Last night I attended the Holiday Program presented by several of the first-grade classes at Benton School. What really came across during the performance was how much the children were enjoying themselves. I was sitting on the back row, laughing at the songs and the antics of the children. Joy was shining in that auditorium.

"Stumbling on Happiness" is the title of one of the books that I am currently reading. Since I haven't finished it yet, I won't ruin it for those who might want to read it. I will say that the author, Daniel Gilbert, has a wonderful sense of humor that is evident while he presents information about the brain development of the human species and how we find happiness.

As we celebrate this season of joy and gather our loved ones around us, I recommend this book as a way of understanding and reveling in the happiness that surrounds us. The book is available at the library -- "as soon as I'm done reading it.

The staff of the Marshall Public Library and I wish the entire community holidays filled with joy and chocolate!

New books

Non-fiction

Non-Fiction

-- "Watching the World Change" -- David Friend

-- "You: On a Diet" -- Michael F. Roizen

-- "Christianity: The Origins of a Pagan Religion" -- Philippe Walter

-- "Soldier: The Life of Colin Powell" -- Karen DeYoung

-- "Mindless Eating" -- Brian Wansink

-- "War On the Middle Class" -- Lou Dobbs

-- "Truck: A Love Story" -- Michael Perry

Library events

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

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

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

How can I support the Marshall Public Library?

Bring your receipts from Patricia's 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 website: 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 (660) 886-3391 with any questions.