Story Tags

The Pandemic on Paper

Writings about the COVID-19 pandemic and how we live now

Many of us have turned to artistic endeavors throughout the pandemic to fill some free time, writers included.

The German capital's dramatic history and role as a center for artists and intellectuals have long captivated the imagination. This list includes novels and works of non-fiction, all of which examine the city through important periods in its history. Spy stories, tales from the Weimar Republic, and portraits of survival during WWII are found below. Visit DC Public Library's catalog for more.

Inspiration for Writers

Happy NaNoWriMo!

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), originated as a writing challenge in 1999 and has since been established as a movement observed in November of each year.

Banned Books

Banned Books Week is observed at the end of September each year, celebrating our ability to freely and openly access information! Here's a list of books that have either been challenged and/or banned due to content. Though challenged, these titles offer diverse ideas and perspectives.

Caring for Houseplants (e-books)

The "new normal," as a result of the public health emergency, encourages more time spent at home. Maybe you've picked up a new hobby, brought a new pet-- maybe (like me) you've invited new houseplants into your space. This shortlist is dedicated to caring for houseplants.

In their Own Voice

Audiobooks narrated by their authors

When books are recorded as audiobooks, a voice actor is usually hired to bring it to life. Sometimes, though, the best person to narrate an audiobook is the author themselves. Most often this happens with memoirs but it can also happen in other genres as well. Here are some audiobooks across multiple genres narrated with particular skill by their authors.

Videogames and Society

Videogames have become giant players in the entertainment industry. Video game revenue exceeds that of streaming video services and of global film box office revenue. Like television and film, games have become important part of cultural life as entertainment, business, community and art. The books below all touch on pieces of how digital games intersect with our everyday lives and how they came to do so.

“Food Justice” and the Smithsonian’s Food History Weekend 2020

The 2020 Smithsonian Food History Weekend which takes place Oct. 15 -17 will explore historical and systemic injustices with people who are working to make a difference by creating alternative models of empowerment within their own communities or by helping others make fundamental changes toward equity.

Books My Dad Loves

Some of my most beloved childhood memories are of my father reading to me. Not just as a young child, but well into my middle school years. I loved it - spending time with him, but also sharing these books and stories with him. Whatever age I was, he always seemed to genuinely enjoy the books we read.

The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Home Improvement

for when you can't go anywhere else

If you are going to be stuck at home, you might as well make the best of it. Here are some books to help you organize, decorate and declutter your home office, home school and the various other places of business that now exist in your living room. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo