Know Your Library- February Edition

  START ‘EM YOUNG!

by Joanne Forman

 

   Peel the kids away from the TV, the computer and the cell phone and get them started on winter sports-after all, Taos is one of the great areas of the planet for this. And, as usual, your Taos Public Library has books to help get started.

 It’s not news that we are in the midst of one of the great ski areas of the world. This writer has met people from all over the Americas, as well as (to name just a few) devout ski enthusiasts from Germany, Japan, Australia, France  and—yes—Switzerland!

 In the children’s room you’ll find, among other books: LEARNING TO SKI WITH MR. MAGEE by Chris van Dusen: jp Van.

 And there are many other books, whatever your level of expertise—or none. These include, to name just a few: THE COMPLETE IDIOT’S GUIDE TO SKIING by Claire Walter, 796.93 Wal. No less than the U.S. Olympic Committee has compiled A BASIC GUIDE TO SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING; this is in the TEEN room, 796.93 Bas.

 There are a number of guidebooks on exactly where to go, including 18 SKI TOURING TRAILS AROUND TAOS, RED RIVER AND ANGEL FIRE by Taos’ own Brian Shields and Richard Erickson, sw 796.932Sh. Also, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN THE SANGRE DE CRISTO MOUN-TAINS by Jim Burns, sw796.93Bur.

 Skiing is yet another activity that the whole family can enjoy together:

SKI TOURING WITH KIDS by Laurie and Henry Gibb: 796.932G437S.

     Ice skating is another thing the whole family can enjoy, and the Taos Youth and Family Center has a skating rink. (As always, phone to check out times and other details.) And, again, your Taos Public Library has books to help get started.

 In the TEEN room is ICE SKATING BASICS by Aaron Faeste, 796.91FOE.  For the younger members of the family: ICE SKATING SCHOOL by Naia Bray Moffat: j 796.91B and A VERY YOUNG SKATER by Jill Krementz: j 796.9K.

 For the relentless, there’s POWER SKATING by Laura Stamm: 796.96S, and for the romantic: INSIDE EDGE, a book on figure skating. 796.912B838i.

  Swimming is something one can do indoors on these winter days, either at one of the spas, or at the Youth and Family Center: check for schedules. The Y&FC has a therapy pool that is nicely hot and relaxing, a kiddy pool—with a slide for adventure. There are exercise classes, and lessons.

  EVERYONE should learn to swim at least a little—if you only need it once, it’s worth it! It’s also marvelous exercise for the whole body, and immensely relaxing. One can be ready to commit murder, suicide or both—and a good swim will iron it all out.

 And of COURSE our library has books: CAILLOU LEARNS TO SWIM by Sarah Margaret Johanson: j BR792.2J and HELP! I CAN’T SWIM! By Cindy Leany j BR 797.2L  SERGIO MAKES A SPLASH by Edel Rodriguez, jpRod is about a swimmer who probably doesn’t need lessons-he’s a penguin.

  Others include THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SWIMMING by Phillip Whitten: 797.21 and SWIMMING (there’s a succinct title!) by Martha Capwell Fox, in the TEEN room, 797.21Cox.