Those of you who have known the NEC for decades probably have a mental association between the NEC and the written word. Besides publishing EcoNews, we have also historically had a large lending library which is available to the community. Now, thanks to the hard work of two amazing volunteers, Ali Ong Lee and Sue Leskiw, the NEC’s lending library has been updated, organized and catalogued so you can browse over 300 titles from the comfort of your home by visiting yournec.org/community-resources/
From bioregional field guides of native plants and animals, to case studies of climate change solutions, economics, literature, politics and organizing, our library has something for everyone. We have books on topics including: Birding, Climate, Conservation, Ecology, Energy, Evolution, Food, Fish, Forestry, Fungi, Legislation, Mammals, Marine Ecology, Plants, Rivers, Urban Planning, Water Conservation, Wildlife, and more. We also have 50 years of EcoNews publications archived if you would like to research an historical environmental issue. If you would like to check out a book please email nec@yournec.org or call 707-822-6918 to schedule an appointment to visit our office. We have limited hours due to COVID.
We are also seeking to build our collection and be a useful resource for folks throughout the entire spectrum of the environmental movement, so if you have books you’d like to donate, please get in touch and we will let you know if we are interested in cataloguing the titles you have to offer. We have also compiled a “Wish List” of desired titles, if you are interested in either making a cash donation for the library or purchasing books for us to circulate. We are carefully curating our collection with books that are regionally specific, up-to-date, and oriented to inspire people to engage with the natural world and advocate for its well-being. If you are interested in helping with this process, please get in touch to make sure your donations fit our vision.
One of the fantastic volunteers who helped with this project, Ali Ong Lee, will be reviewing books from our library to give you a taste of what we have on offer. Check out page 15 for this month’s review of Elwha: A River Reborn to get a glimpse of what is possible when communities work together to remove dams. Happy reading!
