Sandy Seed Library News - June

 

Happy June, Gardeners!

This month includes Pollinator Week (June 22 - 28) and I find it very fitting to be able to share that the library was awarded another native plant grant to complete our landscaping project! If you are new to our newsletter, you may not be aware that we have been slowly transforming our garden beds around the library to be made up of predominately native plants to support our pollinators and our Bee City, USA initiative.

The southeast garden bed is already filled with plants obtained through a Xerces Society grant, and after November, our entre south side will be made up of native pollinator plants.

This has been such a special opportunity that has come together through the donations from the Xerces Society and Clackamas Soil and Water Conservation District, and the labor of our generous volunteers.

10 Books to Read Before You Watch in 2026

With the May release of Remarkably Bright Creatures on Netflix, we are worked into a frenzy over which of our favorite books are being made into movies or tv shows in 2026. After all, most of us here working at the library read Remarkably Bright Creatures and watched the movie the minute it came out. We love being able to compare what was similar and different within the pages of the book versus the big screen. 

Here are some other movies to be on the lookout for that you can read before watching:

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Release Date: May 2026

Platform: Netflix

Remarkably Bright Creatures has been one of our most talked about books since it was released in 2022. Not many books are told from the point of view of an octopus named Marcellus, but this one is one you won't easily forget. 

A heartwarming (and heartbreaking) story about family, grief, and community, we recommend you watch Remarkably Bright Creatures with your loved ones. Sally Field and Lewis Pullman lead the cast and do a phenomenal job bringing the story to life. 

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Release Date: June 2026

Platform: Amazon Prime

Every Summer After (retitled Every Year After as a show), premiers in June on Amazon Prime. Fresh off the popularity of other book to tv show adaptations like We Were Liars, or The Summer I Turned Pretty, society can't seem to get enough of these first-love dramatic stories. 

This one is likely to continue in those footsteps. After spending 16 weeks on the New York Times Best-Seller list and selling over 1 million copies, Every Summer After is poised to be a huge hit. 

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand

Release Date: July 2026

Platform: Peacock

Often considered the queen of Summer beach reads, Elin Hilderbrand's The Five-Star Weekend is sure to be a summertime hit. 

Starring Jennifer Garner and Regina Hall, The Five-Star Weekend is a perfect blend of a Nancy Meyer's movie, and Big Little Lies. A perfect excuse to get your friends together for a weekly tv night!

The Odyssey by Homer

Release Date: July 2026

Platform: Theaters & IMAX 

Shot on IMAX film, Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is generating a lot of (positive and negative) buzz. Nolan has always been an ambitious filmmaker, and his follow-up to his Oscar winning Oppenheimer is no exception. 

Telling a Greek myth sounds right up Nolan's alley to be honest, and with an amazing ensemble cast featuring Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, John Leguizamo and Lupita Nyong'o, this film, which was shot in six different countries is sure to be a feast for the eyes. 

Lucky by Marissa Stapley

Release Date: July 2026

Platform: Apple TV+

As part of Reese Witherspoon's book club, and produced by Reese herself Lucky is sure to be a hit. The story follows Lucky, a troubled con-artist (played by Anya-Taylor Joy), who is on the run from the FBI and a ruthless crime boss. 

Being made into a 7-episode miniseries, Apple TV+ subscribers will get to spend the summer with a weekly episode sure to get your heart pumping. 

The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

Release Date: August 2026

Platform: Theaters

You'd think that in a post-Covid world we would be sick of post-apocalyptic films where illness has devastated the population. 

However, Ridley Scott is a great director to helm a take on this critically acclaimed best-seller by Peter Heller. Starring the "it" actors of the moment, Jacob Elordi and Margaret Qualley, (backed by veterans Allison Janney, Guy Pearce, and Josh Brolin), The Dog Stars has the ability to bring in a wide audience, we'll see if Scott's $110 million dollar gamble pays off! 

Verity by Colleen Hoover

Release Date: October 2026

Platform: Theaters

The past couple of years have been filled with book-to-screen adaptations based on Colleen Hoover books. While most of her books tend to focus on romantic, yet tragic stories, none are quite like Verity. 

Starring Josh Hartnett, Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, this thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's great for fans of Frieda McFadden and Gillian Flynn.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

Release Date: Late 2026

Platform: Amazon

The Love Hypothesis which was released in 2021, gained notoriety on BookTok which launched it into the stratosphere and helped it become a New York Times best-seller. 

Starring Lili Reinhart (who is also executive producing), the "fake turned real" relationship trope will delight fans of books by Ali Hazelwood, Emily Henry, and others. 

Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan

Release Date: February 2027

Platform: Theaters

Truth be told, seeing a book with the names Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shymalan seemed a bit confusing initially, but capitalizing off Nicholas Sparks previous success, it quickly became a best-seller. Shymalan and Sparks worked together to develop the characters with Shymalan writing the respective screenplay simultaneously as Sparks wrote the book.

With those two names behind it, this supernatural love story being released near Valentine's Day is sure to become a box-office success as well! 

Narnia: The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

Release Date: February 2027

Platform: Theaters & IMAX

Greta Gerwig's first film since 2023's smash-hit, Barbie, Narnia: The Magician's Nephew, is the first Netflix original movie to receive theater distribution!

A reboot of the previous Narnia movie series, it stars Meryl Streep, Carey Mulligan, Daniel Craig and Emma Mackay. This multi-million dollar adaptation is certain be fun for the whole family with amazing effects and visuals! 

June Book Club Picks

Here are what the Sandy and Hoodland book clubs have decided to read in June: 

Men's Book Club

Monday, June 1
7:00 PM
Hoyt Community Room in the Sandy Library

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

For further information please contact Maureen Houck: mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Digital Book Club 

Thursday, June 4
7:00 PM
Online via Zoom

Birdgirl: Looking to the Skies in Search of a Better Future by Mya-Rose Craig

For further information and to receive the Zoom link, contact Kat Aden: kaden@ci.sandy.or.us

Women's Book Club

Thursday, June 11

6:00 PM

Hoyt Community Room in the Sandy Library

Same Author June - Jacqueline Winspear

For further information please contact Maureen Houck: mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Hoodland Book Club

Tuesday, June 16

4:00 PM

Hoodland Community Room

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

For further information please contact Alex Steinmetz: asteinmetz@ci.sandy.or.us

Sandy Library Book Recommendations for Asian American and Pacific Islander Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Month. In May we take the time tor reflect on and celebrate the important role that the AAPI community has played in shaping America. 

Tying in with our One Book, One Coast program, where we are reading They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, there are several AAPI themed events taking place all of the Clackamas County library system, including a live stream interview with George Takei at the Sandy Library on May 31 at 2:00 PM. 

If you're interested in exploring AAPI month through reading, our staff has put together some titles to help you out!

Children's Books

I Am Golden by Eva Chen

What do you see when you look in the mirror, Mei? Do you see beauty?

We see eyes that point toward the sun, that give us the warmth and joy of a thousand rays when you smile. We see hair as inky black and smooth as a peaceful night sky. We see skin brushed with gold.

This joyful and lyrical picture book from New York Times-bestselling author Eva Chen is a moving ode to the immigrant experience, as well as a manifesto of self-love for Asian American children. - via Goodreads

Home is in Between by Mitali Perkins

Shanti misses the warm monsoon rains in India. Now in America, she watches fall leaves fly past her feet.

Still, her family’s apartment feels like a village: Mama cooking luchi, funny stories in Bangla, and Baba’s big laugh. But outside, everything is different – trick-or-treating, ballet class, and English books.

Back and forth, Shanti trudges between her two worlds. She remembers her village and learns her new town. She watches Bollywood movies at home and Hollywood movies with her friends. She is Indian. She is also American. How should she define home? -via Goodreads

Sandy Seed Library News - May 2026

Happy May, Gardeners!

This is an exciting month for us gardeners because it means we are finally able to get our plants outside and into the ground! We start to see the plant sales and swaps pop up all across the tri-county area and the desire to be among the flowers is mighty strong. I will confess that I have already been to the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden and The Oregon Garden since I wrote my last newsletter.

I am ready to be among the flowers.

Photo taken by me at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden.

And, just a friendly reminder that both gardens are available to visit with a Cultural Pass!

To learn more about how to reserve a Cultural Pass, head to our How To blogpost! 

How to: Reserve a Cultural Pass Online

Did you know that you can use your library card to get into an assortment of venues throughout Oregon? From local parks to world class museums, our Cultural Pass Express program can open up a world of possibilities with the aid of your library card.

The best part? You can reserve your Cultural Pass online from the comfort of your own home. 

Here's how:

Step 1: Head to LINCC.org and find the "Cultural Pass Express" option on the left-hand side. 

Step 2: Click on "Reserve your Cultural Pass now". 

Step 3: Once inside, log in using the 8 digit barcode on your card and the 4 digit pin that you created when you signed up for your card. (If you don't remember your pin, call your local library branch and provide your card number)!

Step 4: Once logged in you will see the details of your Cultural Pass options. You will see how often you can receive a pass, what the display requirements are, accessibility, and hours. Scroll down to find the Cultural Pass you're interested in and click "Show first available offer."

Step 5: If reserving for the current day, select the green reserve button. If opting to reserve for a different date, select the blue highlighted "Reserve different date" link. 

Step 6: Once your correct date is reserved, you will enter your email address to receive your confirmation notice. Once you've entered your email address, you will hit the green continue button at the bottom. 

Step 7: Select the Print/Download button to save your pass. Once you select the print/download option you cannot cancel your reservation. Depending on the venue, you may be able to show your pass on your phone, however some passes require printing.*

Step 8: Your finished pass will look similar to the image above. Enjoy your venue and don't forget to share your Cultural Pass experience with others! 

*No printer? No problem. Head to your closest library to print your document. To upload a document for printing at Sandy, click here. To upload a document for printing at Hoodland, click here. 

May Book Club Picks

Here are what the Sandy and Hoodland book clubs have decided to read in May: 

Men's Book Club

Monday, May 4
7:00 PM
Hoyt Community Room in the Sandy Library

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore

For further information please contact Maureen Houck: mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Digital Book Club 

Thursday, May 7
7:00 PM
Online via Zoom

I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai

For further information and to receive the Zoom link, contact Kat Aden: kaden@ci.sandy.or.us

Women's Book Club

Thursday, May 14

6:00 PM

Hoyt Community Room in the Sandy Library

Last Bus to Wisdom by Ivan Doig

For further information please contact Maureen Houck: mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Hoodland Book Club

Tuesday, May 19

4:00 PM

Hoodland Community Room

They Called Us Enemy by George Takai

For further information please contact Alex Steinmetz: asteinmetz@ci.sandy.or.us

Sandy Seed Library News - April 2026

Happy April, Gardeners!

Spring is here and to celebrate I have put together a list of gardens to visit! This was inspired by a few conversations I have had with several friends that enjoy gardens and gardening, and my desire to connect them to one another while we explore.

Maybe you can catch the cherry blossoms in bloom at the Portland Japanese Garden early this month, or in mid-April through early May you can visit a lilac garden. Don’t forget about wandering through an arboretum to celebrate Arbor Day! The wonderful thing about this list is that there are places to visit all-year-round and several of them feature free passes for library patrons.

One that is not on this list, but is a recent addition to our Cultural Pass Express program, is the World Forestry Center located in Washington Park, Portland. Washington Park is loaded with so many garden/nature opportunities (the International Rose Test Garden, the Portland Japanese Garden, and Hoyt Arboretum to name a few) that if you decide to head that way, you might want to visit the World Forestry Center as well!

If anyone has a garden they recommend that is not on this list, I would love to know about it!

Please enjoy my goofy selfie that was taken at the Hulda-Klager Lilac Garden in 2024!

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List of Gardens to Visit

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April Book Club Picks

  Here are what the Sandy and Hoodland book clubs have decided to read in April: 

Digital Book Club 

Thursday, April 2
7:00 PM
Online via Zoom

The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

For further information and to receive the Zoom link, contact Kat Aden: kaden@ci.sandy.or.us

Men's Book Club

Monday, April 6
7:00 PM
Hoyt Community Room in the Sandy Library

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

For further information please contact Maureen Houck: mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Women's Book Club

Thursday, April 9

6:00 PM

Hoyt Community Room in the Sandy Library

Mrs. Endicott's Splendid Adventure by Rhys Bowen

For further information please contact Maureen Houck: mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Hoodland Book Club

Tuesday, April 21

4:00 PM

Hoodland Community Room

Writers & Lovers by Lily King

For further information please contact Alex Steinmetz: asteinmetz@ci.sandy.or.us

Seed Library News - March 2026

 

Happy March, Gardeners!

I want to start off by thanking everyone who came to our annual seed swap, Seedy Saturday. We saw around 90 people come through to swap seeds and speak with our special guests. I estimate just over 500 seed packets were taken home that day! I have so many seeds left over that it might take me another month to get through them all and get them into the cabinet as we also received donations from the following nurseries:

• Al's Garden Center
• Baker Creek
• Peaceful Valley
• Portland Nursery
• Territorial Seed Co.

I also want to extend heartfelt gratitude to my wonderful volunteers that made our event flow better than previous years: Tom, Jim & Lynn, and Patty, thank you for your continued support of our seed library!

And thank you to our special guests, Echo Valley Natives, Food Hero, Master Gardeners Cindy and Kris, and Amy with the Community Gardens, for offering your time to be available to our community members to answer questions and provide resources.

Finally, thank you to The Garden Massage Therapy in Sandy for donating a gift basket that was an extra special treat for one lucky patron.

Book Club Picks - March 2026

Here are what the Sandy and Hoodland book clubs have decided to read in February: 

Digital book club will be cancelled for March. 

Men's Book Club

Monday, March 2
7:00 PM
Hoyt Community Room in the Sandy Library

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

For further information please contact Maureen Houck: mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Women's Book Club

Thursday, March 12

6:00 PM

Hoyt Community Room in the Sandy Library

Trivia Night Challenge! 

For further information please contact Maureen Houck: mhouck@ci.sandy.or.us

Hoodland Book Club

Tuesday, March 17

4:00 PM

Hoodland Community Room

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

For further information please contact Alex Steinmetz: asteinmetz@ci.sandy.or.us

Sandy Library Recommendations for Black History Month

February is Black History Month. From February 1 - March 1, we take the time to celebrate and recognize important people and events in African-American history. 

While LINCC maintains a collection of books for Black Voices & Culture, we asked some of the staff at the Sandy and Hoodland Libraries for their recommendations for books for Black History Month. 

Sandy Seed Library News - February 2026

 

Happy February, Gardeners!

I am not sure why I decided that my birthday month was the month to talk about invasive plants, but here we are. It might have to do with the excitement around new seeds coming into the library and the recurring conversation I have around certain flowers being invasive or not.

Grass Isn’t Greener by Danae Wolfe makes a case for eliminating invasives. “Not all non-native plants are bad. In fact, many non-native plants coexist peacefully with native species and bring beauty to the garden. But when non-native plants become invasive, that’s when things go awry.”

“Invasive plants are non-native species that are introduced to a new environment and have the ability to rapidly reproduce and spread. These plants have a knack for outcompeting native species for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients, and they also exhibit aggressive growth habits and fast growth rates, and often have efficient reproductive strategies. With few natural predators to keep them in check and the ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, they can rapidly colonize new areas and quickly dominate local ecosystems.”

One of the most frequent flowers that gets mentioned are foxgloves (Digitalis pupurea). We associate foxgloves with our area so much that I think they are even featured on the city’s new electric bus! They are beautiful, but there is a case to be made that they are invasive.

Oregon and Washington do not have them on the official list because to make it onto a state-wide invasive list, the plant often has to have a major impact on our agriculture industry, not our wild and native spaces. However, our neighbors, California and British Columbia both agree that it is invasive, with local plant organizations, like the Native Plant Society of Oregon, pushing for this classification.

If this is a flower that you adore, you are not alone, and I do have some words of hope: There are many hybrid varieties available in seed form, and the beauty in their hybrid form is that the seeds are sterile. You will not have to worry about them seeding out of control and taking over in native spaces and you still get to enjoy them.

Foxgloves (Digitalis pupurea) Links

Foxglove- Invasive Species Council of British Columbia

Native Plant Society of Oregon - Invasive Plant Atlas

Invasive Species List of California - Digitalis pupurea

Photo: Wiki Commons

Attribution: Robert Flogaus-Faust - Own work, CC BY 4.0

Penstemon

If you are looking for a similar flower that would be a better option, check out the penstemon flowers. This picture I took at a local nursery as I was watching a bee go in and out of each flower. Click on the image to see her booty and little legs hanging out of a flower.

OregonFlora - Penstemon

Portland Nursery - Penstemon: Beard-tongue