Hello! Annie Hoffman here, Student Journalist for the libraries. The lilacs are almost past their prime in my neighborhood, but the peonies are getting ready to bloom. Here’s what I’ve been up to!

While on a walk, I spotted a sidewalk math installation by the community engagement initiative ‘Math With Me MN.’ The movement is centered around students and teachers, and seeks to connect people to each other and to mathematics.

I typically scratch my creative itch through writing and performing, but I’ve been drawing a lot this week. I made this curly thing while watching numerous episodes of The West Wing.

Reading experience ‘unlike anything I’ve ever encountered’

I started S, an incredible book by J.J. Abrams and Doug Dorst. It’s more than a book, it’s a mystery novel that appears from the outside to be the book Ship of Theseus by fictional author V.M Straka. The real story, however, happens in the margins of the book, where two people scribble notes back and forth to each other.

Enfolded in the pages are newspaper clippings, photographs, and other artifacts that deepen and complicate their story. The reading experience is immersive and unlike anything I have ever encountered. You’ll have to get your hands on a copy to really understand what I’m talking about.

Our continued, collective commitment to the safety of our communities and families is beautiful and so important. Stay home, stay healthy, and keep reading!

—Annie Hoffman