Library Corner: Laughing all the way to spring
Grand County Library District
Here we are halfway through winter. Anyone else feeling a bit down or ready for summer?
The library has books, movies and materials to help lift your spirits until the spring thaw.
To celebrate Black History Month, why not laugh with some of the funniest African Americans to grace our TVs and tickle our funny bones.
Library patrons can watch “Chris Rock’s ‘Bring the Pain,'” directed by Emmy Award-winning comedian W. Kamau Bell, which tells the story of how Chris Rock changed the face of comedy. And no, they do not discuss that episode of “The Office.”
Grand County Library District has no shortage of hilarious movies and literature featuring African Americans. If readers have never met the tall, loud, strong-willed and gun-wielding Madea, then do yourself a favor and watch “Madea’s Witness Protection (2012).”
Tyler Perry dons a gray wig, brassiere and butt-kicking pumps as one of his most well-known comedic characters. He is known for delivering incredibly silly stories woven into tales of family, community and bettering oneself.
If you would rather read about Madea, the Fraser Valley Library has a copy of “Madea’s Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life: Don’t Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings,” by Tyler Perry.
All jokes aside, I wouldn’t do this subject justice if I didn’t mention some of the harmful stereotypes that have permeated 20th century depictions of African Americans.
I suggest watching the documentary “Ethnic Notions: African American Stereotypes and Prejudice” via our Kanopy online resource. This hour-long, Emmy-winning documentary by Marlon Riggs takes viewers on a disturbing voyage through America’s history of harmful depictions of African Americans.
And now for something completely different: Socializing with friends and family can be a great way to help alleviate the winter blues.
Come check out a pair or two of snowshoes along with maps or local trail guides to have an outdoor adventure.
If you prefer indoor adventures, I suggest exploring the fantastic world of Dungeons and Dragons. This game was made for storytellers. Imagine a world where Griffins talk like Eddie Murphy or you fight an evil guild of wizards all named for Wanda Sykes characters. Yes, there are some rules that can be intimidating, but I can tell you the hardest thing about Dungeons and Dragons is coordinating schedules with your play group.
To make that simple, the Granby Library has a Dungeons and Dragons program from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month for those ages 12 to 100!
Whatever’s got you down, I encourage you to visit any library and ask a librarian to help find something to tickle your funny bone.
Arthur Dollard works at Fraser Valley Library. He can be reached at adollard@gcld.org.
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.
Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.
If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.