Libraries, bookstores provide things to read, watch and do even when they’re closed
Usually, The Olympian’s arts coverage focuses on what’s happening here — plays, concerts, performances and art shows.
Now, though, restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the new coronavirus have put a stop to all of that, shuttered schools and turned “social distancing” into a thing.
So what are you going to do when you’re looking for something a little meatier than a cute cat video? (Not that there’s anything wrong with cute cat videos. )
Here’s a guide to some of the new local and local-ish options for entertainment and inspiration — without going out in public.
Visit the library
The Timberland Regional Libraries are, like almost everything else, closed. But the library’s abundant virtual resources are still available, and they go way beyond books.
Library patrons can access magazines, newspapers, classes, educational activities and more than 30,000 indie and classic films, from the delightful foodie feast “Big Night” to “Eighth Grade,” which the library’s online film review page describes as “perhaps the greatest of all teen girl movies.”
Access to the films, e-books and audiobooks has been expanded, said the library’s Michelle Larson.
“The online resources are so vast that they cannot be all on one page,” Larson said. Go to trl.org, and look under the “borrow” and “learn” tabs.
Not a library member? Join at trl.org/how/get-library-card. And if any challenges or questions arise, email asklib@trl.org.
Get your hands on a book
You can’t pick up an actual, physical book at the library, but you can access the good old ink-and-paper kind of reading from local independent booksellers.
Browsers Bookshop is, as owner Andrea Griffith put it, “closed for browsing.” But booksellers will be in the shop at 107 Capital Way N., Olympia, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., answering the phone and working on online orders.
You can order a book and pick it up curbside, have it delivered to your home in Olympia and surrounding areas, or have it shipped free by media mail shipping.
Get details at browsersolympia.com, or call the store at 360-357-7462.
Orca Books, at 509 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, also is offering online and phone ordering for pick up at the sales desk or curbside as well as discounted shipping.
Find out more at orcabooks.com, check out some of the store’s used selections at alibris.com, or call 360-352-0123.
Ponder big questions
Have cabin fever already? Humanities Washington is aiming to keep you intellectually engaged. The nonprofit that arranges for thought-provoking speakers to travel the state is now publishing “Cabin Fever Questions,” emails that pose big questions and offer resources for exploring possible answers.
The newsletter’s motto: “With the right prompts, we believe social distancing can actually heighten social connection.”
The first edition, issued March 12, asks such biggies as “How do we behave ethically toward our neighbors during a pandemic?” and then offers articles and talks that explore each topic.
Sign up for the emails and find out more at humanities.org.
Read poetry
Claudia Castro Luna, Washington’s poet laureate, is sharing “Poems to Lean On,” submitted by Washington residents.
“Turning to the wisdom of others in times of uncertainty can be helpful and offer solace,” Castro Luna wrote. “In this spirit I thought of ‘Poems to Lean On,’ a space where we can share with each other poems to offer fortitude, hope, resilience, humor.”
Some have suggested well-known poems that they find supportive right now, while others — including Gail Ramsey Wharton and Sandra Yannone, both of Olympia — have shared their own work.
Read the poems (aloud, even if you’re alone) at wapoetlaureate.org and share your own inspirations by emailing poet@humanities.org.
Need internet access?
In response to school and library closures, Comcast is offering two free months of internet access to qualifying low-income households in Washington. Find out more at internetessentials.com/
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 5:45 AM.