This article provides some unique and fun ideas for corresponding with your pen pals. I thought about picking my favorite to share as an example but decided not to give spoilers. Don’t have a pen pal? They have a few ideas to help with that as well. Go here (https://www.npr.org/2025/04/24/nx-s1-5321366/how-to-send-handwritten-letters-mail) to read more.

The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis is showcasing Chinese culture next weekend (May 3-4). I don’t see a schedule of activities for this yet but last year they had unique cultural crafts guests could make and terrific performances such as the lions and acrobats. This is a great time to visit the botanical garden. For more information please visit this site) https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/events-classes/signature-events/chinese-culture-days

This is a global effort to share your experiences with nature where you live. You can get caught up on the details at https://www.citynaturechallenge.org/ and there is a list of online events here: https://www.citynaturechallenge.org/events.

These mugs are worth a look and who knows, maybe you’ll find a new favorite! (https://bookriot.com/handmade-bookish-mugs/)

and you get a popular library event that results in a highly decorated ceiling full of characters people love. You can read the entire article and enjoy some of the ceiling tiles here) https://berthoudsurveyor.com/something-new-to-look-up-at-the-library/. What character would you put on a ceiling tile?

The LA Public Library has kept most of their old card catalog that was used both in deciding book purchases and helping patrons find their next book to read. If you’re interested in finding out more about their system, you can read about it here: https://www.npr.org/2025/03/08/nx-s1-5321948/los-angeles-public-library-review-cards.

National Reading Month is here again! For some interesting trivia, or ways to celebrate reading this month, please read the following articles:

​https://bookriot.com/national-reading-month-march-2024/

https://nationaltoday.com/national-reading-month/

If you’re looking for a fun and unique activity for any kids in your life, the Columbia Public Library will be hosting a Reading to Rover event from 5:30-7:00 on March 10th. The “Rovers” in this instance are therapy dogs. Find out more about this activity here: ​https://events.dbrl.org/event/12833858

Also, as a reminder from last year’s post, some independent bookstores here in Columbia are Yellow Dog, the Peace Nook, and Skylark. There are also the book sales at the Columbia Public Library.

I hope you all have a wonderful National Reading Month!