Chapter Chats

The collage has the descriptors, "Women's History Month" and "Picks for Big Kids." The book cover of Coraline depicts the title character against a dark Gothic background, with ghostly figures in pale grey reaching out for her. The book cover of "Hooray for Women!" depicts a cartoon parade of women in different costumes, contemporary and historical, with eight famous women depicted in boxes around the perimeter of the center picture: Cleopatra, Amelia Earhart, Cathy Freeman, Jane Austen, Frida Kahlo, Joan of Arc, Wangari Maathai, and Elizabeth I. The book cover of "Not One Damsel in Distress" depicts two women fighting off dragons and a wild boar with a sword and bow and arrow. The book cover of "The Mighty Miss Malone" depicts the title character in a tan shirt looking over her shoulder. The book cover of "The Eagle Huntress" depicts the title character with a tethered eagle mounted on her arm. The book cover of "Herstory" depicts a group of women role models in a colorful collage.

Celebrate Women’s History Month with #ELKReads

By HCLS Elkridge Branch staff Every March, we celebrate Women’s History Month in the United States. March 8 has been honored as International Women’s Day since 1911, with nations around the world celebrating the movement toward women’s rights. This annual celebration gives us the opportunity to honor women past and present who have paved the way for continued progress for all. This … Continue reading Celebrate Women’s History Month with #ELKReads →

by elianahcls
The cover of "One Wave at a Time" depicts a child in t-shirt and shorts with a sad expression, walking along the beach with the ocean and seagulls in the background.

The Solace of Children’s Picture Books on Death and Grieving

by Emily T. Sometimes there are just no words.   For families talking with children about death and grieving, the words we want can be especially hard to find. But we are not alone. Heartfelt picture books are one of my favorite sources of solace. In aiming to speak clearly to children, the best ones are both simple and profound. They can help … Continue reading The Solace of Children’s Picture Books on Death and Grieving →

by emilytrovato
Table covered in plates and bowls filled with colorful foods.

Cooking with Ottolenghi

by Kristen B. Something kind of funny happened at the holidays: every member of my family was gifted a cookbook. I’m not sure if this is in recognition that we all like to play in the kitchen or the need to find some new recipes as we have grown seriously bored with our old usuals. … Continue reading Cooking with Ottolenghi →

by Kristen B.
The cover is turquoise with white lettering. Scattered around the edges are faded photographs of family scenes indicative of the 1960s, including a car and a small child peering through a window.

The Daughters of Erietown

By Julie F. Connie Schultz is one of my favorite columnists; her sweet daily reminders on Twitter to “breathe” are a vital moment each evening in a busy routine. Her debut novel, a summer highlight, is full of moments reflecting on the secrets and struggles of working-class families in Ohio, from 1956 through 1994.  Brick … Continue reading The Daughters of Erietown →

by juliefitzreader
A repeating pattern of blocky robots in dark purple form the background behind bright yellow staggered letters of the title and author.

Listening List: Six science fiction novels with great audiobooks

By Becky W. I love listening to audiobooks. Anytime I have the option to occupy my ears (driving, washing dishes, mowing the lawn), you can be sure an audiobook is playing in the background. Despite all the benefits of audiobooks, sometimes when we finally get a book that’s been on hold for six weeks – … Continue reading Listening List: Six science fiction novels with great audiobooks →

by Rebecca Wiest
Two hands joined by hooking thumbs. The hand on the left is White and has the word "Learn" on the palm. The hand on the right is Black and says "Act."

Racial Equity: Collecting Stories in our Community

By Katie DiSalvo-Thronson With respect to racism, tell us about a time in the last six months you had an experience and thought “things have got to change.” All of us have a story to tell, and we’d like to hear yours!   HCLS wants to provide community engagement and education that advances equity and connects people … Continue reading Racial Equity: Collecting Stories in our Community →

by Kristen B.
Against a deep night sky and the hint of a tree in the bottom left corner appear the words: Survival is Insufficient, with a narrow rule dividing the lines.

Pandemic Reads

By Eric L. If you’re reading this, you probably like books. And you may, like me, find and pick stories to read that you can relate to irrespective of time and place. That said, thanks to the fantastic members of my HCLS book discussion group (Read. Think. Talk. First Monday of the month at 7 pm) for suggesting Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel … Continue reading Pandemic Reads →

by ericlblair

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