Nature and Science
April 2026

Recent Releases
Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives
by Daisy Fancourt

Psychologist and epidemiologist Daisy Fancourt’s debut touts the importance of the arts and creativity in a healthy lifestyle, even for the non-artistic. Fancourt’s inspiring book provides statistics and examples showing that an hour of art-related activity per week can improve mental health, memory, movement, and longevity, and can alleviate the symptoms of numerous ailments. For fans of: The Well-Gardened Mind: The Restorative Power of Nature by Sue Stuart-Smith.
The Feather Wars and the Great Crusade to Save America's Birds
by James H. McCommons

In the late 19th century, America’s bird populations were under serious threat, with many species hunted to near extinction for sport, biological research, and (wait for it...) the ladies’ hat industry. Luckily for the birds, a concerted conservation effort took hold, led by an unlikely alliance between academics, wardens, hunters, docents, artists, and politicians. James H. McCommons’ book serves as a happy example of what is achievable when concerned parties come together. 

Available on Libby
Winter: The Story of a Season
by Val McDermid

As we brace for another “hottest ever” summer, readers wistful for winter coziness will want to immerse themselves in Scottish crime novelist Val McDermid’s ode to the season of cold, rest, and reflection. McDermid’s beloved Edinburgh comes to life with her vivid childhood recollections of busy street scenes, sprinkled with Scottish holiday traditions and a few soup recipes. For fans of: The Light in the Dark: A Winter Journal by Horatio Clare.
When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America's Black Botanical Legacy
by Beronda L. Montgomery

Plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery’s richly detailed own voices book examines several varieties of common American trees and plants in a blend of memoir, Black history, and science. We learn facts both inspiring and haunting about traditional Black botanical knowledge, like that willow bark was boiled to make medicinal poultices, and that the hollow trunks of sycamores would often serve as safe shelter for people escaping enslavement. For fans of: the anthology A Darker Wilderness: Black Nature Writing from Soil to Stars, edited by Erin Sharkey.
You Might Enjoy
Outside Together event. Mountain forest and trail.
Short Film Screening & Discussion
Breath of Gloster
Saturday, May 9 | 1 pm
Harold J. Miossi CPAC | Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo
Free admission and parking. RSVP here.
 
Watch the short film Breath of Gloster, featuring environmental activist and trail runner Peyton Thomas and educator-activist Dr. Krystal Martin. Stay for an inspiring discussion with Peyton, Dr. Martin, and other community experts.
 
Our Outside Together series is in partnership with NAACP San Luis Obispo County Branch and the SLO County Library Foundation. Learn about Outside Together.