Story Tags

Bad-Ass Librarians Timbuktu

Books About Books in Troubled Times

While finding time to read can feel like a luxury, books have often been vital and necessary for surviving and sustaining through difficult times. Many people have also found many books and collections important enough to risk their own lives in order to protect them. The following books dive into the role books, manuscripts and libraries have played in times of war, crisis and change.  

A Little Life

Escape to an emotional read!

Books that make you cry and laugh out loud.

The list of books below has a combination of genres such as contemporary fiction, romance and erotica. Giving proof that you do not need to focus on one specific genre (fantasy) to escape through books. These are all books that I have read and while reading them I found myself laughing out loud, crying, or clutching my pearls. I hope that if you are in need of an emotionally draining book you find one that fits you within this list!

choke hold

Policing Black Bodies in America

Books that Touch on Police Brutality and Black Lives Matter

The protests of 2020 are an opportunity to remember individuals who were stripped of their humanity---Sandra Bland. Eric Garner. Tamir Rice. Dominique Clayton. Michael Brown. Christian Taylor. Alton Sterling. Philando Castile. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd.

DC Public Library Expands Curbside Pick-Up Locations to Each Ward

Extended Hours Offered at Eight Locations

Starting today, the Anacostia, Benning, Cleveland Park, Mt. Pleasant, Northeast, Shepherd Park, West End, and Woodridge libraries will offer curbside pick-up and return services on weekdays. Additionally, remote printing, which allows customers to send documents electronically for printing, will be available.   Each location will be open from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM and from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The locations will be closed from 2:30-3:00 every day for sanitizing  

DC Public Library Offers Unlimited Copies of eBooks on Race and Privilege

In the letter from the Birmingham jail, Dr. King said “there is a type of constructive, nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth.” In response to recent events, the DC Public Library seeks to create constructive tension to help people talk, and learn, about racism.

Prairie Lotus

Away

A Middle Grade Reading List

Like many of you, I have placed holds across many genres through the Library's Libby app and waited for wonderful reads to arrive in library. The list below was pulled from my favorite reads for tweens. If you've had a chance to read or listen to any of these books, congratulations. If not, they're well worth the wait.

Reopening

DC Public Library to Offer Select Services During Phase One Reopening

Take-out Service at Anacostia and Cleveland Park Locations Begins Friday

Library customers will soon be able to borrow and return physical items from the DC Public Library. On May 29, take-out service will be offered at the Anacostia and Cleveland Park libraries as part of Mayor Bowser's plan to reopen the District.  Because the District’s Public Health Emergency remains in effect, library service will be restored in phases. This approach allows the library to ensure the safety of customers and staff and to begin replenishing its physical collection.  

Meditate with Me

Mindfulness & Meditation for Kids

We live in stressful times, and while adults may feel it acutely, children are not immune to the stressors of school, family, friendships and internal pressures. Whether toddler or tween, kids can benefit from mindfulness practices, meditation and yoga.

Beautiful Blue Death cover - Clear victorian style bottles with various liquid contents on a shelf

A Smattering of Mysteries

Welcome audio distractions for uncertain times

There's something about mysteries. Perhaps it's the process of puzzle solving that takes us out of our day-to-day. Perhaps it's the certainty that regardless of the circumstances, at the end of the book the mystery will have been solved. In any case, they are certainly a pleasure to listen to whether or not you want a book that you have to think about. Here are a few audio selections in DC Public Library's OverDrive collection to suit varied tastes.

SciFi Pride

A Book List for Pride 2020 and Black in Space

Let's kick off Pride season by celebrating LGBTQ+ writers, especially works by African American writers. Here in D.C., the virtual event Black in Space will celebrate and uplift the Black LGBTQ+ experience across time and space. To join the celebration, here is a fabulous playlist of queer sci-fi, fantasy and horror for you to enjoy and dance across the universe.  

Pages