Notes from Your Alta Library

Here we are in February, that little month in the middle of this seemingly endless snowy winter. When I googled February, Wikepedia told me the name February comes from the Roman word "februa" which is a Roman festival of purification held each year on February 15. I'm sure that must have some special significance, but I feel my brain is totally mesmerized by all the snow that is everywhere and I just can't fathom it.

So let's talk about Feb. 14 instead -- the day that is associated with love and romance and is called St. Valentine's Day. The legend is that St. Valentine was a bishop in the time of Claudius II. Claudius needed more soldiers to fight his wars, and he believed that marriage made men weak, so he issued an edict forbidding marriage. The kindly Bishop Valentine realized the injustice of the decree and saw the trauma to young lovers who gave up all hopes of being united in marriage. So he countered the official orders by meeting the lovers in a secret place and joining them in the sacrament of marriage. But this friend of lovers was found out, arrested, and executed. His execution is believed to have taken place on 2/14, 270 AD. Thus, February 14 became a day for all lovers and Valentine became its Patron Saint. The traditions of fancy cards, chocolate candy, hearts and love stories continue even to this day.

Do you have a special Valentine's tradition? The library has books and movies that would be perfect for a special lovers evening. There are some of the older films with Audrey Hepburn that are perfectly magical love stories: Breakfast at Tiffanys or Roman Holiday. Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail or Sleepless in Seattle are "oldies but goodies." Nicholas Sparks has authored some wonderful love stories; some of them made into tear-jerker films -- The Notebook is an example. I even just viewed The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, a new film with a new look at love through the years.

So, get a book, or turn down the lights, pop some popcorn, and enjoy a wonderful sentimental interlude. You'll forget all about the snow in this seemingly endless winter.

Ciao, Joyce