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Musicals have been a beloved form of film for decades, captivating viewers with their unique blend of music, dance, and storytelling. At the heart of the appeal is the music itself. Music has the ability to move the listener and provoke strong emotional reactions. This is something that is universally human. Music can connect people and express emotions beyond what words alone can or even when language is a barrier. So whether it is a heartbreaking ballad or an energetic number, the emotion of the music allows the viewer to connect with characters on a deeper level beyond what dialogue alone can achieve.

The magic of musicals is also in the combination of song and storytelling. Musicals are a hybrid, bringing together popular genres with music and in doing so enhancing their impact. For instance, if a romantic comedy and a song each on their own are powerful, the combination then intensifies both. Likewise, the addition of dance adds to the experience providing a visual and kinetic dimension. As they tell their stories, musicals also explore common human themes such as love, friendship, and self-discovery. These timeless topics resonate with a broad audience, transcending cultural and generational boundaries.

Despite their great appeal, musicals are hated by some, even loathed. The very things that draw many people to musicals are what push others away. The music does not pull them into the story but distracts from it. The songs break the immersion and take these viewers out of the film. The emotion also can be too much, causing some viewers to cringe with embarrassment and feel uncomfortable. Others simply find musicals cheesy and assert that people do not just break out into song in the real world.

This last critique is perhaps the most common. Yet some advocates of musicals argue this is a misunderstanding. The musical numbers are not the characters spontaneously breaking into song but rather they are a storytelling convention that provides access to characters’ thoughts and feelings. This is similar to a Shakespearean soliloquy where a character does a monologue to reveal to the audience the character’s inner self. Others argue musicals have their own worldview and that that viewers should not expect musicals to conform to the “real world” any more than they would a fantasy or science fiction film. 

Whatever your feelings about musicals, there can be no doubt of their enduring significance in film and theater. If you would like to delve further into musicals, please check out the DVD display on the fourth floor or as well as those in the Wilkie Classic Film Collection. (DVD players are available to check out at the Library Services Desk.)  

Fifteen years ago, Poverty Awareness Month evolved out of recognition by Congress of the rising rate of poverty in the United States. The goal was to recognize the contributions of those who provide support and services to those in need and to commit all people in the US, including all levels of government, to ending poverty.

According to the latest US Census data, the poverty rate based on income was 11.5% or about 37.9 million people. Over 9 million of these are children. The United States is not along. Among some of the world’s wealthiest nations, 69 million children live in poverty. When assessed beyond income, across the world, about 1 billion children are "multidimensionally" poor, meaning they lack basic necessities such as food, housing, sanitation, health care, and education they need to survive and thrive.

Nelson Mandela asserted, “Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. And overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom.”

For more information about child poverty please see these books from our collection.

In 1983 federal legislation created an annual holiday on the third Monday of January to celebrate the legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. From its beginnings, the focus has been not simply on remembering King but continuing his efforts for social change by volunteering in communities. Then in 1994 the King Holiday and Service Act, coauthored by Congressman John Lewis and Senator Harris Wofford, was signed into law making MLK Day a National Day of Service. Lewis wanted the holiday to be “a day on, not a day off,” where Americans could join together to improve their communities.  

Volunteering embodies well King’s teachings. It can help establish unity and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Volunteering extends beyond the immediate outcomes of the service, acting as a catalyst for further change. Engaging in service to one’s community can foster understanding and empathy by bringing people from different backgrounds together. It provides a means for learning and dialogue, enabling individuals to comprehend societal issues from various perspectives and work collaboratively toward new solutions.

MLK Day is not just about history but an invitation to participate in shaping a better future. It is a call to action, urging individuals to embody the principles of equality and justice. In 1957 King asserted, “Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'" To learn more about MLK Day volunteer programs and activities near you use the Corporation for National and Community Service's volunteer search tool. To find out more about King and his work, check out our book display on the Library’s main floor.    

While reading more is not typically on the lists of the most popular New Year's resolutions, it is a way to help fulfill the more common ones that focus on selfcare and wellness. Amid the busyness and stress of daily life, reading a good book can quiet the mind, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep.

Winter reading has its own particular benefits. Snow can bring a calmness and stillness to those who are cozy and warm inside. The falling flakes can serve as nature’s white noise, providing a soothing backdrop for concentrating on reading and avoiding distraction. Staying home to read is a perfectly valid excuse when it is snowing!

For many animals winter is a time of hibernation. They hole up and slow their metabolisms, conserving energy to survive the cold. While humans do not hibernate, winter can be a good time to seek warmth and comfort indoors and slow down. In doing so one can be mindful and purposeful in one’s actions. Winter reading can help with this as one burrows down in comfy spot with piles of blankets, a warm drink, and a book. This reading need not be about numbers of pages but simply about embracing the practice and living in the moment.

To get started on your winter reading, think about setting aside a regular time, perhaps before bed or first thing in the morning. Do not be afraid to try different book formats such as audiobooks. Perhaps find a reading community or buddy; sharing the experience can make it more enjoyable. Consider even reading aloud to one another. Find books that are interesting to you. You can always ask one of the librarians for recommendations. Perhaps the best place to start is by revisiting a favorite book from your childhood. Children’s and young adult literature can offer useful perspectives and stories that can be refreshing and comforting. You can find a selection of winter children’s books on the display on the Library’s first floor. There also is a display of winter fiction on the main floor.