Library offers book matchmaking service

Thanks to Valentine’s Day, February is the month most often associated with love and affection. Taking inspiration from those themes, the Douglas County Public Library aims to create successful pairings between readers and titles with their book matchmaking service. 

Through the end of this month, library patrons are invited to fill out a brief form asking for their name, email address, and literary preferences. In return, library staff will respond via email with 1-3 book suggestions. Email addresses are needed only to supply reading recommendations and won’t be used for any other purpose.

Hard copy questionnaire forms are available at the DCPL, 1625 Library Lane in Minden. An online form can be accessed on the DCPL website at library.douglascountynv.gov/. 

Questions? Call the Minden branch at 775-782-9841 or email them at info@douglas.lib.nv.us. 

A beneficial bug sighting

How about that hint of spring we enjoyed over this past weekend? I wore a T-shirt when my dog and I headed out for a walk on Sunday and in spite of a generous sunscreen application, I still got a slight burn on my arms.

My dog and I stopped by a friend’s house for a visit and as we sat outside in the sunshine, a small insect buzzed right past my face and landed on the dry lawn nearby. I crouched down to investigate and was surprised to see a bright red ladybug moving in the grass. It crawled onto my hand but flew away before I could get a picture.

I don’t recall ever seeing a ladybug in February before. The National Park Service website explains that in many areas across the Western U.S., ladybugs (or, more accurately, convergent lady beetles) enter a metabolic slow down called diapause in the fall and winter months before emerging in springtime to mate and lay eggs (www.nps.gov/articles/000/ladybug.htm).

The ladybug I saw may have been confused by recent temperatures, and I hope it found a safe and cozy place to rest until the weather warms up for good.

Elks host February dining events

The Tahoe Douglas Elks host a couple of dinner events this month at the lodge, 1227 Kimmerling Road in the Gardnerville Ranchos.

First up is Cook Your Own Steak on Monday, Feb. 21 from 5-7 pm. Menu includes a generous ribeye steak, baked potato with all the fixings, salad, baked beans, and dessert for a donation of $25. An extra split plate is available for $5 more.

Reservations are required, and there’s still time to make them before the February 19 deadline. Contact Jim Plamenig at 775-267-9205 to secure a spot.

On Feb. 24, the Elks host Taco Night from 5-6:30 pm. No reservations are required for this event, and this will be the last monthly taco dinner event until June.

Meal includes a taco, homemade rice, beans, fresh guacamole, chips, accompaniments, and dessert. Dinner donation is $5 and an extra taco is an additional $3 with a complete dinner purchase. Beverages are available at the bar.

Proceeds from local Elks events benefit programs for veterans, seniors, and youth in our community.

Amy Roby can be reached at ranchosroundup@hotmail.com.