Hiking has many benefits. Along with the sun warming your face, the sound of the wind in the trees and the beauty of nature, hiking is good for your health. You not only get physical exercise but also emotional and mental relief enjoying the great outdoors. So lace up your hiking boots, gather your family and discover the abundance of trails and parks in Canton and the great state of Michigan.

For more ways to participate in the summer program head back to the 62 Ways to do 62 Days page. 

Kitchen gardening has been around since the early times. A small plot of land near the house can be used to grow a variety of fruits and vegetables for household use, according to the season. Growing your own food has many health benefits:

You eat more fresh fruits and vegetables,

You chose what pesticides and fertilizers to use
Harvest time is chosen by you.

It is good exercise and fun for the whole family.           

These books and other resources can help you get started on your kitchen garden today!  

For more ways to have the best possible summer head back to the 62 Ways to do 62 Days page!                      

Art is a line around your thoughts. --Gustav Klimt

The crazy nature of life can sometimes make it difficult to harness how we're thinking and feeling. Art can be a cathartic way of trying to make sense of what feels hard in life. But art and expressing oneself needn't be fussy. Grab that bucket of sidewalk chalk, take a deep breath of the fresh air, and let the driveway and sidewalk be your canvas. 

Need some inspiration? Take a peek below. 

Sarah Perry recommends Christmas at Frozen Falls by Kiley Dunbar. "2019 was an extremely difficult and stressful year for me, personally. By the time I made it to December, I was ready to say 'goodbye' to 2019 and start fresh in 2020. I came across the book, Christmas at Frozen Falls and thought it sounded cute, so I bought it and read it before Christmas. I can't remember the last time a book just made me feel happy." 

*Currently unavailable at CPL, but click here for other options.

Kelley Moote recommends Attached by Amir Levine. Kelley shares that this book, "...really helped me understand my attachment style and that of others. It's written in a way that's easy to understand and keeps the reader engaged." Kelley also says, "I think everyone of all ages should read it to understand the 'why' behind our thoughts and actions in all relationships."

Joshua Jargowsky recommends The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Joshua shares, "I chose title because it really speaks to me. It's a heartwarming story of regeneration through nature. Mary Lennox goes from being spoiled, to being open and kind to those around her, and loving to get dirty in the gardens. Collin goes from being bedridden and hidden in a room, to being to walk and being healthy, simply by having some experiences, even if he needs to sneak out at first. It's truly enjoyable to watch these characters grow and change throughout the book, and that's one of the reasons why I've read this book many times, and found new insight each time."

Zainab Hakim recommends Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. Zainab shares, "This book is extraordinary in all aspects! The plot is so unique, main and side characters have amazing arcs, the worldbuilding is, well, out of this world, but above all, it is one of the most exquisitely written books I have ever read. The sentences are lyrical and poetic and will immediately transport you directly into the story."

Alefia Hakim recommends This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel. Alefia shares, "I would love for others to read this book because it's an excellent example of family ties, decisions made as parents, and the love and support from siblings. The author has an amazing depiction of marriage between the main characters. It reminded me of my own relationship and how a supportive and encouraging partner can make a great relationship."

Janice Ford recommends A Computer Called Katherine by Suzanne Buckinham Slade. Janice shares, "Katherine was a math whiz, who was African American and was instrumental in providing the necessary math calculations for NASA's first human space flights." Janice also shares, "I selected this book because, as an engineer, I want to share Katherine's contribution to the world, especially with young girls and minority children in our community. I want them to be encouraged to dream big and to plunge into the Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) fields."