This year we join with other local libraries and community partners for the eighth year of the Longwood Gardens’ Community Read – a program designed to encourage reading for pleasure and start a conversation. In 2021, we ask readers to explore where a fascination with plants, gardens, and nature might start for someone? How it might grow into something more? Perhaps flower into a career or hobby? In 2021 we indeed 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: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature, where he examines his history and path, its influences, and his struggles. Readers follow his journey as a successful, wildlife ecologist who along the way uncovers lessons about legacy and his own need to inject deeper sense of human caring into his life and work. In Ruby’s Birds, Mya Thompson shares the story of a little girl who discovers her spark – birds - in her own city neighborhood. They enliven her world and excite her about nature. Her own journey begins.

Get your copy of the Community Read books available for purchase at major booksellers or for borrowing through the Chester County Library System catalog at: https://catalog.ccls.org and start reading today! For more information regarding the Longwood Gardens Community Read Program please visit https://longwoodgardens.org/education/library-archives/community-read

Chester County Library will also be offering engaging programs to celebrate Community Read again and participants will be eligible for a free drawing for a one-day family pass for 4 to Longwood Gardens. The first event kicks off within a week and features The Virtual Introduction to the Great Backyard Bird Count on Wednesday, January 13th, from 7 - 8 p.m. Register at https://ccls.libcal.com/event/7343546