Community Read book, program announced

Since 2008, the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library has hosted the annual Community Read program to bring all residents in Tiffin and Seneca County together to read the same book. Why is one community reading the same book important? When we read together, we become a part of something bigger than ourselves. We can read the same book and interpret it completely differently. Those differing perspectives can lead to engaging conversations that make us more informed and empathetic people, not to mention improving literacy and reading comprehension skills. According to the National Institute for Literacy, increases in literacy can lead to higher self-esteem and a willingness to participate in community groups, meaning that through the magic of reading, we can work together to serve and improve the community that we all love. This year, "The Lost Apothecary" by New York Times and international bestselling author Sarah Penner has been selected as the Community Read title. Several events will take place over the next few weeks, culminating in Sarah Penner visiting Tiffin for a free public presentation on Tuesday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chandelier Community Event Center. The author event is completely free and open to the community and will be followed by a book signing. Copies of The Lost Apothecary will be available for purchase thanks to the Pan Yan Bookstore. We will be hosting three special events related to the themes in the book. "Dine & Discuss: Herbal Tea Party" will take place on Tuesday, April 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the Frost Kalnow Room. Prepare and share finger food, enjoy a cup of tea, and discuss The Lost Apothecary with fellow book lovers. A short presentation on herbs and their medicinal properties will also take place. Registration is not required for this free program. On Friday, April 14, the second annual Plant Swap will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drop in any time to leave extra plants that are looking for a new home, or to take something new home. Suggestions of plants to bring are house plants, outdoor plants, starts, bulbs, and seeds. Please bring as much detail on the plant as possible, such as instructions for planting, or whether it requires sun or shade. You don't have to bring a plant to take a plant! Lastly, on Thursday, April 20, join the Library at 6:30 p.m. for "Glitter & Glue," our in-person craft night. We will be crafting a wreath made out of tea-stained book-page magnolia leaves. Registration is required by visiting the online calendar at www.tiffinsenecalibrary.org. "The Lost Apothecary" tells the tale of a secret apothecary shop in eighteenth-century London that sells well-disguised poisons for women to use against the oppressive men in their lives. Meanwhile, in present-day London, an aspiring historian stumbles upon a clue to the unsolved apothecary murders that haunted London two hundred years ago. Copies of the book can be checked out at the Library, and the eBook and audiobook can be found on the Ohio Digital Library, the Libby app, and Hoopla. Visit www.tiffinsenecalibrary.org/community-read or call 419-447-3751 for more information about this year's Community Read festivities. Kayleigh Tschanen-Feasel is the Community Relations Manager at Tiffin-Seneca Public Library