Longwood Gardens Community Read

By: Emily Orischak, Community Relations Coordinator, Berks County Public Libraries

As the winter frost thaws, yielding to the vibrant growth of spring, Berks County Public Libraries would like to invite readers to connect with nature during this year’s Community Read, sponsored by Longwood Gardens and hosted by your local library. Now in its 10th year, the Longwood Gardens Community Read is a collaboration between Longwood Gardens, local libraries, and museums to provide a communitywide read of selected book titles.

The Community Read occurs from March to May and features two adult titles and one for children that explore the connection between nature and food. Programs related to the 2023 theme will be held at various library locations. Copies of all three titles are available for patrons to borrow with a Berks County Public Libraries card. Electronic versions of both adult books may be borrowed from your library’s digital collection.

Learn more about this year’s Community Read by visiting www.berkslibraries.org/longwood-reads.

Black Food: Stories, Art, and Recipes from Across the African Diaspora, edited and curated by Bryant Terry

An exuberant celebration of foodways and culture, Black Food is a beautiful, fun read of powerful essays, stunning visual art, and delicious recipes focusing on the culinary histories of the African diaspora.

The Comic Book Guide to Growing Food by Joseph

Tychonievich;

Illustrated by Liz Anna Kozik

In this graphic novel guide, discover how to grow a successful vegetable garden, from planning, prepping, and planting to troubleshooting, care, and harvesting.

A library patron explores Ancestry.com at a genealogy program hosted by the Muhlenberg Community Library.

Bring Me Some Apples and I’ll Make You a Pie: A Story About Edna Lewis by Robbin Gourley

In this picture book for our youngest readers, trace the childhood roots of this revered chef’s appreciation for the bounties of nature as Edna and her family gather fruits, berries, and vegetables from their Virginia farm and turn them into wonderful meals.

Looking to try something new? The Library of Things collection allows you to borrow before you buy to see if that item is right for you.