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Disability Pride Month 2024

Disability Pride Month celebrates people with disabilities and recognizes that disability is a natural, normal part of human diversity. Check out these books to learn more about disabled writers’ stories and the disability justice movement.

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We Scream for Ice Cream

Established by the American Dairy Association, in conjunction with Senator Walter Dee Huddleston of Kentucky, and signed into law by president Ronald Reagan on July 9, 1984, National Ice Cream Month celebrates America's favorite treat. What better way to pass a warm summer day than with an icy cone and a chilling mystery?

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Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month

Alzheimer’s can have a big impact on every member of the family, including children. Each child will react differently to someone who has the disease. Try books on this list to help children understand this disease.

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World Refugee Day 2024

The United Nations designated June 20 as World Refugee Day, an international day to honor people who have been forced out of their homes by conflict or persecution. Check out these books to learn more about refugees’ lives around the world.

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Solarpunk Fiction

Check out some great reads in this Sci-Fi subgenre! Solarpunk envisions an optimistic future life on Earth transformed by the use of sustainable energy and close co-existence of human beings with nature.

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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage

May 7, 1843, a 14-year-old Japanese fisherman named Manjiro stepped off a whaling ship onto U.S. soil, becoming the first person from Asia to officially immigrate to the United States. Later, in 1869, the month of May saw the completion of the transcontinental railroad, the construction of which could not have been realized without the effort of Chinese laborers. Since 1990 the U.S. government has designated the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, recognizing and celebrating the many achievements and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders to the history and culture of the United States. Check out these books that speak to their struggles and triumphs!

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Spring Slashers

Spring is often associated with blooming flowers and sunny days, but for some, it brings to mind something darker – slashers. If you're one of those who prefer screams to sunshine, check out these chilling titles!

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Fair Housing Month

On April 11, 1968, the Fair Housing Act first made housing discrimination illegal in the United States. Fifty-six years later, activists are still working to make the Act’s promises a reality for everyone. Check out these books to learn more about fair housing and housing justice.

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Women in Science

In honor of Women’s History Month, check out these fiction and nonfiction books about women in science.

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Irish in America

According to the Library of Congress, as many as 4.5 million Irish arrived in the United States between 1820 and 1860 -over 1/3 of all immigrants to the USA during that time. They proceeded to make incalculable contributions to the life and culture of their adopted home, particularly in the areas of politics, industry, organized labor, religion, literature, music, and art. Celebrate Irish Americans with these reads! 

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V is for Vintage: Picking & Collecting Fabulous Finds

Do you love the thrill of the hunt, searching for fabulous finds at thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales and swap meets? Maybe you prefer walking the beach at low tide looking for shells or 'pickin' free-style from old barns or weedy back lots. If the answer if YES, then read below for tips and tricks for collecting vintage clothing, antique cars, comic books, home decor, Star Wars memorabilia, tidal flotsam and jetsam, and other treasures to make your life complete. 

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Not Your Mama's Romance

When we think of romance novels, paper back covers featuring ball gown-clad women and bare chested men probably come to mind. However, the romance genre has recently been making strides toward new subjects, modern couples, and even otherworldly settings. Though the it has been written off by many (sometimes for good reason) I think romance is a genre worth revisiting with fresh eyes. What better time than Valentine's day to pick up an unconventional romance novel! 

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Love Without (As Much) Romance

Do you have a love-hate relationship with romance? Tired of toxic romance tropes? Does Valentine’s Day give you the ick? Give yourself a break from romance with these novels that focus on the love found between friends and family instead. No guarantees these books won’t contain some romance, but they do prove that other types of love can be just as fulfilling.

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