Food for Thought

Anti-Valentine? Join the Club!

Valentine thoughts., Digital ID 1600894, New York Public LibraryValentine Thoughts?If you are like me, then the one thing you would like about Valentine's Day is the day after: chocolates on sale!

Godiva, Ferrara, chocolate truffles, M&Ms, you name it — all those brand name sweets at 50% off or on a buy-one-get-one-free basis totally makes up for this senseless tradition.

Though the only people actually winning from this scheme are your dentists and candy makers, who's really counting your cavities when the most-ridiculous "holiday" of the year just ended?! (In my humble opinion...)

Chocolate Grinders

Don't get me wrong, I am not bashing V-Day; it may sound like I am, but I want to bring to your attention a new movement campaigning against this lovey-dovey celebration called: Anti-Valentine or Single Awareness Day (S.A.D). It's true. There are books, web pages and now even public programs promoting Single Awareness Day, a day where people celebrate or to commiserate in their single status.

For example, my colleague Arpine Eloyan, a children's librarian from the Glendale Public Library out in Los Angeles, CA is starting this program where kids are celebrating "Anti-Valentine's Day" through crafts (see below!).

 Anti-Valentine's Day CraftSample: Anti-Valentine's Day CraftThese types of public programs are spreading throughout the country. In the library, we include and celebrate everyone's status!

This would not be a complete Library blog post without including a list of references for you to peruse during or after this Hallmark holiday!

Enjoy Valentine's Day if you will but I will certainly take advantage of the chocolate on sale — the day after.

Secunda ossium tabula [Human skeleton inspecting a skull and in deep thinking], Digital ID 1157693, New York Public LibraryHuman skeleton inspecting a skull and in deep thinking