What do potatoes, mushrooms, and rice have in common? Besides being delicious (depending on who you talk to, of course) and nutritious, these three food sources share the same appreciation month. That’s right–September is National Potato Month, National Mushroom Month, and National Rice Month. Who knew? And did you know that potatoes are grown in all 50 states? And although often considered a vegetable, a mushroom is neither a plant nor animal. In the world of biology, mushrooms make up their own kingdom–Fungi! When it comes to rice, the average American eats 27 pounds of rice a year. Rice constitutes 20% of the world’s dietary energy supply, edging out wheat at 19%. Food scarcity is a growing concern worldwide so it seems appropriate to take a moment to think about the food we consume and appreciate the nutritional value in unassuming food sources such as potatoes, mushrooms, and rice. Checkout related sources from our collection on our WU Reads Reading Guide.
Potatoes have much more staying power than caviar.
— Mark Helprin
Did you know that the oldest zoo in the United States (in operation since 1874) is the Philadelphia Zoo? And one of the biggest aquariums in the U.S. is located right here on the West Coast at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. The Oregon Zoo, situated on 64 acres in Portland, features over 2,500 animals and attracts more than 1.5 million visitors a year. Zoos and aquariums have been around for centuries, and they have often been the center of controversies. Some of the common and well-founded criticisms revolve around treatment of animals, space concerns, etc. But at their best, zoos and aquariums prioritize animal welfare, conservation, research, and education. June is National Zoo and Aquarium Month and we’re celebrating by featuring a diverse assortment of zoo and aquarium-related titles from our collection on our 
As the old saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and that is certainly true all around the great Northwest! Flowers, blossoms, and blooms are everywhere this time of year, delighting our eyes and our noses (unless we suffer from allergies). From lilac bushes to dogwood trees, “everything’s coming up roses” right now. Speaking of roses, they are just starting to open up in all their classic beauty and will brighten our lives all summer long. And we can’t forget the delicate beauty of native plants such as trillium and camas. So as the academic year winds down, remember to get outside, enjoy the glorious colors of the flowers that surround us, and “take time to smell the roses!” And while you’re at it, why not check out the 
In April 1996, the Academy of American Poets founded National Poetry Month to remind us all “that poets have an integral role to play in our culture and that poetry matters.” One of the primary goals of the month is to “highlight the extraordinary legacy and ongoing achievement of American poets.” Over the years, Poetry Month has become a huge literary observance with readers, students, teachers, librarians, booksellers, publishers, and, of course, poets from around the country participating in this month-long celebration in a whole host of different ways. Many special activities, readings, and virtual events are scheduled to occur during April in honor of poetry. For instance, on April 29, poetry lovers are encouraged to participate in “Poem in Your Pocket Day.” On this day, select a poem, carry it with you, and share it with others wherever you go, including on social media using the hashtag #PocketPoem. Poetry can expose us to the beauty, anger, pain, and joy all around us; it makes us think, wonder, cry, rage, and chuckle. Join us this month in celebrating the magic of poetry and poets!
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics invites us all to join them in celebrating 