by Public Services Associate Beth
As we get closer and closer to wrapping up another year, I want to talk about some of my favorite non-fiction books from 2022. Admittedly, this was a difficult task to choose only a couple of books, as I read many excellent books this year. But I chose 3 of my top favorites to share with you here, some you may have heard of, and some that may have flown under the radar. So without further ado…
by Public Service Associate Owen
Thanksgiving! It means many things to many different people, but to me it is the best holiday. It’s a day of celebration, reflection, and quality time with family, friends, and the living room couch. It’s a time for parades, board games, football, toasts, and massive caloric intake. But it can also be quite stressful, especially if you’re in charge of the feast and festivities, so I will be briefly sharing some books and other items that will help ensure the big day goes as smoothly as possible. So, without further ado, here are some resources to help you along as you plan and prepare for a wonderful Thanksgiving. Cheers!
by Public Service Associate Owen
Audiobooks are quickly becoming one of my favorite ways to ingest a good book. While nothing quite beats cozying up to your favorite hard cover or thumbing through a paperback, audiobooks really are a great alternative, especially for those who might not have the time to sit down and read. Audiobooks are a great option if you’re traveling, cleaning the house, or otherwise too occupied to read a physical book. Whether you’re planning for a road trip and need some in-car entertainment, or want to listen to a good story while you take a walk (as I am one to do), a good audiobook has you covered! And with Libby, it’s easier than ever to access and borrow thousands of titles right from your phone or other device! I’d like to highlight a few of my favorite audiobooks, as well as others that fellow BPL staff members have recommended, so that you have a good place to start from if you’re interested in getting into the audiobook scene. Happy listening!
by Public Service Associate Juliana
One of the many wonderful things about working at the library is that not only do we give recommendations but we often receive them. My TBR list is always growing, and I’m constantly discovering new authors to read based on what patrons are reading and enjoying. Most recently a patron recommended to me the 2012 novel Heft by Liz Moore. She liked it so much that when she returned it she hoped to find more books written by Moore, as well as read-alike authors and titles.
Have you experienced something similar? Is there an author or book that really struck a chord with you? The staff here at BPL can help. Come find us. We love these types of questions and conversations. For a truly tailored experience, you might consider signing up for Personalized Picks where we select titles and put them on hold for you.
by Public Service Associate Luke
I have spent countless hours playing board games with friends and family. We have played everything from backstabbing sabotage to cooperative adventures, and playing these games has created new ways for my friends and I to entertain ourselves. Likewise, board game nights with my family have allowed for all of us to get closer. Some games will make you laugh, some will make you cry, and some might make you very angry, but it’s all in the name of great fun. As the weather gets cooler, board games are a great way to hang out with your people of choice and enjoy the coming fall evenings. This list presents some game options that are more than the typical Monopoly and Candyland, and I recommend all of them as part of a great game night.
by Public Service Associate Luke
When Bong Joon-Ho, the Korean director, was accepting his Best Picture award for Parasite, he stated that the win would hopefully show audiences that they could get over the “one-inch barrier of subtitles” and have their worlds opened to entirely new stories and creative insight. Admittedly, I once had to overcome this hurdle myself, but ever since I began exploring foreign films, I have found some of my favorite movies. I learned how samurai movies created the “lone wolf” trope that American westerns popularized. I discovered darkly psychological thrillers that inspired the likes of Fincher, and I experienced the original martial arts movies that Tarantino has since emulated. Going international for your film viewing leads to some artistic, beautifully crafted, and deeply philosophical movies, with some of my personal favorites listed in this blog.
by Public Service Associate Owen
Other than the shock of spring, summer is far and away the most verdant time of year. It is the perfect time to get the overalls on, find your gardening gloves and trowel, and spend hazy days in the garden. If you’re the sort of person who finds fulfilment on your knees in the soil, or even if you simply appreciate a good house plant, then this blog is for you! I’d like to highlight our extensive plant and gardening section here at the library, as well as shout out a fantastic event we’re having here involving plants and gardening that you won’t want to miss!
by Public Service Associate Owen
Summer is moving right along as we go deeper into July and look towards August. In a past blog, we’ve covered some delightful beach reads for you to enjoy if you’re spending a weekend by the lake or by the ocean – but what if you want to jam out to some summery music while doing so? Do you have a road trip coming up and need something to listen to? Are you simply looking for some new music? Luckily for you, this blog will delve into some of my favorite music to listen to during the summer, across all sorts of genres. Whether you’re working on your tan, having a cookout with friends and family, or are simply enjoying the warmer weather, these albums, pieces, and songs will help you embrace the warmth of the season!
by Adult Services Manager Whitney
I grew up in the 80s, and wasn’t aware of Title IX until I was an adult. But with the 50th anniversary of Title IX last Thursday, I’ve been hearing more stories that make me realize that lack of awareness proves the law’s success: things have changed so much I’ve been able to take it for granted. Unlike Linda Logan, CEO of the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, when I was in school there were multiple sports available to girls, rather than zero. Unlike Stephanie Hightower, I was aware of girls who had received sports scholarships, rather than being the first one. And unlike Sue Ramsey, who graduated from Bexley High School in 1974, I didn’t have to make my own field hockey uniforms in Home Economics.
by Associate Librarian Debbie
Asian and Pacific Islander Month is winding down, but it’s never too late to check out some awesome Asian films and directors! Here, I’ve gathered some excellent movies and films from a diverse array of Asian and Asian-American filmmakers and directors that you can find right here at the Bexley Public Library! From Wong Kar-Wai to Naomi Kawase, these are some movies and filmmakers worth celebrating.