Spotlight 1. Flowers

In these Library Spotlight posts we’re picking a theme and highlighting some of the amazing content available to you online via Sheffield Libraries, as well as out there in the wider world. 

In this first post, our inspiration is Flowers. 

Inspiring eMagazines

We have dozens bestselling eMagazine titles available to access free of charge by library members.  Why not check out BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for tips and expert advice on all things green fingered. 

If you’d rather draw or paint the flowers in your garden, take a look at Artists and Illustrators Magazine.  

View magazines online    

Online Poetry Meet - Nature

Tomorrow, we’ll be hosting an online meet using Zoom.  The theme is nature.  A chance to share your love of poetry with other enthusiasts.  You can take part by reading work yourself, or just sit back and enjoy.  

Places are limited so book now to avoid disappointment.

Flowers and Harry Potter

Check out this amazing blog post about floriography (the language and meaning of different flowers) and Harry Potter. 

There are hidden meanings throughout the Harry Potter series, some perhaps revealed when you explore the historic significance of different flowers.

Delve deeper online

Escape into Audiobooks

Inspired by floriography?  Why not try listening to The Flower Arrangement by Ella Griffin, a warm and moving story set around a Dublin florist, where Lara works her magic: translating feelings into flower arrangements that change hearts and lives.  

Or for younger listeners, how about the The Garden of Lost Secrets by A.M. Howell.  A mystery brimming set against a back drop of the First World War in the walled gardens of the Ickworth estate. 

Listen online

Creativity During Corona

Each morning during lockdown, we’ve been posting daily creative prompts on Facebook  and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from people creating their own poetry and artwork.  We look forward to showcasing some of this work during an exhibition at the Central Library.

Today, we’re taking a look at Helen Dunmore’s poem, City Lilacs.  It describes perfectly how despite the mobile phones, litter and roundabouts, nature is going about its business.

You could simply read this poem then close…or take a look at the prompts on our Facebook page and send us your own thoughts, notes, journal piece, poem, short story,  drawing, paintings, photographs, knitting, sewing, or  songs….  Enjoy.

Picture Book Authors Online

There are lots of amazingly talented authors and illustrators posting videos for families online.  We really love this one by James Mayhew, author of Katie and the Sunflowers.  Both a storytime and an art lesson.

Check out the video online

Join the Great British Wildflower Hunt

Now in its fourth year, and running through spring and summer, the Great British Wildflower Hunt, organised by Plantlife is about seeing the wild flowers that surround us every day.  Whether in town, local woodland or the countryside, get to know their names and faces…

Remember to stay safe and follow Government advice on travel and social distancing.  Take part in the Hunt only as part of your daily exercise.

Discover more online