Library 

Please enjoy the books in our library. Many are relevant to the local area. Please do not remove our library books but help yourself and contribute to the free exchange box that is also provided.

“Juan de Fuca’s Straight” by Barry Gough (2012)

 

This is a fascinating book about the search for the fabled Northwest Passage that spans over three centuries. The particulars about the discovery and exploration of the area, including Port Renfrew, by Europeans and their encounters with natives is told in great detail but the book is so well-written that the story flows and is as gripping as any grand voyage of discovery.

“The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben (2015)

This wonderful gem of a little book draws on latest scientific work, including from Vancouver’s University of British Columbia, to explore the secrets of trees and forests.  Focusing on how trees behave in their truly natural environments, only really played out in the ancient forests, rather than the artificially managed plantations that we are used to, a world of networked community is revealed.   The short chapters each focus on an aspect of trees and their long lives and this book is entertaining and very readable.  It will change the way we perceive the trees that surround us.

“Cedar, Salmon and Weed” by Louis Druehl (2015)

This novel is set in nearby Bamfield (at the other end of the West Coast Trail and features real sites of the town, the coast and the mainland.  A tale about the special people, whites and natives , who form the communities of the wild west coast.

“On Island – Life Among the Coastal Dwellers” by Pat Carney (2017)

A collection of witty short stories by an author from Saturna Island.

“In Search of Ancient British Columbia” by Barbara Huck (2006)

“Hundreds and Thousands” by Emily Carr

This is a delightful book to dip into. It is a direct transcrition of the journals of pioneering BC artist Emily Carr as she strives to define herself and take her place along side the great artists of her day.  In these writings she describes her inspirations, her processes for creating her paintings, her thoughts on the situations of her native friends and their art, and her struggles to make ends meet and gain the recognition from the art world that she clearly deserved but that was limited for most of her life.  More than just an artist’s memoir this book is a beautifully written, sensitive and amusing commentary of the time by a fascinating, intelligent, thoughtful woman making her way in the world against its conventions.

“British Columbia A Natural History” by Richard Cannings and Sydney Cannings (2004)

“Time” by Andy Goldsworthy

This beautifully illustrated book shows the changes over time to the works of renowned British Land Artist, Andy Goldsworthy.  His sculptures are distributed across the world including several in the US.  The book describes the process of creation and a chronology of natural effects on the works. [This book was my gift to myself on completing my PhD when time in all its forms was a constant obsession!]