Earth Day Approaching!

Let’s celebrate Earth Day early with some nature-focused books to get us in the spirit! Especially as we start experiencing warmer days, it’s a good time to reflect on all the wonders that our Earth provides. And with these books, you’ll be ready for Earth Day, on April 22. 

Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson 

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer 

Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy 

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson 

Two Old Women by Velma Wallis 

A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson 

World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil 

The Language of Butterflies: How Thieves, Hoarders, Scientists, and Other Obsessives Unlocked the Secrets of the World’s Favorite Insect by Wendy Williams 

-Linnea 

Has Spring Sprung?

We’re two days into spring but it doesn’t quite feel like it yet. Daffodils had started to peek up, then were promptly covered by a dusting of snow. Sun warmed our faces, but now we’re back to grey.  

If you’re eager for spring weather to come back and stick around, try some of these books to summon the season of renewal: 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman 

Replay by Ken Grimwood 

Everyone In This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin 

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed 

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman 

The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Edith Eva Eger 

Cackle by Rachel Harrison 

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers 

-Linnea 

Garden Month

Apparently, April is Garden Month! That seems fitting, as we are finally seeing some sunny, warm days in Rocky River. As you plot out your backyards, balconies, or windowsills, check out some of these helpful gardening books. Whether you’re a beginner or ready for a challenge, we’ve got a book for you. 

Indoor Edible Garden by Zia Allaway 

How to Window Box: Small-Space Plants to Grow Indoors or Out by Chantal Aida Gordon 

The Container Victory Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Your Own Groceries by Maggie Stuckey 

Gardening for Everyone: Growing Vegetables, Herbs, and More at Home by Julia Watkins 

The Herb Garden Specialist by David Squire 

Down & Dirty: 43 Fun & Funky First-Time Projects & Activities to Get You Gardening by Ellen Zachos 

Midwest Fruit & Vegetable Gardening: Plant, Grow, and Harvest the Best Edibles by Katie Elzer-Peters 

Ohio Getting Started Garden Guide: Grow the Best Flowers, Shrubs, Trees, Vines & Groundcovers by Denny McKeown 

A Gardener’s Craft Companion: Simple Modern Projects to Make with Garden Treasures by Sandra Salamony 

The Creative Vegetable Gardener: 60 Ways to Cultivate Joy, Playfulness, and Beauty Along with a Bounty of Food by Kelly Smith Trimble 

I hope these books spark some plant inspiration! And remember, the Library has partnered with the Cleveland Seed Bank to provide seed packets for “check out”! It’s a great way to get started with a range of choices, from peppers to basil to zucchini. Please visit here for more information.  

-Linnea 

Your Library Staff at Home-Upcoming Graphic Novels

How is everyone doing at home? Though it can seem like the days blur into one another and spring weather might not actually ever arrive, something that I have been focusing on to put me in good spirits is thinking about what I can look forward to in the coming months, rather than focusing on what I can’t do. For example, I’m looking forward to decorating my new home, celebrating my one-year wedding anniversary with my husband, and reading all of the awesome books that will be published!

I’m a huge fan of the graphic novel and comic format, and am particularly excited about some forthcoming titles that I was able to get a sneak peak of earlier this week in a fun Library Journal webinar. Despite being at home, my friend and fellow comic loving librarian Megan and I were able to chat during the webinar and share our excitement in real time! Thanks technology.

Take a look below to see some of the new graphic novels I’m stoked to read!

Don’t forget that while you can’t put items on hold at the moment, you can still add titles to your wishlist, and you can still read plenty of comics and graphic novels on Hoopla (including some stellar bonus borrows that won’t affect your monthly borrow limit!).

What are you looking forward to? Have you read any amazing comics or graphic novels this past month? Share your thoughts in the comments!