September 2025: Take care of yourself
Our September Year in Reading challenge is about taking care of yourself, in whatever form that takes. Our recommended reads will give you some suggestions if you need ideas!
Meditations for Black women : 75 mindful reflections to help you stay grounded & find inner peace
Author(s):
Description:
A collection of 75 mindful reflections tailored uniquely to the experiences of Black women. These reflections are designed to inspire, support, and ground Black women, helping them navigate their unique everyday challenges. Each meditation is accompanied by a powerful quote from an influential Black woman, adding an extra layer of inspiration and contemplation.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
305.48896 Ade
Gentle : rest more, stress less, and live the life you actually want
Author(s):
Description:
"Being Gentle is about being grounded in self-compassion and a fierce commitment to less--becoming the Gentle You isn't about taking the easy road. Organized into three parts--Rest, Less, and Rise--Courtney Carver's Gentle provides simple challenges and practices that will help readers radically and gently shift their pace, headspace, and heart. Becoming the Gentle You is a practice of real self-care that, over time, will soothe your nervous system and strengthen your relationships. From an expert on simplicity and minimalism, a collection of 30 practices to overcome chronic overwhelm, cultivate self-compassion, and find permission to do less"-- Provided by publisher.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
158.1 Car
Octopus moon
Author(s):
Description:
Recently diagnosed with depression, fifth-grader Pearl struggles with self-care and self-love amidst a sea of changes.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
J FIC Pyr
The power of parting : finding peace and freedom through family estrangement
Author(s):
Description:
"After decades of enduring his mother's physical and psychological torment, after years of trying in vain to set boundaries, Eamon Dolan took a radical step: he cut his mother out of his life. No more phone calls, no more visits, no more contact. Parting with his abuser gave him immediate relief and set him on a path toward freedom, confidence, and joy like none he had ever felt before. In The Power of Parting, Dolan has written the book he wishes he'd had when he was struggling to free himself from his mother's abuse. In the process, he discovered how widespread estrangement really is. At least 27 percent of Americans are estranged from a parent, sibling, or other family member. He also learned why so much stigma surrounds this common-- and often lifesaving-phenomenon. Even among therapists--the professionals who would seem most attuned to the pain relatives can inflict--there's a bias toward reconciliation, when millions of their patients need instead to escape their abusers' grip. Estrangement, Dolan realized, should be understood and embraced, not shrouded in shame. Drawing on his own suffering and healing, as well as experts' advice and the testimony of other courageous survivors, Dolan first explains why abuse is much different and more prevalent than we may think, how it harms us in childhood and beyond, and why limiting or eliminating contact might be our best possible choice. Then, he walks readers through the steps of a successful, positive estrangement: how to take crucial time for yourself; how to make sure no one can gaslight you into minimizing or forgetting; how to set rules for your abuser and--if they can't or won't respect your limits--how to end a toxic relationship. He also offers valuable counsel on how to ease the guilt and grief that often accompany parting, and how to break the cycle of abuse that was likely passed down to you through many generations. With a convincing blend of clarity and empathy, Dolan encourages others to do what he ultimately did for himself: determine whether the people in your life treat you with the care and concern you deserve-- and part ways with them if they don't."--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
362.8292 Dol
And then we rise : a guide to loving and taking care of self
Author(s):
Description:
And Then We Rise is about Common's journey to wellness as a vital element of his success. A testimony to the benefits of self-care, this book is composed of four different sections, each with its own important lessons: "The Food" focuses on nutrition. "The Body" focuses on fitness. "The Mind" focuses on mental health. And "The Soul" focuses on perhaps the most profound thing of all--spiritual well-being. Common's personal stories act as the backbone of his book, but he also wants to give his readers the gift of professional expertise. Here, he acts as the liaison to his own nutritionist and chef, his own physical trainer, and his own therapist, as well as to those who act as his spiritual influences. Wise, accessible, and powerful, And Then We Rise offers a comprehensive, holistic approach to wellness that will allow readers to transform their thinking, their actions, and, ultimately, their lives.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
613 Com
Tiny habits : + the small changes that change everything
Author(s):
Description:
We've all been told that change is hard. Fogg is here to help you transform your life-- by starting small and being flexible. He helps you crack the code of habit formation. Whether you want to lose weight, de-stress, or be more productive, you will learn how to feel good about your successes instead of bad about your failures. -- adapted from back cover
Format:
Book
Call Number:
152.33 Fog
How To Keep House While Drowning : A Gentle Approach To Cleaning And Organizing
Author(s):
Description:
If you're tired of staring at the same mess every day, but struggling to find the time and willpower to clean it, you probably have a very good reason: anxiety, fatigue, depression, ADHD, or lack of support. Designed by therapist KC Davis, this revolutionary method of cleaning and organizing helps end the stress-mess cycle.
Format:
Audiobook
Call Number:
648 Dav
Why we sleep : unlocking the power of sleep and dreams
Author(s):
Walker, Matthew P.
West, Steve
Description:
Professor Matthew Walker reveals his groundbreaking exploration of sleep, explaining how we can harness its transformative power to change our lives for the better. Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Walker gives us a new understanding of the vital importance of sleep and dreaming. Within the brain, sleep enriches our ability to learn, memorize, and make logical decisions. It recalibrates our emotions, restocks our immune system, fine-tunes our metabolism, and regulates our appetite. He answers important questions about sleep: caffeine and alcohol effects, REM sleep, sleep patterns across a lifetime, sleep aids and long-term damage. Walker explains how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood, and energy levels; regulate hormones; prevent cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes; slow the effects of aging; increase longevity; enhance the education and lifespan of our children, and boost the efficiency, success, and productivity of our businesses.--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
612.821 Wal
Relaxation and yoga
Author(s):
Description:
"Learn how yoga can improve your health and make you feel more relaxed."--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
J 613.7046 Son
The anxiety & phobia workbook
Author(s):
Description:
The 8th edition of The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne offers evidence-based strategies for managing anxiety, panic disorders, phobias, OCD, PTSD, and more. Updated with the latest research and new topics like climate and health anxiety, it provides step-by-step tools--such as relaxation techniques, exposure therapy, and lifestyle tips--to help readers regain control, reduce fear, and build a more hopeful future.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
616.8522 Bou 2025
The let them theory : a life-changing tool that millions of people can't stop talking about
Author(s):
Description:
"If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words--Let Them--will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory puts the power to create a life you love back in your hands--and this book will show you exactly how to do it. [Robbins] teaches you how to stop wasting energy on what you can't control and start focusing on what truly matters: YOU. Your happiness. Your goals. Your life. Using the same no-nonsense, science-backed approach that's made The Mel Robbins Podcast a global sensation, Robbins explains why The Let Them Theory is already loved by millions and how you can apply it in eight key areas of your life to make the biggest impact"--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
158.1 Rob
Hood wellness : tales of communal care from people who drowned on dry land
Author(s):
Description:
"In a world where self-care is critical to survival, Gordon offers a revolutionary perspective that celebrates individuals' unique privileges, challenges, and desires. By defying the norms of multi-billion-dollar industries, Hood Wellness illuminates the possibilities that emerge when we prioritize well-being while divesting from harmful structures. Hood Wellness is also a deep exploration of people forced to overcome harrowing circumstances with little more than communal support and the will to get well. From terminal illness and police violence to embracing gender identity in a society that's attacking trans and queer rights, each story reflects America's extreme political, racial, and gender climates. Gordon challenges everything we think we know about wellness by calling out the wellness industry's inability to include those outside the margins of white, heteronormative identities. She lays plain that self-care as we know it is mostly just surface-level "cute," and communal care is the call-to-action that America needs. Drawing on elements of memoir, self-help, humor, critical race theory, and devastatingly honest storytelling, Gordon guides readers on a transformative journey toward a new paradigm of wellness.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
303.372 Gor
Wonderful me : a first guide to taking care of yourself
Author(s):
Shapiro, Nancy
Sacramento, Vânia,
Description:
"Self-care is not just for grown-ups! Wonderful Me is a fun guide for children, featuring simple ways they can care for their mental, physical, and social wellbeing. Discover simple ways children can look after themselves, from naming feelings and moving their body, to building boundaries, and caring for their friends!"--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
J 613 Sha
Self-care for autistic people : 100+ ways to recharge, de-stress, and unmask!
Author(s):
Description:
"When you're autistic, it can be tough to prioritize wellness. Self-Care for Autistic People can help you engage in some neurodivergent self-care--without pretending to be neurotypical. You'll find more than 100 activities that help you accept yourself, destigmatize autism, find your community, and take care of your physical and mental health. You'll find solutions for managing the challenging aspects of autism, as well as ideas to bring out the many positive aspects. With expert advice from therapist Megan A. Neff, this book will help you make the most of your life and your diagnosis"--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
616.85882 Nef
Strive : 8 steps to find your awesome
Author(s):
Williams, Venus, 1980-
Murphy, Myatt
Description:
"Throughout Venus Williams' incredible career in tennis, she's been asked almost every question imaginable. What she eats, how she trains, what she does to unwind, and most frequently, how does she manage to do it all? Venus harnessed a rich blend of hard-won wisdom and core discipline to achieve her goals while keeping a simple promise to herself: to keep things fun. But after being diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disorder that affected her emotional and physical wellness, Venus's vow was put to the test. She came up with the STRIVE strategy--a winning combination of holistic and scientific approaches to wellness and performance that focuses on making self-improvements reachable and sustainable. In STRIVE, readers will learn how eight tiny but essential tenets can help turn smart choices into habits. And once that happens, you'll forge a lifestyle you return to because you want to, not because you have to--and that's when you start winning."--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
613 Wil
Spread kindness with crafts
Author(s):
Description:
"Would you want to make the world a kinder place? Get crafting! Stitch cozy pet beds to donate to animal shelters. Make colorful care packages for people experiencing homelessness. Create an uplifting fidget toy for someone who is feeling stressed. These fun crafts will help you spread kindness in your home, at school, in your community, and beyond."--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
J 745.5 Van
Sew mindful cross stitch : twenty-two beginner-friendly cross-stitch projects to bring you colour and calm
Author(s):
Description:
Sew Mindful Cross Stitch combines bright and modern cross stitch projects with the calming benefits of mindfulness. Throughout her debut book, Sophie Crabb explores the idea behind crafting for calm and why it can have such a profound and positive impact on our mental wellbeing. With a total of twenty-two brand new cross stitch projects to choose from, you can stitch your way through Positive Affirmations, Mindful Messages and Self-Care Quotes. Not familiar with cross stitch? We've got you covered. Learn from the beginning with an introduction to what you'll need, detailed step-by-step guidance and some top tips to help you get started. Throughout the book, Sophie shares an honest and thoughtful account of her own wellbeing journey, reflecting on topics such as depression and anxiety to overthinking and imposter syndrome, with an aim to open up the conversation linking mindfulness and crafting for calm. Learn how to mindfully cross stitch and transform how you de-stress for good. --amazon.com.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
746.443 Cra
The joy of saying no : a simple plan to stop people pleasing, reclaim boundaries, and say yes to the life you want
Author(s):
Description:
"Are you still playing a role you learned in childhood to please others, such as the Good Girl/Boy, the Overachiever, or the Helper? Though these kinds of roles may have gained us attention and affection, they prohibited us from becoming our true selves. People-pleasing--putting others ahead of ourselves to avoid something negative or to get something we want or need--runs rampant in our society. Saying yes when we should say no leaves us stuck in frustrating patterns. And when we don't say yes authentically, we say it resentfully, which leads to more problems than if we'd said no in the first place. The Joy of Saying No will help you identify your people-pleasing style and habits. A six-step framework then teaches you how to discover the healing and transformative power of no to establish healthier boundaries, foster more intimate relationships and fulfilling experiences, and reconnect with your values and authentic self." -- Amazon.com.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
158.2 Lue
Sacred self-care : daily practices for nurturing our whole selves
Author(s):
Description:
Taking care of ourselves is essential. But while many of us are focusing on our physical, emotional, and mental well-being, we're overlooking the nourishing of our souls. This interactive devotional from Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes shows how to begin caring for your spiritual self in only 49 days. Each day includes short, accessible, and practical prompts, practices, scripture passages, hymns, and prayers that help you nurture your spirit and offer insight and guidance on: practicing self-compassion; setting boundaries; accessing priorities and establishing routines that reflect your values; and understanding why self-care is subversive and reparative in social justice.
Format:
Book
Call Number:
248.4 Wal
The comfy cozy witch's guide to making magic in your everyday life
Author(s):
Description:
"From the host of the beloved podcast The Comfy Cozy Witch comes an accessible two-color illustrated guide resonant with cozy fall vibes, featuring spells, recipes, meditations, and practices to bring good magic into your daily life. Whether you're a novice curious about witchcraft but aren't sure where to start, or a seasoned witch interested in deepening your practice, this warm, accessible, and nurturing interactive guide shows you the way. The Comfy Cozy Witch's Guide to Making Magic in Your Everyday Life combines the practical charm of The Little Book of Hygge with the down to earth wisdom of The Spell Book for New Witches and the practical advice of Grimoire Girl, Drawn from decades of popular podcaster Jennie Blonde's experience, she shares seven tenets to help you begin and develop your own authentic practice."--
Format:
Book
Call Number:
133.43 Blo
