Delaware County Libraries Team up with Longwood Gardens’ Community Read Program

Released: March 23, 2021

Delaware County Libraries has joined Longwood Gardens and other community partners for the 8th annual “Longwood Gardens Community Read” program, designed to encourage the joy of reading and to spark conversation.

Longwood Gardens encourages readers to explore where a fascination with plants, gardens, and nature might begin for someone. How it might grow into something more and perhaps flower into a career or hobby? They are featuring two books that touch on these ideas—The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature by J. Drew Lanham (adult book) and Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson (for younger readers).

Birds are a lifelong passion for Drew Lanham and in his book, The Home Place, he examines his history and path, influences, and his struggles. Readers can follow his journey as a successful, wildlife ecologist who, along the way, uncovers lessons about legacy and his passion to infuse a deeper sense of human compassion into his life and work.

In Ruby’s Birds, Mya Thompson shares the story of a little girl who discovers her passion – birds - in her own city neighborhood. They enliven and enrich her world and spark a love of nature. Her journey begins right in her own backyard.

Both books available through Delaware County Libraries online catalog: http://bit.ly/2vWoGA4. The Home Place is also available in Hoopla, our newest digital media service: https://www.hoopladigital.com/

Libraries are hosting various virtual events around these books as part of Community Read. Find them here: http://bit.ly/CommunityReadEvents and join the conversation!

For teens, Delaware County Libraries offered our 2nd Annual Teen Art Contest. Individual library winners were chosen and are currently displayed in StoryWalk in Rose Tree Park, as well as on our website and voting has opened to choose the countywide winner. Vote on our website www.delcolibraries.org!

Delaware County Libraries is an agency of county government that provides support services for 26 independent member libraries. For information about the wide range of library services available to all county residents, visit www.delcolibraries.org.