As we all navigate this unprecedented time and do our part to stay home to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we thought it might be fun to share what FDL staff are doing to pass the time. While most of us are still working from home, we definitely have more time on our hands for reading, creativity, hobbies, and more. This week we’re sharing our favorite books from our home libraries – we hope you enjoy!

My DK Japanese English Bilingual Dictionary is one of my favorite books that I have at home. It’s an essential tool to have when learning a foreign language such as Japanese. I particularly like this dictionary because it features pictures along with the vocabulary words and an audio app that features native speakers using accurate pronunciation. I have several Japanese/English dictionaries, and this one is by far the best.

– Deb, Circulation Assistant

I can’t choose a book, but I can choose a series. My current favorite series is the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire. First, a description of the series from the author’s page: “The October Daye books follow the adventures of October “Toby” Daye as she tries to find her footing in a world that seems a little more interested in killing her than she’d like.” I love this series because it has great world-building, good character development, romance (that doesn’t overshadow the plot), and there’s a Court of Cats! It’s a little slow going at first, but I think it’s definitely worth it.

– Monica, Technical Services Specialist

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff… and it’s all small stuff is one of my favorite little books to read. We live in a very fast pace world and sometimes we just need to slow down and breathe. When we are going through chaotic times in life, I like that it keeps it simple and reminds me everything will be okay. Don’t sweat the small stuff!

– Marsha, Circulation Assistant

Nancy Drew and the Secret of the Old Clock  is on of my all-time favorites. Nancy Drew has been my hero ever since I read it. I remember knowing exactly where those yellow spines were in the library growing up and making it my goal to read every single one! I loved reading about how Nancy figured out a case and put all of the clues together. It opened my eyes to the world of mysteries, which I still can’t get enough of.

– Laura, Youth Services Manager

To Kill A Mockingbird is one of my favorite books, not only for its readability and its powerful message, but also because its the source of personal memories for me. My father used to read to us when we were kids, and this is one of the books he read. I revisit it every few years, and there are still certain passages that I can’t read without hearing my father’s beautiful reading voice in my mind.

– Sylvia, Circulation Specialist

I have an absurd number of plants in my house, and this book is like my horticulture Bible. It’s a 1979 edition of Success with Houseplants from Reader’s Digest that belonged to a cousin who was like a grandmother to me. Its information and advice is more reliable than most articles on the Internet, and her newspaper clippings, bookmarks, and notes are still pressed between the pages. I still discover something new every time I open it.

– Beth, Communications Specialist