Lift Your Read

Our mission at the Grandview Heights Public Library is to transform lives through knowledge, ideas, and experiences.

One great way to achieve this mission is by reading books that spotlight the diverse lives and experiences of people and groups who represent our communities, near and far. 

With this in mind, we encourage you and our entire community to “Lift Your Read” by participating in an informal community read with us each month.

These booklists shine light on a group, experience, challenge, setting, or other topic that might not have had our attention without a “lift” in that direction.  

We hope you enjoy discovering new books and experiences with these monthly staff-curated booklists to help you Lift Your Read.

The Civil Rights Movement
On December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks was arrested in Montgomery, Alabama, for refusing to move to the back of the bus. Her arrest sparked a yearlong African American boycott of the city buses in Montgomery and led to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that declared unconstitutional any racial segregation on municipal buses. Please join us in honoring the serene heroism of Rosa Parks this month by reading a book about the civil rights movement.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day
As the Allies closed in on Nazi Germany at the end of World War II, Soviet forces liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and killing center on January 27, 1945. Each year on January 27, the United Nations leads the international community in remembering the victims of the Holocaust, those who perished and those who survived. We read so that we Never Forget.

National Ohio Day
November 2 is National Ohio Day, the day that the rest of the country celebrates Ohio joining the union as the 17th state. Spend November considering Ohio’s indigenous heritage and figures such as Tecumseh and Blue Jacket, Ohioans like Aminah Robinson, Langston Hughes, and Rutherford B. Hayes, and our state’s many contributions to our nation’s history and culture.

Emotional Wellness Month
It’s always been important, even more so since the COVID-19 pandemic, to consider and support your emotional well-being. This month, pause to consider your emotional wellness, and learn from others, past and present, who have helped guide those in need of support, to wellness. Psychiatrists, disability advocates, medical professionals, educators, and more, have all contributed to our society’s understanding that mental health is as important as, and contributes to, physical health.

Labor Day
Thousands of Americans have marched, protested, and participated in strikes in order to create fairer, more equitable labor laws and workplaces. Spend this month reading about the movement’s history and its leaders, and how it continues today.

Educator AppreciationIt’s time for kids to head back to school, so let’s take some time to appreciate and celebrate those educators who have, and continue to, care for, educate, and advocate, for our children. Read a book about, or by, a teacher, or education advocate, or about education more generally.

Conservation AwarenessAs many of us flock to shores and beaches (or dream of doing so), it’s important to take time to remember how important these beautiful coasts are to our natural environment, and how at risk we are of losing them. Read a book about beach/ocean conservation, the impacts of climate change and humans on our oceans and communities, or about a conservationist who is fighting to save them.

JuneteenthCelebrate Juneteenth (6/19) all month by learning about this holiday and its significance in the United States, particularly to African Americans and descendants of enslaved people.

Cinco de Mayo
In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is widely interpreted as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage – spend the month of May learning about this heritage and culture by reading books about, or by, Mexicans and Mexican-Americans.

Earth Day
Earth Day is April 22, so spend this month reading a book that sheds light on the long fight to #InvestInOurPlanet or celebrates those who defend our planet’s health. Visit earthday.org/earth-day-2022/ to learn more.

Women’s History Month
Celebrate Women’s History Month by reading a book about, or by, a woman who has been at some point overlooked for their contributions to the world around us and reflect on them.

Black History Month
Honor the history of the African American community – read a book about, or by, a Black or Brown person or a book about the important role of Black History in pursuit of racial justice and equality in America.

National Mentoring Month
Celebrate mentoring and the positive effect it can have on young lives by reading a book about or by someone who has been mentored, mentored others, or about how mentoring benefits us all.

National Giving Month
Celebrate Americans at their best by acknowledging the generosity and volunteerism that unites people of all ideologies.

National Native American Heritage Month
Read a book about, or by, a Native American or indigenous person, or about the United States’ troubled relationship with its native people.

National Bullying Prevention Month
Read a book to help instill empathy and understanding toward others, no matter how alike or different they may be.

National Recovery Month, presented with Start Talking Grandview

International Peace Month

Unsung American Heroes

Pride Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

The Immigrant Experience

LGBTQIA+

Enjoying your Lift Your Read selections?

Participate in Project Postcard and share your recommendations with your community!

More information is available here or ask a library staff member.