When you think about your best, most loving and joyful self, what does that look like for you? Oftentimes, we think of spending time with people we love who bring out the best in us while engaging in an activity that is relaxing, fun, challenging, or maybe physically exhilarating. All of these have one thing in common, a sense of belonging through shared experiences.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy claims that “Building social connections in our life has to be a vital priority.” He shares that engaging in meaningful connections and activities helps us prevent things like depression, anxiety, heart disease, and substance abuse.
Our staff at Spokane Public Library recognizes the greater need in the community for connection and belonging. We often hear that libraries are essential to our human experience because they’re places that foster a love of learning and within that love, we nurture healthier communities.
As we progress into the new year, remember that you belong at the library. We are a safe and welcoming landing space for you to be exactly who you are and support you in your dreams.
Want to learn more about the importance of connection and belonging? Check out these recommended reads for all ages crafted by our Writing Education Specialist, Sharma Shields.
Picture Books
We Belong to the Drum by Sandra Lamouche
This is a School by John Schu
Everything in its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging by Pauline David-Sax
Beautiful You, Beautiful Me by Tasha Spillett-Sumner
A Park Connects Us by Ellen Rooney
Our Community: Black Leaders in Spokane by Stephaine Courtney, M. Ed.
Middle Grade & Teens
The Meadows by Stephanie Oakes
We Still Belong by Christine Day
Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories that Smash Mental Health Stereotypes edited by Nora Shalaway Carpenter and Rocky Callen
I’m Still Here: Loving Myself in a World Not Made for Me by Austin Channing Brown
You Are Here: Connecting Flights edited by Ellen Oh
Adult Nonfiction
Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World by Jennie Allen
Sisterhood Heals: The Transformative Power of Healing in Community by Joy Harden Bradford, Ph.D.
Owning Our Struggles: A Path of Healing and Finding Community in a Broken World by Minaa B., LMSW
Build Your Village: A Guide to Finding Joy and Community in Every Stage of Life by Florence Ann Romano
More Than Cake: 100 Baking Recipes Built for Pleasure and Community by Natasha Pickowicz
Sure, I’ll Join Your Cult by Maria Bamford
A Place to Belong: Celebrating Diversity and Kinship in the Home and Beyond by Amber O’neal Johnston
Adult Fiction
Maame by Jessica George
Evergreen by Naomi Hirahara
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Dear Born Stories by Ghassan Zeineddine
Rebecca, Not Becky by Christine Platt and Catherine Wigginton Greene
Community Board by Tara Conklin
