PORT TOWNSEND — In recent days, the wishtree outside the Port Townsend Library has, in its way, leafed out considerably.
People of various ages are picking up heart-shaped slips of paper inside the library, writing or sketching their wishes onto them, and attaching them to the gnarled tree, in front of the library at 1220 Lawrence St.
A whole wish-oriented project is going on there this month. First came the Community Read selection for youngsters: “Wishtree” by Newbery Award-winning author Katherine Applegate. It’s about a big, old red oak tree — which has the ability to speak and listen — onto which people tie their written wishes.
The Port Townsend tree’s wish slips aren’t ordinary paper scraps, noted Library Director Melody Sky Weaver.
They’re impregnated with flower seeds. They’re biodegradable, so if they blow off, they can melt into the soil.
Everyone is encouraged to obtain wish slips inside the library through March 31, when the Community Read month wraps up. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Come April, “we will plant the wishes at the library and hopefully the wishes — wildflowers — will bloom this summer,” Weaver said.
“I love that people can literally and metaphorically see their wishes bloom.”
Applegate, who gave an online author talk to the public last week, suggested three kinds of wishes: one for yourself, one for someone else and one for the world.
On Port Townsend’s wishtree — a senior apple tree — people have affixed wishes for many things, including healthy travels, peace in Ukraine, and love.
A few more Community Read activities are yet to come before the end of March. Author Toni Yuly will give a free online talk on her children’s book, “Some Questions about Trees,” today at 10:30 a.m. via ptpubliclibrary.org.
At Kah Tai Lagoon, starting from the Landes Street entrance, a story walk depicting “Around the Great Oak” by Gerda Muller dots the trail. More details about all library activities are available by phoning 360-385-3181.
A week from today, the library is also bringing back its outdoor storytimes. Music, stories and interaction will start at 10:30 a.m. next Tuesday, March 29, on the lawn between the library and the Charles Pink House — rain or shine. Jackets and umbrellas are encouraged.
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Jefferson County Senior Reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3509 or durbanidelapaz@peninsuladailynews.com.
