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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.  

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.

The Dutch House

2020 Pulitzer Prize Finalists

On May 4, 2020, the 2020 Pulitzer Prizes were awarded. The Pulitzers are among the most prestigious American prizes in journalism, writing, music, poetry, and more.

Wave cover

Oceanic Tales

Adult nonfiction to get swept up in

Throughout history, oceans have provided inspiration and adventure as well as a place of danger. Enjoy an adventure on and under the ocean with a selection of non-fiction books. All of these titles are linked to in their eBook and digital audiobook versions for current ease of access, though DC Public Library also owns many of these titles in physical format as well.

Spark Joy

Clean your Quarantine Away

Some decluttering books to help you relax

You might be using your time stuck at home to catch up on TV, but maybe now is the time to clean your closet or go through your bookshelf! If you want to clean, but need some help, here are a few experts writing on the subject of clean, happy homes. They will give you the tips, steps and tricks to getting your home in ship-shape by the time you return to your normal routine. 

The Psychology of Time Travel

Meet Here Yesterday

Books about time travel

There’s never been a better time than now to jump into a time machine; set a course and grab your helmet! While sadly that isn’t possible (for now), we can escape to other histories, bodies, and universes in the pages of the books below. Each title explores the questions that are bound to time travel -- free will versus determinism, establishing identity in an age of futility, and fighting for love in an unpredictable landscape. Bring along a notebook; things can get tricky.  

Theroux's Deep Sout

United States of Complexity

Red, White, and Who?

We certainly live in times of great divisiveness: politically, economically and racially. We live in a very complex country varying from region to region in its political persuasions, cultural backgrounds, and systems of belief. The following books take aim by their respective authors of truly seeking to understand a group of “other” Americans and why they believe what they do and why they pursue the things they do.

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Modern Iran

Illuminating Fiction and Non-Fiction

How well is post-Revolution Iran understood in the West? Today this ancient society is known primarily for the activities of its theocratic government. The following collection of ebooks and audiobooks includes two novels, two memoirs and two analyses. Many of the authors selected were either born in Iran or spent several years in the country. My hope is to offer the reader an insider's perspective on this enigmatic land.    

Black History of the White House Book Cover

DC Emancipation Day, Census 2020, and Voting

Read and participate

With DC Emancipation Day on April 16, it seems prudent to be thinking about D.C.’s place in this country and the history it has seen, as well as all the people who have shaped it into the city it is today -- and what steps can be taken even now from home to contribute to its future.

Grant

24 Hours of Audiobooks

Audiobooks that will keep you occupied

No matter the reason for finding yourself with a lot of time on your hands, there are many ways to make the best of it. One of those ways is by diving into a super long book on audio. All of these books are not only critically acclaimed, but they’ll also take you more than a day to listen to. That’s right, each of these audiobooks clocks in at over 24 hours long, so you won’t find yourself without something to read and listen to for quite a bit.

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