Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and staff have compiled a great list of recent reads that highlight ways to check in on your mental health or read about other people who are also struggling. Above all remember it’s okay to not be okay and there’s no shame in asking for help!

A staff-created list with even more of our recent recommendations can be found on our online catalogue.

Cover image of Radical Love

Memoir – Radical Love: Learning to Accept Yourself and Others by Zachary Levi

Radical Love combines witty, touching, and powerful commentary with relatable illustrations to help you on your own path toward mental wellness. With vulnerability and humor, Zac relates the valuable lessons and insights he’s learned so that you can rise from the ashes of trauma and pursue a meaningful life of gratitude.

Place a hold online…

 

Cover image of Tell Me What You Want

Non-Fiction – Tell Me What You Want by Charlotte Fox Weber

Written with warmth and compassion, full of dramatic, intimate, and moving personal stories, and based on careful research as well as firsthand observations. For fans of Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and Group, this inspiring and moving exploration of the twelve fundamental psychological needs we all share goes behind the closed doors of therapy to guide us in navigating our deepest longings.

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cover image of Generation Dread<br />

Non-Fiction – Generation Dread by Britt Wray

Climate and environment-related fears and anxieties are on the rise everywhere. As with any type of stress, eco-anxiety can lead to lead to burnout, avoidance, or a disturbance of daily functioning. In Generation Dread, the author seamlessly merges scientific knowledge with emotional insight to show how these intense feelings are a healthy response to the troubled state of the world.

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Cover image of Feelings: a story in seasons<br />

Graphic Novel/Memoir – Feelings: A Story in Seasons by Manjit Thapp

Articulating and validating the range of feelings we all experience, this is a book that allows us to feel connected and comforted by the experiences that make us human. Told over the course of a year, the author shares the ups and downs of her feelings across all four seasons, from the highs of spring and summer to the lows of winter.

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Cover image of Adelaide

Fiction – Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler

With unflinching honesty and heart, this relatable debut from a fresh new voice explores grief and mental health while capturing the timeless nature of what it’s like to be young and in love—with your friends, with your city, and with a person who cannot, will not, love you back.

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Cover image of Forever is Now

Young Adult Novel-inVerse – Forever is Now by Mariama J. Lockington

A poignant and lyrical young adult novel-in-verse about a Black teen coming of age in an anxiety-inducing world that tackles teen activism, agoraphobia and the Black Lives Matter movement.

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Cover image of Chaos Theory

Young Adult Fiction – Chaos Theory by Nic Stone

A gripping romance about two BIPOC teens: a certified genius living with bipolar disorder and a politician’s son who is running from his alcoholism and grief. This is a gut punch of a novel about about living with grief, prioritizing mental health, and finding love amid the chaos.

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Cover image of Living with Viola<br />

Middle Grade Graphic Novel – Living with Viola by Rosena Fung

Forest of Reading nominated debut author, Rosena Fung draws on her own early experiences with anxiety and the pressures of growing up as the child of Chinese immigrant parents to craft a personal story that explores mental health, cultural differences, and the trials of middle school.

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Cover image of Iveliz Explains it All

Middle Grade Novel-in-Verse – Iveliz Explains it All by Andrea Beatriz Arango; illustrated by Alyssa Bermudez

A powerful and compassionate, novel-in-verse debut that navigates mental health, finding your voice, and discovering that those who really love you will stay by your side. The author does an excellent job exploring PTSD, grief, therapy, medication and suicidal ideation in a young child in this incredible #ownvoices story.

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Cover image of Dark Cloud

Picture Book – Dark Cloud by Anna Lazowski; illustrated by Penny Neville-Lee

In this sensitive picture book, symbolic imagery perfectly captures how depression can look and feel as a little girl visualizes her depression as a way of learning to cope. The lyrical text and expressive drawings provide young children with a way to understand and talk about their own feelings. The repetition in the text and the visual narrative pull readers in, making this an excellent read-aloud pick to spark discussions about feelings.

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Black History Month Reading Recommendations

Black History Month Reading Recommendations

Celebrate the diversity of Black Canadian experiences all year long by checking out any of these recent and award-winning releases by and about Black Canadian authors. A list with even more of our recent favorites can be found on our online catalogue.

Related event:

Photo of the book cover Hold My Girl

Fiction – Hold My Girl by Charlene Carr

With themes of racial identity, loss and betrayal, this emotional novel centred around a difficult moral question beautifully explores the complexities of motherhood. Recommended for fans of Heather Marshall and Ashley Audrain.

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Photo of the book cover In the Upper Country

Fiction – In the Upper Country by Kai Thomas

The fates of two unforgettable women–one just beginning a journey of reckoning and self-discovery and the other completing her life’s last vital act–intertwine in this sweeping, powerful novel set at the terminus of the Underground Railroad.

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Photo of the book cover Uncertain Kin

Short Story Fiction – Uncertain Kin by Janice Lynn Mather

For readers of Frying Plantain and Scarborough, a luminous, mesmerizing collection of linked stories about the lives of woman and girls in The Bahamas, from rising literary star and Governor General’s Award-finalist Janice Lynn Mather.

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Photo of the book cover Even Thought I Knew the End

Fantasy/Novella – Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

A magical detective dives into the affairs of Chicago’s divine monsters to secure a future with the love of her life. This sapphic period piece will dazzle anyone looking for mystery, intrigue, romance, magic, or all of the above in a small but powerful package.

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Photo of the book cover Dream of No One but Myself

Poetry/Prose – Dream of No One but Myself by David Bradford

An expansive, hybrid, debut collection of prose poems, self-erasures, verse, and family photo cut-ups about growing up in a racially trinary, diversely troubled family an award-winning poet.

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Photo of book cover My Ackee Tree

Memoir – My Ackee Tree by Suzanne Barr

This memoir from Toronto-born chef, Suzanne Barr is full of food, family and her battle with the stereotypes of being a Black female cook who eventually became a culinary star in an industry beset by dated practices and landlords with too much power. For fans of The Measure of My Powers and Notes from a Young Black Chef.

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Photo of the book cover Batter Royale

Young Adult Graphic Novel – Batter Royale by Leisl Adams

This Forest of Reading-nominated graphic novel debut sees a biracial teen girl competing in a reality baking competition with her friend in a fish-out-of-water style romantic comedy about climbing out of the circumstances you’re in and making your dreams come true.

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Photo of the book cover Until we Break

Young Adult Fiction – Until We Break by Matthew Dawkins

From Jamaican-born Watty award-winning author and poet, Matthew Dawkins comes a YA romance that sees an injured aspiring ballerina forced to reassess her life aspirations with help from a talented street artist. This book deals with important topics including mental health, grief and racial justice. Be sure to join us Feb 16th for a virtual Author Talk with this talented debut novelist.

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Photo of the book cover Delicious Monsters

Young Adult Fantasy – Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury

An evocative and mind-bending new psychological thriller that follows two Black teen girls navigating the treacherous past of a mysterious mansion ten years apart. Perfect for fans of true crime and cold cases from the best-selling, Governor-General award nominated author of Blood like magic.

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Photo of book cover Beatrice and Croc Harry

Middle Grade Fiction – Beatrice and Croc Harry by Lawrence Hill

One of Canada’s most celebrated author’s debut novel for young readers in which a brave and resilient young Black girl searches for identity and healing when she finds herself stranded in a magical forest with only a talking crocodile for a companion.

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Photo of the book cover Dear Black Child

Picture Books – Dear Black Child written by Rahma Roodah, illustrated by Lydia Mba

With gorgeous artwork, this new picture book celebrates Black joy in a moving and lyrical tribute to and affirmation of Black children around the world by an exciting new author and illustrator duo.

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Summer Reading Week 3: Tales from Turtle Island

Summer Reading Week 3: Tales from Turtle Island

Week three, where to be? Well, at your local library for the Summer Reading Program, of course! This week we will learn some stories of the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island (Indigenous peoples of what most now commonly call North America). These tales are very diverse, just like the different Indigenous cultures and peoples to which they belong, so we hope you find many that you enjoy! To learn more, download this week’s related colouring sheet and check out this week’s reading list.

COUNTY OF HURON LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT STATEMENT

We acknowledge that the land we stand upon today is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Neutral peoples. We recognize the First Peoples’ continued stewardship of the land and water, and that this territory was subject to the Dish with One Spoon wampum, under which multiple nations agreed to care for the land and resources by the Great Lakes in peace.

We would also like to acknowledge and recognize the Upper Canada Treaties signed in regards to this land, which include Treaty #29 and Treaty #45 1/2, and our roles as treaty people, committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation, gratitude, and respect with all First Nation, Métis and Inuit people.

WEEKLY THEMES & ACTIVITIES:

TD Summer Reading – Colouring Pages

TD Summer Reading – Colouring Pages

Hey everybody! We are Gwyneth and Olivia, your Huron County Library TD Summer Reading coordinators and we are really excited to lead this year’s program! The fun starts at a branch near you the week of July 4 and we are looking forward to a summer filled with adventure, play, social connection, and lots of reading, of course!

We are super excited to visit each one of Huron County’s amazing elementary schools over the next few weeks to talk to you about our summer reading club! And we hope you are just as excited as us for the TD Summer Reading Club this year, because we have planned a jam-packed summer built around this year’s theme, Once Upon a Time; Myths and Legends.

Registration opens online on Monday, June 13, but we wanted to give you a little sneak peak of just one of our awesome activities that you can enjoy on this PD Day! You can download and print these magical colouring pages and design them in any way you like!

Enjoy! 

 

Top Picks for Pride Month

Top Picks for Pride Month

In honor of Pride month, we’ve selected some standout LGBTQIA2S+ books representing a wide cross section of queer experiences. There’s something to appeal to all audiences and tastes from memoir to romance to edge of your seat thriller and everything in between. Feel free to browse the catalogue or ask your local branch staff for more recommendations.

book cover of The Gunkle

General fiction – The Guncle by Steven Rowley

A favorite from last summer, this is a heartwarming and hilarious story about a washed up gay television actor hiding out in Palm Springs who becomes guardian for his niece and nephew in the face of a family tragedy. Full of humor, healing and the power of family to help overcome grief.

Place a hold online…

 

book cover of The Romantic Agenda

Romance – The Romantic Agenda by Claire Kann

A fun and flirty fake dating summer romance featuring Joy, a Black, asexual main character. The perfect beach read with important conversations about asexuality and what being on the ACE spectrum is like. Highly recommended!

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover of Razorblade Tears

Mystery/Thriller – Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

An unputdownable story about two fathers who come together when their gay sons are brutally murdered. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat waiting to see how things are going to play out!

Content warning: some scenes of graphic violence

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Book cover of Live Lives Here

Non-Fiction/Memoir – Love Lives Here by Amanda Jette Knox (Canadian Author)

This is a beautifully written must read story about one Canadian family’s experience as two of their members ‘come out’ as trans. Told from Amanda’s perspective, she shares how both her daughter and partner transitioned to their true gender identities.

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover of The Girl from the Sea

YA/Graphic Novel – The Girl From the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

A tender, queer coming of age graphic novel about finding the courage to be your authentic self and not being afraid to share who you are with your friends and family. Perfect for fans of the Heartstopper series & Netflix show.

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover of Obie is Man Enough

Middle Grade – Obie is Man Enough by Schuyler Bailar

A powerfully moving middle grade story about Obie, a transgender, biracial Korean American boy who just wants to swim. The book tackles important topics like bullying, transphobia, self-acceptance and the complexities of being a transgender athlete.

Place a hold online…

 

Book cover for Pride Puppy

Children – Pride Puppy by Robin Stevenson (Canadian Author)

This alphabet book is Canadian, colorful, full of diversity and has lots of FUN and REAL moments! The perfect book to start important conversations with young children.

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Afternoon tea for the Queen’s Jubilee

Afternoon tea for the Queen’s Jubilee

This year, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her Platinum Jubilee (the first British Monarch to do so), recognizing 70 years of service to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. As we get closer to the Jubilee Weekend (June 2 – 5), many people around the world will be celebrating and you may think ‘What can I do for the occasion?’. Why not invite your family, friends and neighbors for a traditional Afternoon Tea?

A SHORT ORIGIN STORY

You may think of Afternoon Tea as the epitome of British tradition, but it is actually a fairly “new” concept. While tea was first introduced to England in the 1660s, Afternoon Tea was not part of British culture until the mid-19th Century. It was first introduced by Anna, seventh Duchess of Bedford in 1840. At that time, the evening meal was not served until 8 or 9 o’clock in the evening – a long wait in between meals. The Duchess would always get hungry in the late afternoon, so she started asking for something to eat. She would request a tray of tea, bread and butter, scones, and cakes to be served. As this became routine, she began inviting friends to join her. Soon, other people in society took note and started to do the same. Thus, becoming what we know as Afternoon Tea.

Traditionally, Tea is served around 4 pm with little sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, and an assortment of cakes and pastries. But if you wish to make it simple, a nice mug of tea and cookies will do.

HOSTING THE PERFECT AFTERNOON TEA PARTY

  • Set the Scene – Create a nice atmosphere for your Afternoon Tea. Bring out the nice tablecloths, fancy tea cups and plates, and fresh flower arrangements. If it’s a beautiful day, take the party outside!
  • Tea! Tea! And more tea! – There’s no party without tea! Favorite teas include black teas like Earl Grey, English breakfast, and Darjeeling. But there are many, many more varieties out there, especially for those who prefer caffeine free. Varieties such as chai, peppermint, chamomile, fruit, and herbal. Not a fan of hot drinks? Try iced tea or a fruit drink as an alternative. If you are unsure of what tea to get, local bulk food shops often have loose leaf teas that you can smell. This is a great way to see if the tea appeals to you.
  • The Spread – Don’t forget the food! Having a spread of various finger foods that pair perfectly with your tea is always a delight.

What to serve:

  • Little sandwiches. Traditional flavors include: cucumber, egg salad, smoked salmon, chicken, ham and cheese, and cheese.
  • Scones with clotted cream and jam or marmalade.
  • Cakes and pastries such as macarons, fruit tarts, sponge cakes, cupcakes, sausage rolls, and for a modern twist – mini cheesecakes!

Voila! Now time to invite your guests, don your party attire and hat, and enjoy your Afternoon Tea!

JUBILEE SCONES

Recipe from Central Team Branch Assistant Nancy

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 1 Tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ Tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup softened butter
  • 2 beaten eggs (reserve a little for brushing on the top)
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • ½ cup dried currants (optional)

Instructions:

  • Pre-heat oven to 425 F
  • Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, cream of tartar and salt.
  • In another bowl, combine butter, eggs, and milk.
  • Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients to the dry. Mix until well combined.
  • On a baking sheet covered with parchment, pat dough into a 10” circle, cut into 8 wedges and separate slightly.
  • Brush with the reserved egg mixed with a little water.
  • Bake 15 minutes until golden on top, testing with a toothpick to make sure they are completely cooked through.

INSPIRATION FOR A CELEBRATION

  • Looking for inspiration, ideas and recipes for the party? Check out a number of resources from the Huron County Library.
  • Don’t have time to host your own Afternoon Tea? Join the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Tea, hosted by the Clinton United Church, on June 2.
  • The Huron County Museum currently has a small exhibit on display featuring artifacts related to the Royal Family and the Queen’s Coronation. Available during regular hours of operation. Admission is FREE with a Huron County Library card!