Staff ePicks

Birding is gaining flocks of new followers amid the coronavirus pandemic, as more people take note of the fascinating world outside our windows. After all, when you can’t be with the ones you love, a feathered friend just may suffice.

If you’re looking to explore the delightfully passive hobby of birding, all you need are eyes, ears and curiosity – plus a few handpicked library resources that you can access anywhere.

eBooks

Calling All Birders: Explore our top birding eBooks on OverDrive or the Libby app.

Research

Is Your Backyard for the Birds? (Consumer Reports)
Includes links to a free bird identification poster and information on birdfeeders.

​eMagazines

Let the birds handle pest-control in your garden!

• Mother Earth News
• Mother Earth Living

Streaming music

Learn to identify birds by ear.

• Bird Sounds (Freegal)
• Echoes of Nature: Bird Songs, Calls & Sounds (Freegal)

Online learning

• Birding in North America: The Great Courses (Kanopy)
• Bird Watching 101* (Universal Class)

* NEW USERS: Register here if you're using Universal Class for the first time.

As the weather warms up, many of us are looking to take our DIY projects outdoors. One yard task that’s gaining traction lately is gardening, with lots of homeowners looking to grow more of their own food.

If you’re thinking about brushing up on your gardening skills, then take a look at our roundup of library resources that you can access online to help transform your outdoor space into a thriving source of veggies. If you need to turn your black thumb into a green one or just find some inspiration, the library has you covered.

eBooks

Grow Your Own…Vegetables, That Is: Explore all of our gardening eBooks on OverDrive or the Libby app.

Online learning

• Introduction to Gardening* (Universal Class)
• Vegetable Gardening 101* (Universal Class)
• All About Herbs* (Universal Class)

* NEW USERS: Register here if you're using Universal Class for the first time.

Research

• ‘Backyard’ Oasis: Ways to Create a Better Space No Matter Where You Live (Consumer Reports)
• Gardening: Planting 101 (Consumers' Checkbook)
• Where to Shop for Plants (Consumers' Checkbook)
• What Garden Centers Should Supply When You Buy (Consumers' Checkbook)

Streaming music

Spring Into Goodness: Your gardening playlist! (Freegal)

eAudiobooks

• American Grown, by Michelle Obama (OverDrive/Libby app)
• Mister Owita’s Guide to Gardening, by Carol Wall (OverDrive/Libby app)
• The Botany of Desire, by Michael Pollan (OverDrive/Libby app)

eMagazines

• Mother Earth News
• Mother Earth Living

Virtual library programs

• How to Start a Garden: Librarian Lilly Newton from Rust Library provides tips for starting a vegetable garden.
• Virtual Storytime Featuring Growing Vegetable Soup: Brambleton Library’s Jennifer Roy shares stories and rhymes about things that grow.

These days, we're spending way more time inside, and if you're tired of your surroundings by now, there are plenty of small tweaks and projects that can reinvigorate your space, and hopefully, your spirit.

Here are a few library resources you can access from home to help guide you through spring cleaning, organization, redecorating and other spruce-ups.

Decluttering

eBooks and audiobooks

• Explore all of our home organization titles (OverDrive/Libby app)

Online learning

• Clutter Control 101* (Universal Class)

* NEW USERS: Register here if you're using Universal Class for the first time.

Research

• 10 Ways to Cut the Clutter on Your Kitchen Counter (Consumer Reports)
• Chores to Get Done if You're Stuck at Home (Consumer Reports)
• Five Ways to Get Cabinet Clutter Under Control (Consumer Reports)
• Dealing with Your Digital Clutter (Consumers' Checkbook)
• Decluttering Strategies: Ways to Shed Your Stuff and Simplify Your Life (Consumers' Checkbook)

Decorating Updates

eBooks and audiobooks

• Explore all of our home decorating titles (OverDrive/Libby app)

Online learning

• Feng Shui 101* (Universal Class)
• Housekeeping 101* (Universal Class)
• How to Decorate a Room* (Universal Class)
• Interior Decorating Made Easy* (Universal Class)

* NEW USERS: Register here if you're using Universal Class for the first time.

eMagazines

• Architectural Digest
• Country Living
• Dwell
• Elle Décor
• Family Handyman
• Good Housekeeping
• HGTV Magazine
• House Beautiful
• Old House Journal
• Veranda
• Woman’s Day

Research

• Backyard Oasis: Ways to Create a Better Space No Matter Where You Live (Consumer Reports)
• Ceiling Fans Add Comfort and Save Money (Consumer Reports)
• How to Pick the Perfect Paint for the Job (Consumer Reports)
• Pick the Perfect Paint Finish for Every Room (Consumer Reports)