Last week I was out of town, caring for one of my sisters who had surgery. My sister and I really get along and spend a lot of time laughing ourselves silly when we are together. However, because her surgery was on her abdomen, we had to restrain ourselves because laughing gave her pain. Even so, there were a couple of close calls when we got to laughing. It was really hard trying not to laugh for eight days.

This is really pertinent because April is National Humor Month. There have been numerous studies about the health benefits of laughter. Laughing is found to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and boost immune function. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being. We have plenty of materials, books and movies, available at the library to help you find your funny bone and improve your health. Just stop by.

Speaking of coming to the library, we are offering an additional reason this week -- our new art display is up, featuring the work of Lloyd Walter Bennett Jr. As a special treat, there will be a Meet the Artist reception tomorrow from 5 to 7 p.m. in the library's community room. Stop by and learn more about what creative forces influence Lloyd's work. Oh, and you can have a snack, too. Refreshments will be served.

I close with a few reminders for next week. Our Family Fun Night is on Monday evening, April 24, at 7 p.m. In celebration of Earth Day, we offer Air, Wind, Water, an entertaining and informative program presented by Van Meter State Park. Bring the family. Everyone is welcome.

In addition, our Classic Book Club will be meeting on Tuesday, April 25, at 2 p.m. to discuss "The Scarlet Letter" by Nathaniel Hawthorne as well as watching a movie version. Up For Discussion!, another book club, will meet on Wednesday to discuss "Blessings" by Anna Quindlen. Feel free to join either of the discussions, even if you haven't finished the book!

New books

Fiction

"Hitched" by Carol Higgins Clark

"Hey, Good Looking" by Fern Michaels

"Afterlands" by Steven Heighton

"Two Little Girls in Blue" by Mary Higgins Clark

"Dark Tort" by Diane Mott Davidson

Non-fiction

"The Extra Parent" by Elaine Denholtz

"Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert

"The Silent Garden" by Paul W. Ogden

Library events

Preschool Story Time - each Tuesday morning, 10 a.m. Games, stories, crafts. Appropriate for children approximately 3 to 7 years of age.

Pajama Story Time - each Monday, 7 p.m.. Everyone is welcome. Wear your jammies or come as you are. Games, crafts, stories.

Wee Ones Lap Time Story Times - for babies up to 24 months, each Wednesday, 10 a.m. Interactive finger play and song time for mothers and babies.

Travel With Lewis and Clark series - Every other Tuesday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Moderated by Marvin Wilhite.

How can I support the Marshall Public Library?

-- Bring your receipts from Patricia's Foods into the library when you're returning or checking out books. Each month, Patricia's Foods will donate a portion of the collected receipts to the library.

-- When purchasing items from Amazon.com, use the link to Amazon that appears on the Marshall Public Library's Web site: www.marshallpubliclibrary.com. A portion of your purchase will go to support the library.

-- Consider joining Friends of the Marshall Libraries. Membership forms are available at the library.

-- Honor a mentor. Celebrate a friend. Commemorate an event. A gift to the Marshall Public Library is a unique and enduring way to pay tribute to friends and family. Your generosity will be a lasting source of joy and enrichment for the community. For additional information, please call 886-3391 with any questions.