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Health, Wellness, and Libraries By Angela J. Reynolds, AVRL Community Engagement Coordinator Research and old-fashioned common sense have conclusively determined that there is a direct correlation between the degree to which a person feels connected to others and their physical and mental health. There is a general feeling of increased happiness, vitality, energy, and satisfaction with life. When most people think of health and wellness, chances are the public library is not the first thing that comes to mind. However, over the past few years, public libraries have been playing an increasing role in supporting the physical, mental, and social…
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What’s Growing at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens: Coffee Bag Plants By Melanie Priesnitz, Conservation Horticulturist You can tell a lot about a person by looking at their recycling. If you’re a person who enjoys sampling local libations you will likely have a lot of glass bottles. If you’re a gardener, you’re apt to have an enormous pile of plastic plant pots. These are my guilty pleasures: brown glass bottles and small black and green thin plastic pots. I have made it my mission this year to only drink local beer that I can purchase in a refillable bottle and…
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What’s Growing at the Harriet Irving Botanical Gardens: Outdoor Classroom By Melanie Priesnitz Conservation Horticulturist Many people have just gone back to school this month after a summer of growth and learning. The Botanical Gardens supports many educational opportunities both formal and informal in our outdoor classroom 365 days a year. The classroom here has no walls or roof, it is everywhere, and the teacher is the natural world. I feel so fortunate to work outside in an environment where there are so many lessons to be learned and new skills to acquire. Every day as I walk in the…
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Time-Travelling to Summer’s End By Erica Marrison As tourist season reaches its peak, we at the bookshop still have two feet in summertime despite its end fast approaching. August started off with much excitement as local author and hiker William Monk hosted a book signing and reading in correspondence with the release of his new work of non-fiction, Whistler’s Walk: The Appalachian Trail in 142 Days. Having garnered attendees from across the province, Monk’s signing was a huge success, as well as an informative session for many who aspire to hike the trail themselves. Though mid-heat wave (and consequently mid-exhaustion),…
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