his collection.1 But I didn’t read them that week. In fact, I didn’t read them until after I watched BBC’s wonderful adaptation, Poirot. But then, I was hooked: the twists and turns, the rooting out of each motive and link, fishing through all the red herrings, and perhaps most importantly, the satisfaction of knowing how all the pieces fit together in the end. It warms my order-loving soul.2 I immediately went back and read the Agatha Christie originals, then moved on to Arther Conan Doyle, Rex Stout, Stephen Spotswood and many more.

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Lifelong Learning: A (Quick) Study of Oysters

by Public Service Associate Juliana

image from Taylor Shellfish

 “Unless you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can’t go to Seattle and skip a platter of freshly shucked Pacific Northwest Oysters.”

Lonely Planet Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest

At the start of every travel journal, after flight details and a packing list, I create a checklist of things to do. Most recently, while planning a trip to Seattle, the list included Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Seattle Central Library, coffee, and oysters.

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Five Ways to Browse Books in the Library

by Public Service Associate Juliana

Often, we come to the library looking for something specific – a book with a lot of buzz, something a friend recommended, one from our long TBR list, one we saw on #BookTok. What if we approached books in a different way? What if instead of a list of titles we browsed with a list of rules that encourage randomness? What if we weren’t attached to the outcome? What might we discover?

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Take a Look into Space: Weird and Fascinating Extrasolar Worlds

by Public Service Associate Autumn

Unless you have been living under a rock (or outside of North America), you probably noticed the eclipse that occurred on April 8, 2024. The media took to calling it “The Great American Eclipse”, as it covered only Mexico, the mainland United States and a small swath of Canada. Maybe you traveled to see the totality personally, maybe you just noticed the streetlights coming on at two in the afternoon and maybe you decided it wasn’t worth the hassle and stayed inside, away from the madness.