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Off the Shelf

Check out recent book columns by FVRLibraries staff, including the weekly "Check it Out" column that first appears in The Columbian and the monthly "Book Beat" column that first appears in The Messenger.

Check it Out: National Library Week: Drawn to the Library

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist pays homage to the library as its portrayed in fiction for all ages.

Check it Out: A Day in the Life

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist talks true life--as perceived by the authors of biographies, autobiographies and memoirs.

Book Beat: Keeping it Local

J. Alder
Our Book Beat Columnist features books set in Clark County in celebration of FVRLibraries' 75th anniversary.

Check it Out: The Shape of Thing(s) that Bite

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist explores the concept of shapeshifters through literature and cinema.

Check it Out: Visiting the Emerald Isle

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist takes us across the pond to Ireland through books by Irish authors or about the Emerald Isle.

Check it Out: History That Won't Bore You Senseless

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist explores history without dropping us into any dry tomes.

Book Beat: The Luck o' the Irish

J. Alder
Our Book Beat columnist takes us on a trip to the Emerald Isle in honor of St. Patrick's Day in the USA.

Check it Out: Bloom Where You're Planted (hopefully)

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist digs into the many titles and resources for gardeners, would-be gardeners, and garden admirers.

Check it Out: Alternative Histories, or, "what if" books

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist delves into historical potentialities in fiction.

Check it Out: Love is in the Air

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist takes us on a visual tour of love through movies.

Check it Out: Coop(ed) up in Vancouver, WA

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist explores the care and keeping of chickens.

Book Beat: The Six Triple Eight

J. Alder
Inspired by the story of The Six Triple Eight, our Book Beat columnist does a deep dive into other unsung heroes of World War II.

Check it Out: Travelling Back in Time--to 1984

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist offers up a variety of dystopian novels in observance of the 75th anniversary of George Orwell's death.

Check it Out: Oh, the Weather Outside is Frightful

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist provides a decade of soup cookbooks to bring joy to the cold season.

Check it Out: Hail to the Chief(s)

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist shines a light on fiction by or about U. S. Presidents.

Check it Out: Healthy New Beginnings for a New Year

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist explores health topics in the collection and beyond.

Check it Out: A Life of Danger and Mystery

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist takes us into the dark alleys and secret rooms in search of spies.

Book Beat: In Service to Others

J. Alder
In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. National Day of Service, our Book Beat columnist serves up some titles about people who have dedicated themselves to serving others.

Check it Out: Attitude of Gratitude

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist explores how traditions engender gratitude.

Check it Out: Japanese Slice-of-Life Novels

B. Wood
Our librarian columnist introduces us to a style of cozy Japanese fiction, perfect for mid-winter, evening reading.