Library Blog

Book Review: “How to Love” by Thich Nhất Hạnh

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Communications Manager Kyla Merwin recommends How to Love by Thich Nhất Hạnh.

If love makes the world go ’round, and all you need is love…then why is that wonderful, beautiful, four-letter word completely blind, deaf, and dumb?

Beyond romantic love, our capacity to love our friends, family, colleagues, strangers, and enemies, we are told, is endless. . .and challenged on a regular basis.

One of my favorite, go-to volumes on this crazy, mindless subject comes from Thich Nhất Hạnh, beloved teacher, Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, and peace activist.

Nhất Hạnh distills the unruly beast of love into four essential concepts:

  • You can only love another when you feel true love for yourself
  • Love is understanding
  • Understanding brings compassion
  • Deep listening and loving speech are key to showing love

Through Nhất Hạnh, we learn that love isn’t mindless after all. Our capacity for love, it turns out, hinges on mindfulness.

Though he passed from these earthly realms earlier this year, Nhất Hạnh’s wisdom, compassion and teachings helped shape the best of this world, and continue to inspire generations of seekers, including me.

How to Love is available through Interlibrary Loan, here.

Winter Read Exhibits 2022

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From The Library Foyer, through the Stacks, to Children’s Library, and on to the Gold Mine Thrift Store, exhibits and displays celebrate the rivers that run through our lives and our relationships to them.

This year’s Winter Read  is Norman Maclean’s novella A River Runs Through It. Set on Montana’s Blackfoot River 100 years ago, this short novel invites us to think about the changing landscapes of family, rivers, and the west. In this spirit, we invite you to explore the following exhibits and displays:

Reel Legends: Fly-fisherwomen of the Wood River Valley

Location: Library Foyer

The new Library Foyer exhibit celebrates the great fly-fishing tradition in the Wood River Valley as seen through the eyes of four women who have earned the badge of Reel Legends on our local waters. 

The four women featured in this exhibit were lured to our local waterways for varied reasons. Yet each connects to the pursuit with great passion and reverence for the natural splendor that fly-fishing immerses them into. Join us in exploring, through object and word, the reasons these Reel Legends are called to the water with rod in hand. We celebrate their spirited pursuit of our local waters and gladly bend an ear to hear their fishing stories.

The Floating World of Grant McClintock: A Photographic Exhibit

Location: In the Stacks, outside the Idaho Room

Somewhere during his five decades as a professional photographer, Grant McClintock’s name became synonymous with fly fishing. This status is largely due to the success of two collaborative books featuring “flywaters” of the West.

A passionate fly-fisher since young adulthood, McClintock took on an idea that was sparked at a gathering of friends. Mike Crockett describes the moment as “a pleasant cocktail hour” with the McClintocks in Ketchum. They later enlisted Jack Hemingway, another avid Wood River Valley fly-fisher, in what would become Flywater (1994).

Fish through the Eyes of Youth

Location: Children’s Library

Colorful trout hang suspended in tissue paper water as part of our children’s art project in conjunction with the Winter Read of A River Runs Through It. Our young patrons lent their skills in creating the diverse kinds of fish, some realistic, some imaginative. An authentic spey rod (courtesy of Susanne Connor) and creel basket (courtesy of Juliette Gutierrez) are also on display in the case, located outside the Children’s Library.

Historic River Photographs

Location: Gold Mine Thrift Store

Historic images from the Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History Collections bring the Winter Read to life in the Gold Mine. Six images, including Clayton Stewart at Silver Creek (pictured above), allow shoppers to connect with and enjoy the spirit of the Winter Read and the rivers that run through our lives.

Learn more about the Winter Read here.

Digging into Groundhog Day

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Top 7 Things You May Not Know + Fun Groundhog Titles at The Library

If the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2,
we’ll have six more weeks of winter . . .maybe!

Pretty much everyone knows about Punxsutawney Phil and his propensity for predicting the weather in Pennsylvania.

And pretty much everyone who sheltered in place during the global pandemic had at least an inkling of the Groundhog Day phenomenon – referenced from the 1993 Bill Murray film – where day after day seemed to be exactly the same.

But … can you answers THESE fun questions about groundhogs and their biggest day of the year?

1. How Often Does Punxsutawney Phil Get the Weather Forecast Right?

Answer: 30% of the time.

If the groundhog sees his shadow on February 2, it’s because the sun is shining and the weather is cold, therefore he dives back into his burrow for another six weeks to wait until spring really shows up. If it’s cloudy outside, that means now shadow. The clouds insulate us against the chill, and the warmth tells the groundhog that spring will come early.

2. How Do You Pronounce “Punxsutawney”?

Answer: puhngk·suh·taa·nee.

3. How Many People Show Up at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, Each Year on February 2?

Answer: 40,000.

4. How Deep Do Groundhogs Burrow?

Answer: Groundhogs burrow as deep as six feet deep into the earth to escape the winter freeze.

Groundhog tunnels can be as long as 30 feet, with separate rooms for sleeping, food storage, and – ahem – toilet needs. Their sleeping quarters are always below the frost line, where it’s safe and cozy to hibernate during the freezing months of winter.

5. What Time Do Groundhogs Get Up in the Morning?

Answer: 7:00 a.m.

Groundhogs have an internal timeclock that wakes them up every morning at 7:00 a.m. Despite the fact that they sleep way below ground, where the sun doesn’t reach, somehow groundhogs know when’s it’s 7:00 a.m. and time to rise and shine.

6. Why Do Groundhogs Poke Out Their Heads in February and Then Return to Hibernation for 4-6 More Weeks?

Answer: To find a sweetheart.

Yep, groundhog males will roam away from their tunnels to look for a mate. . .just to get to know her a bit. The male may be invited to visit the female’s winter den, but only for courtship purposes. Mating happens later, in the spring, when a window of time opens up that will allow the babies to find food and fatten themselves up before the next winter sets in. In the meantime they each go to their respective winter homes until the sun comes out for good in March.

7. Where Do Groundhogs Live?

Answer: North America.

While Groundhog Day has its origins in German folklore, it was a bear that was predicting the weather in Germany on Candlemas (February 2, halfway between the Winter and Spring Solstices). German immigrants brought the Candlemas tradition to Pennsylvania in the mid-eighteenth century, but they opted for a smaller, gentler creature to predict the coming of spring. Hence, Groundhog Day, which has been celebrated at Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania, for over a hundred years.

Bonus: What is a Groundhog’s Favorite Food?

Answer: Burrow-itos!

Source: Wendie Old, author of The Groundhog Day of Facts and Fun, who also provided the factoids in this blog.

Groundhog Titles at The Community Library

In print, film, and picture books, you’ll find these “groundhog” titles to help shoo away the winter chill for six more weeks. Dig into all the groundhog titles at The Community Library here.

Groundhog Day (the movie)

Television weatherman, played by Bill Murray, gets stuck in February 2, 1992, reliving the same day over and over. Nothing he tries gets him out of the time loop. But the more Phil relives the same day, the more he’s forced to look at other people’s lives, and something unusual happens: he begins to care about others. Produced by Columbia Pictures; Adult DVFeatureFilms DV FIC GRO.

The Groundhog Day Book of Facts and Fun

This book of facts and fun provides plenty of information about groundhogs and the origin of Groundhog Day. Groundhog riddles and ideas for throwing a Groundhog Day party are included. By Wendie Old; Juvenile Non-Fiction J 394.26 OLD.

Groundhog’s Dilemma

After Groundhog announces six more weeks of winter, half his animal friends are disappointed, while the other half are excited. Each animal asks Groundhog to make his prediction in their favor the following year. Rather than being truthful about the fact that he just “calls it like he sees it,” he leads them to believe he can control the weather, accepting their gifts of food and favor. By Kristen Remenar; Picture Books J EASY REM.

Gretchen Groundhog, It’s Your Day!

It’s almost Groundhog Day, and the town of Piccadilly is all a-buzz because Gretchen Groundhog won’t show herself. This is her first year, and she’s too shy to come out. Only when the town historian’s daughter shares records from the town’s history does Gretchen begin to see that for everyone, the first time is the hardest. Full-color illustrations. By Abby Levine; Picture Books J EASY LEV.

Go to Sleep Groundhog!

Poor Groundhog just can’t sleep. He tosses. He turns. Finally, he gets out of bed and goes exploring. Outside his burrow he finds amazing sights he has never seen before: glowing jack-o’-lanterns, gobbling turkeys, and sparkling holiday lights. But shouldn’t Groundhog be in bed? With no sleep how will he be able to get up for his big day? By Judy Cox; Picture Books J EASY COX.

Groundhog’s Day Off

In this humorous Groundhog’s Day picture book by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Office: A Day at Dunder Mifflin Elementary, it’s the day before the big event . . . and the Groundhog goes on strike. By Robb Pearlman; Picture Books J EASY PEA.

Book Review: An Untamed State by Roxane Gay

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Media and Digital Librarian Aly Wepplo recommends An Untamed State by Roxane Gay.

I was working at the Circulation desk when Martha Williams, our Director of Programs and Education, dropped An Untamed State into the return bin.

Once she picked it up, she said, she hardly put it down again until it was finished. Three days later, I was making the same recommendation. To everybody.

An Untamed State is the story of Mireille, an American woman with Haitian roots. Her parents raised her in Nebraska and then returned to their home city of Port-au-Prince. Mireille thinks of both countries as home, and she visits her parents often. 

On one such visit, Mireille and her husband plan to take their baby son to the beach for the first time. On the way, they are stopped by a gang of kidnappers, who pull Mireille from the car and take her to their hideout. They demand a ransom of one million dollars from Mireille’s father, who owns a successful construction company. He refuses to pay or negotiate. 

And Mireille is left with her captors for a harrowing thirteen days. 

This incredible novel kept me up till 3:30 on a Saturday night. The story jumps between past and present. It follows Mireille’s relationship with her husband, Michael, from their first accidental meeting through their engagement, wedding, and the difficult pregnancy that brings their son, Cristophe.  

“. . .it is the story of the universal gender, race, and class issues that tie all people together.”

This is more than the story of one woman’s kidnapping. It is the story of her captors, who hope to buy their way out of a desperate existence. It is the story of her parents, who fight their country’s problems while also contributing to them. It is the story of Mireille’s husband, an outsider who wants so badly to help and doesn’t know how. It is the story of Haiti and the struggles and triumphs of its people.

And it is the story of the universal gender, race, and class issues that tie all people together. 
I loved this book. I hope everyone will read it. 

Find it in ebookand in print in Adult Fiction Main – FICTION Gay.

Silver Creek

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Historic Photo Stories from the Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History

Silver Creek
F 06179, Sandra Hofferber Collection.

Silver Creek draws nature lovers from all over to fish its waters and walk its paths while looking for wildlife.

This image of Silver Creek from the Sandra Hofferber Collection, shows the riparian area, the land that borders bodies of water, with snow on the ground, ducks on the water, and mountains peeking out in the background.

Historically, the creek has been used for irrigation for farmers along its banks. It was also used for ice harvesting in the winters of the 1900s, when thousands of pounds of ice were shipped via the railroad to other towns like Glenns Ferry in the state.

Today, Silver Creek Preserve is famous  for its world renown fly-fishing and the variety of wildlife that it draws. It is also well known for the conservation work and partnerships it has with community members and other organizations. 


The Community Library’s Winter Read Exhibit, Reel Legends : Fly Fisherwomen of the Wood River Valley takes a look at four women who share a relationship with fly-fishing areas like Silver Creek, and what the sport means to them. The 2022 Winter Read Virtual Kickoff and the exhibit opening will be on Monday, January 31. Click here for more details about Winter Read and upcoming Winter Read events.

Best Reads of 2021

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“Every book its reader.” 
~Third Law of Library Science, S. R. Ranganathan, 1931

Download a Printable PDF of The Community Library’s Best Reads of 2021 here.

Every January, The Community Library curates a list of the 50 best book releases from the past year. Titles are chosen in Fiction, Science Fiction, Graphic Novels, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Graphic Non-Fiction, and Biographies & Memoirs. This year’s Best of 2021 was curated by Circulation Manager Pam Parker.

It’s hard to decide what to read next! Whether it’s a suggestion from a friend of a friend or C-Span Book TV discussion, the number of new titles vying for our attention continues to grow exponentially. And that doesn’t account for the must-reads that we’ve been meaning to read for years.

As librarians, we struggle with the same quandary. So I offer these kernels of inspiration as you look for your next great read:

• Our new website features Book Rivers that offer various suggestions for good reads. A collection of these rivers—from Fresh Fiction and Notable Nonfiction to Award Winners and Staff Picks—are now provided on our Book Recommendations page.

• Visit the New Book area off the Foyer, an alcove where we generally keep six months of the newest releases. Titles include sections for fiction, mystery, science fiction and nonfiction.

• Another tool we offer our borrowers is NoveList, a database of titles with genre, subject and critical reviews.

• Reviews are not a guarantee for a good read, but they are a tool we sometimes use to decide what’s worthy of our time. I particularly like the The New Yorker’s book reviews as well as their Briefly Noted. There are many, many good sources for reviews including NPR, Kirkus Reviews and the New York Times.

• You can always check out distinguished book awards for your next good read. The biggies are the National Book Awards, the Pulitzer Prizes, the Booker Prize awards, the Kirkus Prize, the American Library Association’s Andrew Carnegie Awards for Excellence.

• Our Best Reads of 2021 list below is another option. This is mix of staff picks from fiction, nonfiction and mystery genres. This year, we added poetry and graphic novel/nonfiction categories to encourage all to read broadly.

Invariably, someone drops by the circulation desk in mid-January, picks up our ‘Best of’ list and asks, “What determines which books make your list?” The short answer is, the library staff do—all of us are invited to contribute, and this makes for an eclectic mix of books, indeed.

You might say it’s crafted with a dash of ‘word of mouth’ and a pinch of ‘must read’ gathered from other curated lists, awards, reviews and even our neighbor’s book club in some cases.

Yes, it’s pretty subjective, and we kind of like it that way. And, we invite you to drop by the desk and let us know what you think is a stand-out read; maybe it will make the ‘Best of 2022’ list.

Download a Printable PDF of The Community Library’s Best Reads of 2021 here.

Fiction

All the Water I’ve Seen is Running | Elias Rodriques | FICTION Rodriques

American Delirium | Betina González | FICTION González

Billy Summers | Stephen King | FICTION King

Brood | Jackie Polzin | FICTION Polzin

Cloud Cuckoo Land | Anthony Doerr | FICTION Doerr

The Committed | Viet Thanh Nguyen | FICTION Nguyen

Cowboy Graves | Roberto Bolaño | FICTION Bolaño

Dangerous Women | Hope Adams | FICTION Adams

The Every | David Eggers | FICTION Eggers

The Five Wounds | Kristen Valdez Quade | FICTION Quade

Great Circle | Maggie Shipstead | FICTION Shipstead

Harrow | Joy Williams | FICTION Williams

The Historians | Ceclian Ekbäck | FICTION Ekbäck

How Beautiful We Were | Imbolo Mbue | FICTION Mbue

Klara and the Sun | Kazuo Ishiguro | FICTION Ishiguro

The Last Green Valley | Mark Sullivan | FICTION Sullivan

Late City | Robert Olen Butler | FICTION Butler

The Lincoln Highway | Amor Towle | FICTION Towles

MacArthur Park | Judith Freeman | NEW FICTION Freeman

Malibu Rising | Taylor Jenkins Reid | FICTION Reid

The Personal Librarian | Marie Benedict | FICTION Benedict

The Prophets | Robert Jones Jr. | FICTION Jones

This Tender Land | William Krueger | FICTION Krueger

West with Giraffes | Lynda Rutledge | FICTION Rutledge

What’s Mine is Yours | Naima Coster | FICTION Coster

Wish You Were Here | Jodi Picoult | FICTION Picoult

The Women’s March | Jennifer Chiaverini | FICTION Chiaverini

Non-Fiction

Amoralman | Derek DelDaudio | 793.8 DEL (True Crime/Confessional)

The Anthropocene Reviewed | John Green | 306 GRE (Science/Culture)

Atlas of the Heart | Brené Brown | 158.1 BRO (Self-Help; Language)

The Bomber Mafia | Malcolm Gladwell | (WW II)

The Book of Hope | Jane Goodall | 304.2 GOO (Extinction/Nature)

Bravey | Alexie Pappie | (Running/Elite Female Athlete)

The Code Breaker | Walter Isaacson | NEW NONFICTION 576.5 ISA (Science/Genetics)

Craft: An American History | Glenn Adamson | 680.973 ADA (Art and Crafts; historical)

Crying in H Mart | Michelle Zauner | NEW NONFICTION 782.42 ZAU (Coming of Age/Korean American)

The Doctors Blackwell | Janice Nimura | 610.92 NIM (Women in Medicine; historical)

Four Hundred Souls | Ibram X. Kendi | 973.049 KEN (Slavery)

Fox & I | Catherine Raven | 570.92 RA (Nature/Animals)

The Hard Crowd | Rachel Kushner | 814.6 KUS (Essays by a Writer)

Horizontal Vertigo | Juan Villoro | 972.53 VIL (Mexico City/Americas)

How to Make an Apple Pie from Scratch | Harry Cliff | 523.01 CLI (Science/Nuclear Physics)

Land | Simon Winchester | 333.3 WIN (Land use; historical)

The Last Winter | Porter Fox | NEW NONFICTION 363.738 FOX (Climate/Earth Science)

The Mission | David W. Brown | 610.92 NIM | (Space/Exploration)

The Musical Human | Michael Spritzer| 780.9 SPI (Humankind and Music)

Nine Days | Stephen Kendrick | 323.09 KEN (MLK/Civil Rights Movement)

The Spymaster of Baghdad | Margaret Coker | 956.7044 COK (Espionage)

There’s Nothing for You Here | Fiona Hill | 339.22 HIL (National Security/Foreign Affairs)

Under a White Sky | Elizabeth Kolbert | 304.28 KOL (Climate/Technology)

The Unusual Suspect | Ben Machell | 364.155 MAC (True Crime)

We Are Bellingcat | Eliot Higgins | NONFICTION 070.43 HIG (Journalism/Internet)

What Happened to You? | Bruce D. Perry, Oprah Winfrey | 616.85 PER (Trauma/Mental Health)

Science Fiction

Under the Whispering Door | TJ Klune | SCIFIC Klune

When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain | Nghi Vo | SCIFIC VO

Graphic Novels

Memorial Ride | Stephen Grahm Jones | GRAPHIC NOVEL FIC JON

The Secret to Superhuman Strength | Alison Bechdel | GRAPHIC NOVEL FIC BEC

Poetry

In the Lateness of the World | Carolyn Forche | 811.54 FOR (Migrations/Crossings)

West: Fire: Archive | Iris Jamahl Dunkle | 811.6 DUN (Mountain West Poetry)

Biographies & Memoirs

1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows | Ai Weiwei | 709.2 AI (Art/China)

Carry On | John Lewis | 328.73 LEW (Civil Rights)

Chasing Me to My Grave | Winfred Rembert | 759.13 REM (African American Experience)

Home Waters | John Maclean | 978.66 MAC (Reflection on Family/Father-Son)

More To Life Than More | Alan Pesky | 92 PES (Loss/Purpose)

Stranger Care| Sarah Sentilles | 362.73 SEN (Foster Parenting/Adoption)

Graphic Non-Fiction

On Tyranny | Timothy Snyder | GRAPHIC NON-FICTION 321.9 SNY (Despotism; historical)

Search Our Catalog for these titles.

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