Story provided by Stillwater Public Library
The book “Station Eleven,” the Stillwater Public Library’s “NEA Big Read” series novel, explores survival and the importance of community support in a post-pandemic America. In keeping with the book’s themes, two organizations will host health-related events at the library. Residents can receive health support on Oct. 12 in the form of free flu and COVID-19 shots from the Payne County Health Department (PCHD). Donors can then contribute to the health of the community during an American Red Cross (ARC) blood drive on Oct. 26.
Library Director Stacy DeLano encourages community members to participate in both events.
“The parallels between events in ‘Station Eleven’ which we chose for the Big Read series back in 2019 and the current pandemic are uncanny,” DeLano said. “The difference is that while the book’s pandemic could not be stopped, we have the means to limit Covid-19 and a concurrent flu outbreak and to help our neighbors who are at-risk due to pandemic-related blood supply shortages.”
On Tuesday, Oct. 12, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., the Payne County Health Department will provide free flu and COVID-19 shots on a first-come, first-served basis. The Oklahoma Department of Health recommends being vaccinated for the flu by the end of October and says there is no longer a 14 day wait required between COVID-19 and flu vaccinations. Individuals can receive the COVID-19 and flu shot at the same time for those wanting both. No photo ID is required.
The American Red Cross blood drive on Oct. 26 requires donors to have a photo ID, and there are minimum weight requirements by age. Donors must sign-up for an appointment in advance at https://tinyurl.com/SPLBloodDrive. Appointments are available throughout the day between noon and 6 p.m.
The ARC website states that there are two types of donations, whole blood donation and a power red donation. Those that donate whole blood should plan for an hour-long appointment and a power red donation for an hour and a half. The power red donation collects red cells but returns most of the platelets and plasma. Donors with type A negative, B negative or O blood who meet specific eligibility requirements can make a power red donation. Learn more about power red donation and eligibility at http://www.redcrossblood.org.
The PCHD and ARC require that participants wear masks at all times while in the rooms where the clinics are held.
While at the library, participants can pick up a free copy of “Station Eleven” by signing up for a book discussion.
To learn more about the “NEA Big & Little Read” and sign-up for events and book discussions, visit the library’s website http://library.stillwater.org/nea_big_read_stillwater.php.
NEA Big Read is a program of the National Endowment of the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest. Additional funding for “NEA Big and Little Read: Stillwater” is provided by the Friends of the Stillwater Public Library, the Stillwater Public Library Trust and the OSU Library.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. Library hours are Monday- Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
