Reading Guide: Birding for Mental Health

Reading Guide: Birding for Mental Health

May is Mental Health Awareness month and bird watching is a fantastic and scientifically-proven way to help improve mental health. Studies have shown that birding offers a combination of physical activity, engagement with nature, and mental stimulation that can significantly contribute to decreasing anxiety and depression. With that in mind library staff have highlighted some great books on birding for all ages as well as a Bird watching kit patrons can checkout with their Huron County Library card. Find more resources on our online catalogue.

Book cover image of The Joy of Birdwatching

Non-Fiction: The Joy of Birdwatching by Anita Isalska et al.

Soar through this unique guide to birdwatching, which celebrates 60 enchanting bird species and where to find them. Packed with expert insights, trip planning tips, beautiful photography, and a further 120 ideas for birding experiences that explore the simple moments of joy, mindfulness and attentiveness found in watching birds go about their day.

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Book cover image of The Backyard Bird Chronicles

Memoir: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan

In 2016, author amateur birdwatcher Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the world: hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds flocking to the feeders in her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater — an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.

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Book cover image of The Economy of Sparrows

Fiction: The Economy of Sparrows by Trevor Herriot

This debut novel by Trevor Herriot, one of Canada’s foremost writer-naturalists, is the richly observed story of Nell Rowan, who has inherited her family’s prairie farmstead and returned there to live after many decades away. Nell is increasingly obsessed by a 19th-century bird collector while haunted by memories of her mother’s disappearance.

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Book cover image of Diary of a Young Naturalist

YA Non-Fiction: Diary of a Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty

A moving memoir by Irish and autistic sixteen-year-old Dara McAnulty, a globally renowned figure in the youth climate activist movement, about his love of the natural world and fighting to save it. McAnulty is the youngest ever recipient of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds medal for conservation, and he lives with his family and Rosie the rescue-greyhound at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Northern Ireland.

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Book cover image of Birds on the Brain

Juvenile Fiction: Birds on the Brain by Uma Krishnaswami

Bestselling Canadian children’s book author Uma Krishnaswami returns with another story featuring bird lover Reeni as she and a friend choose to do a school project on Bird Count India – a countrywide event that will have thousands of birdwatchers counting birds as part of a global movement. Shocked that few people know or care about the bird count, Reeni works hard to teach people why it matters. Birds on the brain is a funny, triumphant story about learning to advocate for both the human and non-human inhabitants of your community.

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Book cover image of Kids' Field Guide to Birds

Juvenile Non-Fiction: The Kids’ Field Guide to Birds by Daisy Yuhas

The Kids’ Field Guide to Birds is an exciting introduction to bird spotting for kids (and their parents), helping to identify common species while keeping things fun with activities and features throughout.

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Book cover image of Birds Sing their Words

Picture Book: Birds Sing Their Words by Mélina Mangal ; illustrated by Stella Lim

A fantastic picture book introduction to birding for young readers that teaches children about the ways to connect to birds in nature and what they can learn from birdsong and communication. Included at the end is a great guide for caregivers and resources for ways to learn more about birds and birdwatching.

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Book cover image of Birdlore

Picture Book: Birdlore: The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey by Jess Keating; illustrated by Devon Holzwarth

A story about Florence Merriam Bailey the ground-breaking American scientist who inspired a nation to take up bird-watching and worked tirelessly to protect our feathered friends.

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Movie image for A Birder's Guide to Everything

Film: A Birder’s Guide to Everything

David Portnoy, a 15-year-old birding fanatic, thinks that he’s made the discovery of a lifetime. So, on the eve of his father’s remarriage, he escapes on an epic road trip with his best friends to solidify their place in birding history.

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Object Library: Celestron® Bird watching kit

Part of the Healthy Kids Community Challenge series, this kit includes a pair of Celestron® binoculars and two bird watching field guides. Intended for use by those ages 14 and up.

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New Skip the Line collection gives instant access to popular titles

New Skip the Line collection gives instant access to popular titles

Tired of long wait times on popular books? The Huron County Library is thrilled to introduce Skip the Line, a new collection of popular titles that patrons can access more quickly. Visit any one of our 12 branches in person to find a selection of popular titles you can borrow without placing a hold or waiting for a title to become available. 

Here’s how it works:

  • Skip the Line books are available on a first come, first served basis – if you see it on the shelf, it’s yours for the borrowing!
  • The books are clearly marked with a special Skip the Line book wrap.
  • Books in the Skip the Line collection are not holdable.
  • They can be borrowed for one week only, so be sure to only borrow what you can get through in a week, as they are not renewable! 
  • Return them to the branch borrowed from so the next patron can skip the line!

Each quarter, Huron County Library branches will have new titles added to this collection. Titles will be selected based solely on wait times and predicted popularity. All titles in this collection will also have copies in the general collection that can be placed on hold and checked out for the regular loan period. Books will be assigned to specific branches and we encourage patrons to return them to the branch the item was borrowed from.

If you have a hold on the general collection copy, it will still be fulfilled in turn unless cancelled. If you got lucky by picking up a Skip the Line book, be sure to ask staff to cancel your hold on the general collection copy or you can cancel it yourself through your library account online: https://huron.bibliocommons.com/

Library Staff Picks for 2024

Library Staff Picks for 2024

What were Huron County Library staff reading and watching in 2024? Here we highlight some of their top picks for the year! A full list of staff picks can be found on our online catalogue.

Book cover image of Ash's Cabin

Graphic Novel: Ash’s Cabin by Jen Wang

“This graphic novel has excellent storytelling, and beautiful illustrations! I highly recommend checking it out.” – Ashley, Branch Assistant

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Book cover image of James

Fiction: James by Percival Everett

“This book is a reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from Jim’s point of view. It’s an adventurous, funny, and beautifully written novel that explores the complex themes of race and identity.” – Margot, Branch Assistant

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of The Examiner

Mystery: The Examiner by Janice Hallett

“This mystery-thriller is fast paced, clever and funny. The author tells the story by creating scenarios from emails, message, essays and chat forums.” – Paula, Branch Assistant

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of The Burining

Thriller: The Burning by Linda Castillo

“The Burning is a twisty atmospheric mystery set in Amish country. Linda Castillo does an incredible job of bringing the setting to life and populates her stories with characters you can’t help but cheer for. If you haven’t read the Kate Burkholder series, you should! There is no diminishment of quality from the 1st to the 16th book. They’re all great!” – Michelle, Branch Manager, Central Team

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Book cover image of Of Curses and Contempt

Fantasy: Of Curses and Contempt by H.L. Hamilton

“Great debut novel by a new author. Great plot line perfect for fans of fantasy. The banter between the main characters is witty and hilarious.” – Stephanie, Branch Assistant

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Book cover image of Funny Story

Romance: Funny Story by Emily Henry

“A laugh-out-loud romantic comedy about two opposites navigating heartbreak together and the unexpected spark of something more.” – Danielle, Branch Manager, West Team

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of The Menopause Brain

Non-Fiction: The Menopause Brain by Lisa Mosconi, PhD

“The struggle is real but with this book, women will feel more empowered and less alone along the journey.” – Amy, Marketing & Branding Coordinator

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of What Does it Feel Like?

Fiction: What Does It Feel Like?  by Sophie Kinsella

“A deeply personal and autobiographical story about a woman who gets diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor that is based on real events in the author’s recent life. This was a raw but hopeful read, particularly poignant for me as someone who is also a brain tumor survivor. Short but beautiful and highly recommended!” – Shannon, Branch Assistant

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Book cover image of Stitching Science

Non-Fiction: Stitching Science by Keltie Thomas

“I was so excited for this book to arrive. I have been watching its development on Instagram for the last four years. Lauren is a fantastic textile artist from Guelph who handcrafted a work of art to illustrate 26 different scientific concepts one for each letter of the alphabet. The book is beautiful and informative.” – Dana, Library Collections Clerk

Place a hold online…

DVD cover image of The Iron Claw

DVD: The Iron Claw 

The Iron Claw will surprise you. It’s a true story of the Von Erich brothers trying to make it in the world of professional wrestling in the 1980s under the guidance of their tyrannical father. I don’t really care about wrestling, and despite its central place in the film, it’s not the driving force. The acting is incredible, the writing is strong, and witnessing what these brothers went through is both tragic and powerful. This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in recent years. It deserved several Oscar nominations, hands down.” – Hamilton, Branch Assistant

Place a hold online…

Welcoming Week

Welcoming Week

Each September, the Huron County Library celebrates Welcoming Week with our friends from the Huron County Immigrations Partnership.  Running from Sept. 13-22, Welcoming Week is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the people, places and values that make everyone feel welcome and give them a sense of belonging in their local community, no matter where they come from. Everyone is always welcome at the Huron County Library, and we are very pleased to host the following throughout the week:

  • Meet Your Neighbour events that aim to create and cultivate social connections between community members and local organizations for the purpose of increasing community engagement for the benefit of all and our community as a whole.
  • Colour and take home a Welcoming Week tote from any of our 12 branches.
  • Pick up a “Newcomers welcome” button from any of our we branches
  • The Huron County Museum is hosting a screening of the film Ru
  • Check out one of a great number of books in our collection that celebrate newcomers to Canada! A staff-created list with even more with even more new and older favorites can be found on our online catalogue
Book cover image of Crooked Teeth

Memoir: Crooked Teeth: A Queer Syrian Refugee Memoir by Danny Ramadan

This new memoir by award-winning Syrian-Canadian author, Danny Ramadan, is a powerful refutation of the oversimplified refugee narrative—a book that holds space for joy alongside sorrow, for nuance and complicated ambivalences. Written with fearless intimacy, Crooked Teeth is a singular achievement in which a master storyteller learns that his greatest story is his own.

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover image of The Afterpains

Fiction: The Afterpains by Anna Julia Stainsby

A heartbreaking portrait of two families trying to cope with grief, isolation, and living far from one’s homeland—told in the voices of two women and their children who find themselves connected in unexpected ways. Tender and compassionate, The Afterpains is a moving debut novel about motherhood, grief, identity, and belonging by a new Canadian author to watch.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of The Laundryman's Boy

Historical Fiction: The Laundryman’s Boy by Edward Y.C. Lee

Fall 1913, St. Catharines, thirteen-year-old Hoi Wing Woo, the son of a scholar, is forced to give up his dream of an education when he is sent to work in a Chinese laundry in Canada.  Hoi Wing is immediately thrust into relentless, mind-numbing toil, washing clothes by hand for sixteen hours a day, six days a week. Without knowledge of English or western societal customs, he faces a daily onslaught of insults, taunts and physical violence from gangs of local bullies. The laundryman’s boy is a coming-of-age story that examines race, immigration, duty and friendship, The Laundryman’s Boy is an enduring and moving tale about early newcomers to Canada and their struggle to succeed against all odds.

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Book cover image of Sunshine and Spice

Romance: Sunshine and Spice by Aurora Palit

In this romcom debut by a new Canadian author, Naomi and Dev, two complete opposites agree to fake date in order to solve their cultural dilemmas and find the only force more powerful than a South Asian immigrant mother’s matchmaking schemes, might just be true love. Set in Kelowna, B.C., this spicy Desi fake dating romance is full of heart and perfect for fans of authors like Sonali Dev or Sara Desai.

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Book cover image of Ace and Misfits

Young Adult Fiction: Ace and the Misfits by Eddie Kawooya

New to Canada, Ace is battling ignorance, bullying, and a new culture. Now he seeks to regain his confidence and show himself he has the tools to make it in his new life. In his debut novel, Eddie Kawooya presents a fish-out-of-water story of immigration and the pains and joys of integration into a new and sometimes frightening environment. Arriving in Canada, Ace finds himself living in a basement apartment, having to integrate into a new community where he is the “African.” Struggling with his grades and his self worth, he finds ignorance and bullying at school until he falls in with a crew of international misfits who understand what he’s going through.

Place a hold online…

Book cover image of Today I Am

Young Adult Fiction: Today I Am: 10 Stories of Belonging edited by Jael Richardson

In this collection of short fiction, ten outstanding authors explore the theme of home – home as a place, a concept, as a way of thinking about the body – through prose, verse and graphic storytelling. These stories were compiled and edited by Jael Richardson, acclaimed author and Artistic Director of the Festival of Literary Diversity and bring together perspectives on belonging by BIPOC authors from across Canada.

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Book cover image of Call Me Al

Juvenile Fiction: Call Me Al by Wali Shah and Eric Walters

Ali is an eighth-grade kid with a lot going on. Between the pressure from his immigrant parents to ace every class, his crush on Melissa, who lives in the rich area of town while he and his family live in a shabby apartment complex, and trying his best to fit in with his friends, he feels like he’s being pulled in too many different directions. But harder still, Ali is becoming increasingly aware of the racism around him. Comments from his friends about Pakistani food or his skin color are passed off as jokes, but he doesn’t find them funny. Ali must come to terms with his roiling feelings about his place in the world, as a Pakistani immigrant, a Muslim and a teenager with his whole life ahead of him. With help from his grandfather, an inspiring teacher and his friend, Ali leans on his words for strength. And eventually he finds his true voice.

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Book cover image of The New Girl

Juvenile Graphic Novel: The New Girl written and illustrated by Cassandra Callin

In her middle grade graphic novel debut, Romanian Canadian webtoon comic, Cassandra Callin has written a heartfelt story about adjusting to change and acceptance. Lia and her family are waiting to board a flight across the Atlantic, leaving behind family, friends, and Romania — the only home Lia has ever known. But Lia’s heartache is overshadowed by the discomfort of her first period. As if things weren’t difficult enough! Now Lia is thrust into a world where everything is new – her home, her language, and even her body. With so many changes happening at once, Lia struggles with schoolwork, has trouble communicating with classmates, and has no idea how to manage her unpleasant periods. Will she ever feel like herself again?

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Book cover image of I, Too, Am Here

Picture Book: I, Too, Am Here by Morgan Christie and Illustrated by Marley Berot

The street a young girl lives on is made up of families from all over the world. Her family shares with her their stories of journey and struggle. Her own story begins here in this country, but she is sometimes made to feel she does not belong. She listens to her family’s voices. They tell her she will soar, they tell her she is beautiful. She listens and she says I, too, am here. Beautifully illustrated, I, too, am here, is a multigenerational story of immigration, racism, and what it truly means to belong inspired by Langston Hughes’ poem, “I, Too.”

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Say Goodbye To Summer

Say Goodbye To Summer

Before we say goodbye to summer, check out some of our favorite new summer releases. There’s something for everyone from romance, thrillers, true crime stories, travel memoirs, graphic novels and more! A staff-created list with even more with even more new and older favorites can be found on our online catalogue

Book cover image of A Walk in the Park

Non-Fiction/Travel Memoir: A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon by Kevin Fedarko

An epic adventure, action-packed survival tale, and a deep spiritual journey, A Walk in the Park gives us an unprecedented glimpse of the crown jewel of America’s iconic landscape framed by ancient rock whose contours are recognized by all, but whose secrets and treasures are known to almost no one, and whose topography encompasses some of the harshest, least explored, most awe-inspiring terrain in the world. This book is perfect for fans of writers like Bill Bryson and Adam Shoalts.

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover image of Liliana's Invincible Summer

Biography/True Crime: Liliana’s Invincible Summer: A Sister’s Search for Justice by Cristina Rivera Garza

Winner of a Pulitzer Prize for Memoir or Autobiography, this is a haunting, unforgettable story about a beloved younger sister and the painful memory of her tragic murder, from one of Mexico’s greatest living writers. In the early hours of July 16, 1990, Liliana Rivera Garza was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend. A life full of promise and hope, cut tragically short, Liliana’s story instead became subsumed into Mexico’s dark and relentless history of domestic violence. In luminous, poetic prose, Rivera Garza tells a singular yet universally resonant story: that of a spirited, wondrously hopeful young woman who tried to survive in a world of increasingly normalized gendered violence.

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Book cover image of Sandwich

Fiction: Sandwich by Catherine Newman

While on her family’s yearly escape to Cape Cod, Rocky, sandwiched between her half-grown kids and fully aging parents, relives the tenderness and sorrow of a handful of long-ago summers, coming face-to-face with her family’s history and future and accepting she can no longer hide her secrets from the people she loves.

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Book cover image of Fast Girls

Fiction: God of the Woods by Liz Moore

When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp in 1975, two worlds collide. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances.

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Book cover image of One Perfect Couple

Mystery/Thriller: One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware

Harkening to Agatha Christie’s classic And Then There Were None, this high-tension and ingenious thriller follows five couples trapped on a storm-swept island as a killer stalks among them. This latest from best-selling British author, Ruth Ware is perfect for fans of reality tv shows and disaster thrillers.

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Book cover image of Let the Games Begin

Romance: Let the Games Begin by Rufaro Faith Mazarura

Set against a sizzling-hot Greek summer filled with sunshine and souvlaki, Rufaro Faith Mazarura’s Let the Games Begin is a page-turning debut rom-com about two strangers at the top of their game falling in love during a fictional 2024 summer Olympics in Athens.

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Book cover image of Synchro Boy

Young Adult Novel in Verse: The Lightning Circle by Vikki VanSickle; illustrations by Laura K. Watson

After having her heart broken, 17-year-old Nora Nichols decides to escape her hometown and take a summer job as a counsellor at an all-girls’ camp in the mountains of West Virginia. There, she meets girls and women from all walks of life with their own heartaches and triumphs. But when a letter from home comes bearing unexpected news, Nora finds inner strength in her devastation with the healing power of female friendship. Presented as Nora’s camp journal, including Nora’s sketches of camp life, scraps of letters, and spare poems, The Lightning Circle is an intimate coming-of-age portrait and a great look at summer camp life.

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Book cover image of There's a Skunk in my Bunk

Juvenile Fiction: There’s a Skunk in my Bunk by Dan Gutman; illustrations by Jim Paillot

School’s out for summer! A.J. can’t wait to spend his days playing video games, watching TV, and forgetting everything he learned during the school year. But when his parents announce they’ve signed him up for sleepaway camp, his great plans slip away right before his eyes. A humorous middle grade story about summer camp perfect for fans of authors like Gordon Korman.

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Book cover image of Gamerville

Juvenile Graphic Novel: Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas

A video gamer’s championship aspirations are dashed when his parents send him to Camp Refresh, where electronics are forbidden and you’re forced to socialize, eat healthy, and spend time outside. Gamerville is a timely and vulnerable exploration of the importance of human connection and what it means to run in a pack, brought to you by award-winning Canadian author Johnnie Christmas.

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Book cover image of Mama's Library Summers

Picture Book: Mama’s Library Summers written by Melvina Noel; illustrations by Daria Peoples

Mama takes her two daughters to the library every summer to pick out books about Black people so they can see the struggles, strength, and hope of people who look like them.

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Book cover image of Swimming Towards a Dream

Juvenile Non-fiction: Swimming Toward a Dream: Yusra Mardini’s Incredible Journey from Refugee to Olympic Swimmer written by Reem Faruqi; illustrations by Asma Enayah

Growing up in Damascus, the pool was Yusra Mardini’s happy place. She learned to swim before she could walk. And with swimming came a dream–to compete in the Olympic games. But when war came to Syria, Yusra’s home–and her pool–were no longer safe. Yusra and her sister set out on a harrowing journey, crossing the sea in search of safety. Young readers will dive into this courageous tale of an athlete, refugee, and hero who inspired the world with her resolve to pursue her Olympic dream.

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Summer Reading Week 7: Over the Moon

Summer Reading Week 7: Over the Moon

Woah! Do you see that giant rock floating in the sky?! It must be important for sure. In our second-last week of summer reading club, our theme will be “Over the Moon”, and we will focus on Luna, the name of Earth’s moon!  

Did you know Saturn has 136 moons (that we know of)? That’s a lot more than Earth’s one moon! This week we will read Mi’kmaw Moons by Cathy LeBlanc and learn how the moon has helped this group of Indigenous peoples to Canada track seasons! We will create a moon lander that can open to reveal aliens and astronauts!  

As always, for those who were taking one small step for man, one giant leap for humankind and could not make it to our club, we have colouring sheets and a moony reading suggestion list for you to enjoy! 

We promise you the moon! 

Nadine and Morgan