The following article was written by Kristin Keck, a Teen Associate at the Manitowoc Public Library.
Some people really like surprises. Nice ones, of course—not the kind that comes with a check engine warning light or starts with “Fraud Alert.” Presents that you didn’t expect, a better dinner than you thought you’d have, running into an old friend out of the blue—nice surprises.
Some people really don’t like surprises of any kind. They like to know what’s coming, even if it’s something wonderful. Surprises make them nervous and leave them feeling a little out of control.
I have to say I’m more of the latter than the former. I like birthday presents that I expect, preferably ones from a list I’ve curated and handed around (yeah, I’m that friend). I like trips with tours and itineraries and scheduled stops. I like restaurant reviews. I even like spoilers.
Occasional bursts of spontaneity are fun, but I don’t want freefall to be my primary living condition. I’ve always had better results when I’ve had time to prepare, even if it’s just for having the restaurant staff sing “Happy Birthday” to me. You must brace yourself for that kind of thing.
There is one particular area, though, where I can embrace the surprise—subscription boxes. I love a subscription box. There are those who would argue that subscription boxes aren’t a true surprise. After all, you sign up for a certain kind of box. You know roughly what will be in it. That’s what makes it perfect for a planner like me. It’s controlled surprise.
Kristin Keck
I know there will be pens and ink in my calligraphy box, but I don’t know the style of the pen or the color of the ink. It’s just the right amount of unexpected. I know I’ll get a paperback and some other bookish items in my book box, but what title will it be? Will there be a bookmark? Some Post-it notes? Candy? I’m not guaranteed to like any of it, but the odds are good that some of it will be right up my alley.
Here at Manitowoc Public Library, we have a subscription box service for Teens called the Shelf Care Box. Each month, Teens can sign up for a box that will be ready for them on the first of the next month. The box will have a theme—the themes are listed on the web page in the link. Inside you’ll find three books, a toy or craft, a treat, and a bit of stationery that relates to the theme of the month.
For instance, registration for December’s box will start Sunday, November 1. The theme is Lost in Translation. And what will be in the boxes? Well, three books that have been translated into English and some surprises. I’m not going to tell you what they are. Most people don’t like spoilers.
So, if that’s just enough unexpected fun for you, check out the Shelf Care Box. Your next favorite author could be waiting in a white cardboard box at the Library.
What a great surprise!
