by Public Services Manager Jen
Some might suggest motherhood is in the DNA. Hardwired. Hyperlinked. Dormant until diapers. Innate. Intrinsic. Slumbering until sleep training. As if upon the arrival of a brand new person, some primal, prehistoric portion of the neocortex whirs and clicks into place like the insides of a finely tuned piece of cosmic machinery. With all the gears and mechanisms in their correct spaces, you are now prepared to take part in the grand experiment that is maternity.
by Public Service Associate Luke
May the Fourth be with you. Star Wars Day is upon us! This is the day when fans join together to celebrate the greatest science fiction universe in media (Trekkies may take their leave now). Back in 1977, no one expected an unknown creative with an idea for space cowboys and laser-swords to take over the hearts and minds of millions of people. George Lucas drew on his love for westerns, samurai tales, and mythical archetypes to create a universe that is so famous, it is hard to find someone who has not seen the movies or at least heard the quotable lines. Being named Luke, almost every interaction I had as a child included “I am your father.” Star Wars is one of the best worlds to explore and disappear into, and it has some fantastic books and shows based on the galaxy far far away.
by Public Service Associate Owen
Biographies! Across the many realms of print and literature, there are many topics, subjects and styles that stand out. But none stand out quite like biographies, as this particular brand of non-fiction revolves around the lives of single persons. They cover the trials and tribulations of the lives of all sorts of famous people, from Julius Caesar to Cesar Chavez. Thus, biographies are an efficient, excellent way to live vicariously through some of the most famous and influential people to ever exist. There is so much to discover about the idols, villains, actors, innovators, leaders, stars, and extraordinary humans of our lives, and one of the best ways to do so is by getting your hands on a good biography. So, in this blog, I will be highlighting four intriguing biographies of four very different yet equally remarkable people. From Henrietta Lacks to Winston Churchill to Frida Kahlo, each biography tells a thrilling tale of some of life’s most colorful characters.
by Associate Librarian Debbie
In celebration of Women’s History Month I wanted to share some of my all time favorite female authors. There are so many wonderful authors but I pared it down to my top five. Keep reading to see some of the women authors that I cherish the most, along with insights into their unique works and writing styles.
by Public Service Associate Autumn
Or maybe all roads just lead to Roman troubles. A large swath of problems facing the United States today, also faced the Romans at some point during their thousand years of civilization. Climate change made growing food and combating disease harder. People everywhere were divided on how to live and who to believe. Countries invaded their neighbors. Money swayed politics. Violence broke out in the streets. Swelling inequality made living harder and bred distrust in political systems. People scrabbled to reach the top or to just support themselves in an ever shifting world. So today, on the anniversary of the assassination of Julius Caesar and the change it ultimately sparked in Rome’s government, take a break from the turbulence of today and dive into the machinations and turmoil of Rome. Learn how the Romans handled, or ignored, their problems or just enjoy reading about problems that are already solved by checking out some of the following books.
by Public Service Associate Juliana
My path to art journaling, like many of my life’s interests, was inspired by a library book. I’d just started high school, and my sister had a book report assignment on a self-help book of her choosing for her seventh grade English class. Naturally she went to the library, and I, library lover that I am, tagged along with her. Browsing the self-help section of the stacks, a single spine stood out to my sister, golden yellow with a title that looked like handwritten cursive. She pulled Spilling Open by Sabrina Ward Harrison from the shelf. After a quick flip through the pages, she looked up and said, “I think you’re going to like this one.” And wow, was she right. She’d found something special. This isn’t your typical self-help book or a how-to book on “how-to art journal”, Spilling Open is itself an art journal. I was absolutely enamored.
by Public Service Associate Luke
Roll out the red carpet, tailor your suit, and pour the drinks! The Academy Awards have arrived, and the Oscar campaign season has begun. What movies will walk away with the biggest awards of the night? What actors will be snubbed? What blockbuster movie will win the technical categories but be ignored in the “Big Six” (my guess this year is Dune). The Oscars have been the most prestigious awards in the film industry for nearly a century. Movies from all over the visual medium have taken home some sort of recognition, and there is never a bad time to catch up or rewatch on the best films from the past decades.
by Public Service Associate Hannah
Ah, Valentine’s Day, or as we like to celebrate Library Lovers’ Day! Whether your plans lean romantic or platonic, allow me to share several ways in which Bexley Public Library makes for the perfect valentine.
by Public Service Associate Juliana
February 18th is Toni Morrison Day in Ohio. To celebrate, I’ve spent the last couple weeks rereading my favorite Morrison novel, Song of Solomon. Toni Morrison’s novels live on the top shelf of my bookcase at home, a space reserved for reverence. I first read her as a college student, and she quickly superseded the ranks to become one of my favorite authors.
by Public Service Associate Luke
After almost twenty years, the Matrix finally returned, as slow motion bullets, kung fu wirework, and Keanu Reeves once again graced our screens. Lana Wachowski brought back our favorite green-tinted science fiction to theatres and HBO Max, and the world of cyberpunk is here again.