Lyndon B. Johnson proclaimed February as American Heart Month back in 1963…over 50 years later, we are still recognizing this important month.  For many, February is all about flowers, candy, cupid, and Valentine’s Day but American Heart Month is intended to draw attention to the seriousness of heart health.  According to the American Heart Association, “cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, remains the leading global cause of death with more than 17.3 million deaths each year.”  So this February, increase your awareness of heart disease and encourage those you love to think about the importance of making healthy choices.  To find out more about heart health, go to the American Heart Association.

In recognition of American Heart Month, check out some of the heart-related books available in the Hatfield Library on our WU Reads Reading Guide.

Many different cultures and peoples have referred to January as the Wolf Month including the Anglo-Saxons and Native Americans; the first full moon of the year is traditionally known as the Wolf Moon as well.  Wolves are particularly vocal during breeding season, which falls during the first months of the year…this may be the reason for the association between the month of January and wolves.  Humans have long been fascinated by wolves and with good reason.  Wolves are amazingly loyal and a male and female pair who mate, usually stay together for life.  They are dedicated and affectionate parents and the entire pack takes care of wolf pups.  Besides barking and howling, wolves communicate through facial expressions as well.  They can run up to 35 miles an hour, smell animals from over a mile away, can hear as far as 6 to 10 miles away, and have great vision.  In honor of Wolf Month, check out some of the wolf-related books available in the Hatfield Library on our WU Reads Reading Guide.

December brings to mind hot chocolate, warm sweaters, snowflakes, holidays, winter break….ahhh! But another perhaps less pleasant word springs to mind when thinking about December…finals! Before you can completely relax by the fire sipping the hot beverage of your choice, you need to triumph over final papers and exams. Good strategies for coping with this time of the semester include figuring out smart ways to study, practicing mindfulness, avoiding procrastination, coping with anxiety, managing time wisely, etc. To help you through this particular challenge, take a look at some of the materials on these topics available through the library on our WU Reads Reading Guide.

People dreamt about the miracle of flight long before the American aviation pioneers, the Wright brothers, were born…remember the sketches of Leonardo da Vinci’s famed flying machine?  It is fascinating to think back to a time when airplanes were only vague dreams and to consider the hard work, ingenuity, creativity, intelligence, determination, and courage of the men and women who made aviation more than a flight of fancy!  November is National Aviation Month, which gives us an opportunity to celebrate and explore the history of aeronautics.

In recognition of National Aviation Month, we have listed a few of the aviation-related books available in the Hatfield Library on our WU Reads Reading Guide.  Enjoy!

You haven’t seen a tree until you’ve seen its shadow from the sky.–Amelia Earhart

(Image based off of NASA National Aviation Day Poster)

Autumn is upon us and with it comes thoughts of cooler temperatures, colorful fall leaves, shorter days, Ocktoberfest, Halloween, and pumpkin everything! In the northwest, the fall is a wonderful time to hit the hiking trail, go for a bike ride, and relish every moment of sunshine before the rains set in. It is a time to bake cookies, pull out your comfy sweaters, fix a cup of tea, and enjoy a good book. Autumn also brings to mind the harvest…a period of time when we gather in crops and prepare for winter. To find out more about harvest events in the Mid-Willamette Valley, have a look at the Travel Oregon site.

In honor of the harvest, we’re highlighting some harvest-related books on our WU Reads Reading Guide. Check it out!

The start of the academic year is here with all of its excitement, energy, and fun. Along with the thrill of new classes, new subjects, and new ideas comes hard work, long hours, not enough sleep, and stress. Practicing good self-care becomes essential in these hectic times. So in the months ahead remember to take a walk in the park, savor a cup of tea, read a fun book, play Monopoly, breath deeply and do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself…take time to smell the roses!

The library has a variety of books in our collection that offer good ideas on self-care so be sure and have a look at our WU Reads Reading Guide.

“When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life.” – Jean Shinoda Bolen

The beginning of the new academic year is here. That means we are enjoying the arrival of a whole new litter of Bearcats. It is an exciting time for all but particularly for our first year students. Many will be living away from their families for the first time, meeting lots of new people, establishing new routines, transitioning from high school student to college student, etc. It is enough to make your head whirl just thinking about all the changes! The library is always here to help with this adjustment and in anticipation of the fall, why not check out a book dealing with first year students or college in general?

Have a look at our WU Reads Reading Guide.

Over the last several years, the number of farmers’ markets has been growing steadily across the country. It seems like every city and town has some sort of market and Salem is no exception! Outdoor farmers’ markets are open three days a week at three different locations during the summer/fall and a small indoor Saturday market is open year round.  The markets offer a bounty of fresh, healthy produce, a variety of fabulous food carts, interesting crafts, and a great opportunity to support the local economy.  To find out more about farmers’ markets in Oregon, check out the Oregon Farmers Market Association.

As a tribute to farmers’ markets everywhere, we’re highlighting a selection of books related to the markets on our WU Reads Reading Guide.  Take a look!

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month is celebrated each year in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. These spontaneous demonstrations by the LGBT community occurred in protest over police raids at the Stonewall Inn, a well-known gay club in Manhattan. The Stonewall riots are considered by many to be the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. “The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.” – Library of Congress, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month

As a tribute to LGBT Pride Month, we’re highlighting a selection of recent books related to the LGBT community on our WU Reads Reading Guide.  Take a look!