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A Day On: Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Bexley and Columbus

by Public Service Associate Owen

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a towering figure of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. Today, we honor his legacy, his commitment to non-violence, and his incessant will to see America through to true societal equality. While it can be easy to treat Martin Luther King Jr. day as just another holiday or day off, I believe it is important to take action on a day like this. Ohio state Senator Hearcel Craig calls Martin Luther King Jr. Day “a day on, and not a day off, because of what Dr. King represented and his focus on service.” So, if you are looking for ways to get involved and to honor Dr. King’s legacy, I have compiled some materials, resources, and events to plan a day of service around.

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Booklists Recommendations

Artist Focus: Van Gogh

by Public Service Associate Juliana

Are you planning to visit the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Columbus? Or maybe you already have? Perhaps the buzz alone has sparked your interest to learn more about the artist and his work. I recently checked ticket availability and discovered the exhibit date has been extended through February 27. That allows time for some homework. As a self-described lifelong learner, I draw great joy from a tall stack of study materials. When I go to the exhibit it will not be a Wikipedia-on-the-way type situation. This month, I plan to spend a couple of mornings before work with art books open on the kitchen table, followed by evenings absorbed in Van Gogh biopics. Immersive is in the exhibit’s title, and I want a truly immersive experience, which wouldn’t be complete without a worthy read and watch list.  Let’s indulge in Van Gogh, shall we?

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Programs Recommendations

Better Together: Feature Films Paired with Documentaries

by Public Service Associate Juliana

  • Blaze | dvd pairs well with Heartworn Highways | dvd

I recently borrowed a feature film that happened to pair perfectly with a documentary I’d watched the month prior.  I love serendipitous moments like this, when threads connect and suddenly things deepen and contextualize before your very eyes. 

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Booklists Recommendations

‘Tis the Season to be Reading!

by Public Service Associate Hannah

It’s the most wonderful time of year! When hearts are glowing with seasonal books and good cheer. Heedless of the wind and weather, I hope these suggestions will bring you great pleasure.

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Recommendations staff favorites

Staff Favorites 2021

by Public Service Associate Juliana

Welcome to our yearly round up! Each December it’s become Bexley Library tradition to collect a sampling of our favorite releases from the past 12 months. We hope this year’s compilation inspires you this holiday season! For even more great recommendations, listen to our recent podcast episode, “Best of 2021!”

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Booklists Recommendations Staff Book Reviews

Books I’m Thankful For

by Public Service Associate Owen

I find Thanksgiving to be a wonderful holiday, where friends and family can gather with purpose to be thankful for each other and for what has gone well in their lives. This is the time of year where I am most attentive to what good is around me and what has shaped me as a person. This is especially true with books, which have had such a profound effect on how I was raised and how I view the world today. In this blog post, I will briefly elaborate some of the literary works that have had a substantial impact on my life. In doing so, I hope to both open your eyes to some of these monumental works, as well as to encourage you to reflect on some of the authors and books that have affected your life in a positive way.

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Recommendations Staff Book Reviews

Indigenous Heritage Month

by Public Service Associate Owen

November is National Indigenous Heritage Month, and as such it is an honor to use this space to feature some works of prolific indigenous authors. As Americans, it is of vital importance to recognize the peoples of this continent who were here prior to settlers and colonists. By highlighting some great works of indigenous authors, including the one book that brought indigenous literature into the mainstream, I hope to at least pay some respect to those whose voices were often silenced.

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Booklists Recommendations

Veterans Day Books for All Ages

by Adult Services Manager Whitney

As we honor all US military veterans this week, here are some books for all ages that explore the perspectives and challenges of the men and women who have served our country. Libby has also created a collection of over 160 titles curated by librarians on Military Memoirs and History.

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Booklists Recommendations

The Perfect Autumn Read

by Public Service Associate Nichole

Whether autumn is your favorite season or not, I think we can all agree that it is by far the coziest season of them all. Rustling leaves, a hot drink, and a good book. Sounds pretty perfect, right? Be it a cozy mystery or a romance there is a book for every reader! Here are my recommendations to get you in the perfect autumnal mood:

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Booklists Recommendations

Cookbooks to Dine For!

by Public Service Associate Owen

October brings many wonderful things: the changing of the leaves, sweaters, football games on cool Friday nights, and many other wonderful aspects of autumn. It also features something else I find wonderful – it’s National Cookbook Month! As someone who is always looking for new recipes and creative ideas for cooking, I find cookbooks to be a great source of delicious inspiration. Our cookbook collection here at BPL is quite extensive, so whether you’re vegan, a budding grillmaster, gluten-free, looking to lose weight, or looking to wow the guests of your next dinner party, we have a cookbook for you! To celebrate our collection, I thought I would pick a few of my favorite cookbooks that we have here at BPL.