New Non-Fiction Films on DVD

September 21, 2023Cheryl

Don’t forget to check out our non-fiction DVD collection located in the reference area. Here are a few of the recent additions to this collection.

Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls is the story of an extraordinary ecosystem larger than the state of Texas, and more precious than oil. The heartbeat of this remarkable water world is Niagara Falls. Through the eyes of passionate scientists and naturalists, we uncover a complex world forged by stone and powered by water. In this realm, tiny shrews hunt in freezing-cold rivers, spectacular shorebird migration unfolds over thundering falls, snowy owls stalk their prey from ice flows, and prehistoric snapping turtles brave a perilous overland journey. All these creatures and many more are part of a remarkable narrative unfolding in one of the most unique ecosystems in North America-Niagara.

Elevate Your Everyday Cooking With Curtis Stone. With Elevate Your Everyday Cooking with Curtis Stone, you’ll finally gain the confidence you need to cook restaurant-quality dishes at home. Filmed on-location in Curtis’s indoor and outdoor kitchens, these eye-opening and mouth-watering lessons are packed with techniques, tips, tricks, and insights that will transform the way you approach seafood, veggies, chicken, and more.

Through the Mirror of Chess:a Cultural Exploration. A captivating 4-part series examining the remarkable impact of chess on culture, art, science and sport. Take an exhilarating journey across a wide range of times and places touching on cultural history, chess variants, art, literature, AI, psychology, gender issues, education, social empowerment, prison reform, and more to find out what makes the game so unique. The films offer an experience of cinematic storytelling at its best with an engaging narrative and exciting visuals.

River. An exploration of the timeless relationship between human civilization and Earth’s rivers. Spanning six continents, this visual and musical tour-de-force is by turns celebratory, cautionary, and ultimately hopeful that we are beginning to understand rivers in all their complexity and fragility. Narrated by Oscar Nominee Willem Dafoe.

James Hemings: Ghost in America’s Kitchen. Explores the life and legacy of James Hemings (1765-1801), born into slavery, trained as a chef in Paris to become Thomas Jefferson’s personal chef at Monticello as well as a little-known progenitor of the American tradition of fine cuisine.

Filmmakers for the Prosecution. “Filmmakers for the prosecution” recounts, 75 years later, Budd and Stuart Schulberg’s search for the Nazis’ own footage and records to be used as evidence in the Nuremberg Trial of Major German War Criminals, 1945-1946, and the subsequent intentional loss of the compilation, featuring interviews and new footage.

Hidden Volcano Abyss. Examines the 2022 volcanic eruptions on the Pacific islands of Tonga, some of the most powerful in recorded history, which sent shockwaves around the world and unleashed a tsunami on Tonga’s shores. Looks at the resonse of Tonga’s emergeny management organization to this cataclysmic event as a model for the world.

Little Richard: I Am Everything. Archival footage, performances, and interviews document the life of Little Richard.

Dog Days of Summer

August 10, 2023Cheryl

With the dog days of summer upon us, it’s the perfect time to check out a dog-themed movie.

Dog. An Army Ranger must escort the dog of his fallen commander to his funeral. Starring Channing Tatum.

A Dog’s Purpose. The story shares the soulful and surprising tale of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. Starring Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Dennis Quaid, Josh Gad.

Best in Show. This ‘mockumentary’ follows five groups and their dogs on the road to the prestigious Mayflower Show. Starring Jennifer Coolidge, Christopher Guest, John Michael Higgins, Michael Hitchcock, Eugene Levy, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean, Catherine O’Hara, Parker Posey, Fred Willard.

Dog Days. A group of people in beautiful, downtown Los Angeles who have absolutely no connection to one another are seemingly brought together by their lovable pet dogs in surprising ways that teach them valuable and inspiring lessons about life and what it means to have a dog. Starring Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Adam Pally, Eva Longoria, Rob Corddry, Tone Bell, Jon Bass, Michael Cassidy, Finn Wolfhard, Ron Cephas Jones.

A Dog’s Way Home. As a puppy, Bella finds her way into the arms of Lucas, a young man who gives her a good home. When Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic, 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Starring Ashley Judd, Jonah Hauer-King, Edward James Olmos, Alexandra Shipp, Wes Studi, Bryce Dallas Howard.

The Dog Doc. A pioneer of integrative medicine, veterinarian Dr. Marty Goldstein attracts four-legged patients from around the world, providing holistic treatments for animals after other vets have given up hope.

Sit Stay Ride: the Story of America’s Sidecar Dogs. Across America, there are dogs of all breeds riding in the open air of motorcycle sidecars, whether on short trips around town or extended adventures on the highway. Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America’s Sidecar Dogs is a delightful and inspiring documentary film about motorcyclists and their beloved canine co-pilots.

Eight Below. A scientific expedition is forced to leave behind their team of beloved sled dogs due to a sudden accident and perilous weather conditions in Antarctica. The dogs must struggle for survival alone in the intense frozen wilderness for over six months. Starring Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Moon Bloodgood, Jason Biggs.

The Call of the Wild. The story of a big-hearted dog whose blissful domestic life is turned upside down when he is suddenly uprooted from his California home and transplanted to the exotic wilds of the Alaskan Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s. Starring Harrison Ford, Omar Sy, Dan Stevens, Karen Gillan, Bradley Whitford.

New Additions to the TV Series Collection

June 22, 2023Cheryl

If you are looking for a new television series to start or ready to catch the next season of a favorite series, here are some of the recently added titles in our TV Series on DVD collection.

The Flight Attendant. The Complete Seasons 1 & 2. Cassie Bowden is a globe-trotting flight attendant with a devil-may-care attitude who relishes flying off at a moment’s notice to her next great adventure. But Cassie’s seemingly glamorous world is suddenly thrown into a tailspin when her illegal escapades catch up with her.

The Man Who Fell to Earth. Season One. An alien crashes deep into the oilfields of New Mexico with a mission: he must find the brilliant scientist Justin Falls, the one woman on earth who can help save his species. An unlikely duo, together they discover that in order to save his world, they must first save ours. An inspired continuation of the novel by Walter Tevis and the iconic 1976 film starring David Bowie.

Ghosts. Season One. Freelance writer Samantha and aspiring chef Jay throw both caution and money to the wind to leave NYC and convert a rundown country estate they inherited into a bed & breakfast, only to find that it’s inhabited by a close-knit, eclectic group of spirits of deceased former residents. Adding to the supernatural surprises, Samantha discovers that she can see and hear ghosts everywhere, including those with whom she now shares a home. Old-school haunting and oddball humor fuel this sharp-witted, quirky comedy series that gives new meaning to the real estate phrase, ‘It’s got great bones.’

Star Trek, Strange New Worlds. Season One. Season 1 is based on the years Captain Christopher Pike manned the helm of the USS Enterprise. The series features fan favorites from Season 2 of Star Trek: Discovery – Anson Mount as Captain Christopher Pike, Rebecca Romijn as Number One, and Ethan Peck as Science Officer Spock. The series follows Captain Pike and the crew in the decade before Captain Kirk boarded the USS Enterprise, as they explore new worlds around the galaxy.

The Suspect. Joe O’Loughlin is a successful psychologist with a loving family, but a recent medical diagnosis has thrown his life off balance. When the police ask him to assist in the case of a murdered young woman, ghosts from his past begin to resurface.

Yellowstone. Season 5. Determined to protect his land and legacy at any cost, John Dutton takes his fight to the halls of government in the most explosive season of Yellowstone yet. But with greater power comes further scrutiny…of his family, his land, and the morally questionable measures he’s taken to protect them both. As new threats emerge and old enemies return, John, Beth, Kayce, Rip, and Jamie learn that power has a price.

Sanditon. Season Three. The final season continues the story of high-spirited heroine Charlotte Heywood and her friend, Georgiana Lambe. What adventures, scandals, intrigue, and – above all else – romance await them?

City on a Hill. Season Three. Having left the FBI, Jackie Rohr lands a new gig running security for a wealthy family in Boston’s high society Beacon Hill. Life is good until secrets begin to unravel. ADA Decourcy Ward sees an opportunity to rip out the machinery perpetuating a broken criminal justice system. Siobhan Quays encounters the city’s corruption firsthand, all while coping with the traumatic events of her past year. As Jenny Rohr can attest, some experiences will haunt you beyond your breaking point.

All Creatures Great & Small. Season 3. It’s the spring of 1939. Big changes are happening at Skeldale House and everyone has to learn how to adjust. Tristan is now a qualified vet while James enters a new stage of his life with Helen and at the practice.

Vienna Blood. Season 3. 1900s Vienna is a hotbed of philosophy, science and art, where a clash of cultures and ideas collide in the city’s grand cafes and opera houses. Brilliant Dr. Max Liebermann is a student of Sigmund Freud, and together with Detective Inspector Oskar Rheinhardt, they investigate a series of unusual and disturbing murders.

His Dark Materials. The Complete Third Season. The third and final season of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Material trilogy returns with an adaptation of the final book in the best-loved book series, The Amber Spyglass. Season Three opens with Lyra unconscious, having been given a sleeping draught by her mother, as Will, still carrying the Subtle Knife, continues his quest to find her in this epic story of love and truth.

New Documentary DVDS

February 8, 2023Cheryl

Consider adding a documentary to your DVD viewing queue; here are some of the recent additions to our nonfiction DVD collection.

Honk. The power of love shines in this heartwarming tale of friendship and inspiration between an unlikely duo. Cheryl inadvertently befriends a mourning goose, Honk, while recycling in the local park. As the budding friendship blossoms and Cheryl seeks Honk a new home, he becomes a viral sensation capturing the hearts and minds of millions.

So Late So Soon. Half a century into their marriage, Chicago artists Jackie and Don Seiden approach the fragility of their elderly lives in their own distinct ways. Jackie, notorious for her unbounded energy, is constantly on the move, inspired to create works of art while also maintaining the couple’s multistory, brightly-painted Victorian house. Don steadily sketches in his notebook while facing alarming interruptions to his health. Director Daniel Hymanson filmed the Seidens, on-and-off for five years, capturing the hardships of aging as well as a view into enduring companionship, in this charming character study.

Behind the Stage Door. Explores the life and work of Pittsburgh concert promoter Rich Engler, one of the top concert promoters in the United States.

Exposing Muybridge. Examines the life and work of groundbreaking 19th century photographer Eadweard Muybridge, best known for his studies of humans and animal locomotion.

From Where They Stood. At Auschwitz and a few other Nazi death camps, a small number of prisoners managed to take photographs of life inside. Using the surviving photographs as evidence, director Christophe Cognet pieces together the stories of the brave men and women who took them.

Making Black America Through the Grapevine. The four-part series hosted by Henry Louis Gates, Jr., chronicles the vast social networks and organizations created by and for Black people beyond the reach of the “White gaze.” The series recounts the establishment of the Prince Hall Masons in 1775 through the formation of all-Black towns and business districts, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, destinations for leisure, and the social media phenomenon of Black Twitter. Professor Gates sits with noted scholars, politicians, cultural leaders, and old friends to discuss this world behind the color line and what it looks like today. It takes viewers into an extraordinary world that showcased Black people’s ability to collectively prosper, defy white supremacy and define Blackness in ways that transformed America itself.

Museum Town. Tells the story of a unique museum, the small town it calls home, and the great risk, hope, and power of art to transform a desolate post-industrial city. MASS MoCA is the largest museum for contemporary art in the world, but just three decades before, its vast brick buildings were the abandoned relics of a massive shuttered factory. Threaded with interviews of a diverse cast, a tattooed curator, a fabricator, former factory worker, and shopkeepers, the film also looks at the artistic process itself, tracking the work and ideas of celebrated artist Nick Cave as he creates his groundbreaking installation at MASS MoCA, UNTIL. With appearances by artists ranging from James Turrell to David Byrne, narration by Meryl Streep, and a soundtrack from John Stirratt of Wilco, the film captures the meeting of small-town USA and the global art world as it tells a tale that is, like any great artwork, soulful, thought-provoking and unforgettable.

Harriet Tubman Visions of Freedom. Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom is a rich and nuanced portrait of the woman known as a conductor of the Underground Railroad, who repeatedly risked her life and freedom to liberate others from slavery.

Hiding in Plain Sight Youth Mental Illness. A two-part, four-hour documentary that explores America’s youth mental health crisis through the eyes of more than twenty young people, who speak about their lived experience with mental health challenges, from depression to addiction to suicide ideation. Includes Spanish SDH subtitles.

New Holiday DVDS

December 16, 2022Cheryl

Whether it’s a holiday classic or one of these new titles, you are sure to find something festive to enjoy this holiday season.

A Mrs. Miracle Christmas. When a family faces loneliness and loss of faith, Mrs. Miracle swoops in to renew their Christmas Spirit, and they experience a holiday of heavenly proportions. Based on the book “A Mrs. Miracle Christmas” by author Debbie Macomber.

Dear Santa. As thousands of letters to Santa Claus flood post offices during the holiday season, it’s up to the US Postal Service’s 107-year-old Operation Santa to deliver them to Kris Kringle himself.

Christmas in Harmony. Harmony is tricked into auditioning for the Holiday Chorus – directed by an ex-boyfriend. By Christmas Eve, they could be harmonizing in the key of love. Starring Ashleigh Murray, Luke James, Basil Wallace, Michelle Williams, and Loretta Devine.

A Dickens of a Holiday. Boyfriends of Christmas Past. A Hallmark 2-movie collection. A Dickens of a Holiday!: To make the 100th anniversary of her hometown’s Victorian festival a success, Cassie invites action movie star and former high school classmate Jake to play Scrooge in ‘A Christmas Carol.’Boyfriends of Christmas Past: Leading up to Christmas, marketing executive, Lauren, is visited by the ghosts of four ex-boyfriends. She must learn to open her heart or risk losing her best friend, Nate.

The Mistletoe Promise. A chance meeting between two strangers who share a disdain for Christmas results in The Mistletoe Promise, a pact to help them navigate their holiday complications together. But as they spend more time with each other and experience the magic of Christmas the phony couple discovers there may be more to their contract than business.

Christmas on the Square. An embittered scrooge of a woman plans to sell her small town, regardless of the consequences to the people who live there. However, a kindhearted angel arrives and shows her what would happen before she mends her ways and redeems herself. Starring Dolly Parton, Jenifer Lewis, Josh Segarra, Jeanine Mason, Mary Lane Haskell, Treat Williams, Christine Baranski.

Eight Gifts of Hanukkah. An anonymous suitor sends optometrist Sara a gift for each night of Hanukkah. On her journey to find her secret admirer, she learns her one true love might be someone she never expected. Starring Inbar Lavi, Jake Epstein, Sheila Tyson, Barry Levy, David Kaye, Natalie Malaika, Doron Bell.

Christmas in Paradise. Joanna’s holiday is shattered when her sisters tell her that their dad has been dumped by his fiancée, he isn’t responding to any calls and disappeared to a Caribbean island. The sisters decide to go to save their father and bring him home for Christmas. Starring Kelsey Grammer, Elizabeth Hurley, Billy Ray Cyrus, Nathalie Cox, Naomi Frederick, Ray Fearon, Victoria Ekanoye.

The Christmas Promise ; Christmas for Keeps. In “The Christmas Promise,” a woman learns to deal with grief with the help of her grandfather and a carpenter named Joe, who she hires to renovate the home she was to share with her fiancé. And in “Christmas for Keeps,” close-knit childhood friends return home for Christmas after 10 years to take part in a celebration of life for their beloved high school teacher.

New Television Series

October 26, 2022November 29, 2022Cheryl

Looking for a new television series to start? Find these new titles in SPL’s DVD collection.

Hotel Portofino. Season One

Follows a British family who open a hotel for upper class travelers on the magical Italian Riviera during the Roaring ’20s.

Starring Natascha McElhone, Lucy Akhurst, Louisa Binder, Elizabeth Carling, Oliver Dench, Pasquale Esposito, Rocco Fasano, Lily Frazer, Adam James, Anna Chancellor.

The Chelsea Detective. Series 1

Max Arnold is a detective whose lifestyle on a battered houseboat in Chelsea’s Cheyne Walk contrasts sharply with the affluent elite whose crimes he helps solve alongside his partner Priya Shamsie.

Starring Adrian Scarborough, Sonita Henry, Peter Bankolé, Lucy Phelps, Sophie Stone, Frances Barber, Davood Ghadami, Anamaria Marinca.

Hidden Assets. Series 1

Follows Detective Emer Berry of the Criminal Assets Bureau in Ireland and Chief Inspector Christian de Jong of the anti-terrorism squad in Belgium as they team up to investigate an international conspiracy after diamonds are found during a drug raid that are linked to a series of bombings.

Starring Angeline Ball, Wouter Hendrickx, Simone Kirby, Michael Ironside.

61st Street. Season 1

61st Street follows Moses Johnson, a promising Black high school athlete who is swept up into the infamously corrupt Chicago criminal justice system, and Franklin Roberts, the public defender who takes up his case. While Roberts has promised his wife he’ll retire, he takes on this case because he recognizes its potential to upend the entire Chicago judicial system, challenging the institutional racism and endemic corruption at its heart.

Starring Courtney B. Vance, Aunjanue Ellis.

Mayor of Kingstown. Season one

From Academy Award nominee Taylor Sheridan, co-creator of Yellowstone, and Hugh Dillon, it follows the McLusky family – power brokers in Kingstown, Michigan, where the business of incarceration is the only thriving industry. Tackling themes of systemic racism, corruption and inequality, the series provides a stark look at their attempt to bring order and justice to a town that has neither.

Starring Jeremy Renner, Dianne Wiest, Hugh Dillon, Tobi Bamtefa, Taylor Handley, Emma Laird, Derek Webster, Hamish Allan-Headley, Pha’rez Lass, Aidan Gillen, Kyle Chandler.

White Lotus. The Complete First Season

As the newest set of high class vacationers check into the exclusive White Lotus resort in Hawaii, manager Armand finds himself facing more than the usual excessive demands of one-percenters. He takes on momma’s boys and workaholics with a professional facade, his coping mechanisms become as extreme as the pressure he’s under, while the guests themselves unravel inside their toxic dynamics until the situations collide with incredible consequences.

Starring s Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton, Jennifer Coolidge, Alexandra Daddario, Fred Hechinger, Jake Lacy, Brittany O’Grady, Natasha Rothwell, Sydney Sweeney, Steve Zahn.

Close to Me

The story of a Danish translator who loses a year of her memory following a fall. As she tries to piece her memories back together, she realizes that her life wasn’t as perfect as she was led to believe.

Starring Connie Nielsen, Christopher Eccleston, Rosy McEwen, Tom Taylor, Leanne Best, Nick Blood, Oliver Gatz, Ellie Haddington, Susan Lynch, Jamie Flatters.

The Split. Season One

The Split examines the fast paced circuit of high-powered female divorce lawyers in London through the lens of three sisters, Hannah, Nina and the youngest, Rose. Exposing the complex realities of high end divorce and broken marriage through female divorce lawyers and sisters embattled and bound by their own troubled past.

Starring Nicola Walker, Stephen Mangan, Annabel Scholey, Fiona Button, Barry Atsma, Stephen Tompkinson, Meera Syal, Anthony Head, Deborah Findlay.

Signora Volpe. Series 1

Top British spy Sylvia Fox is in Italy for her niece’s wedding when the groom goes missing, leaving a dead body behind him. Sylvia solves the mystery and falls in love with Italy, and with a crumbling old house on a hillside. Disillusioned with her job and longing to reconnect with her family, Sylvia decides to stay on and start a new life in the little town of Panicale. But trouble has a habit of seeking Sylvia out and she finds herself tackling a fresh mystery every week and in the process, becoming increasingly close to handsome local cop Giovanni Riva.

Starring Emilia Fox, Tara Fitzgerald, Giovanni Cirfiera, Jamie Bamber, Matteo Carlomagno, Issy Knopfler, Imma Piro.

La Brea. Season One

An epic adventure begins when a massive sinkhole opens in the middle of Los Angeles, pulling hundreds of people and buildings into its depths. Those who fell in find themselves in a mysterious and dangerous primeval land, where they have no choice but to band together to survive. Meanwhile, the rest of the world desperately seeks to understand what happened. In the search for answers, one family torn apart by this disaster will have to unlock the secrets of this inexplicable event to find a way back to each other.

Starring Natalie Zea, Eoin Macken, Chiké Okonkwo, Karina Logue, Zyra Gorecki, Jack Martin, Veronica St. Clair, Rohan Mirchandaney, Lily Santiago, Chloe De Los Santos, Josh McKenzie, Nicholas Gonzalez, Jon Seda.

Local Hiking

September 19, 2022November 29, 2022Cheryl

Fall weather is upon us and it’s a great time to take a hike on one of the many trails within a few hours of Sewickley. Take a look at these titles to help you plan a fun day out on a trail.

Best Hikes Near Pittsburgh by Bob Frye

From a hike through Pymatuning State Park to see its famous spillway, to an old Indian path called the Warrior Trail, this book describes the best hikes in and around Pittsburgh, many of them never previously covered elsewhere.

50 Hikes in Western Pennsylvania : Walks and Day Hikes from the Laurel Highlands to Lake Erie by Tom Thwaites

The hiking trails of western Pennsylvania offer both novice and experienced hikers a tempting variety of natural terrain and human history. This third edition includes hikes for all tastes and abilities: introductory walks of 1-5 miles; intermediate day hikes of 5-10 miles; and “bootbusters” of 10 miles or more, some suitable for backpacking. Thirty-one hikes are based in the Laurel Highlands and Allegheny National Forest, with the remainder grouped around Pittsburgh and Lake Erie.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles. Including Allegheny and Surrounding Counties Pittsburgh: by Donna L. Ruff

Donna L. Ruff’s 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Pittsburgh has something for explorers of every ability and interest Diverse hikes include Frick Park, which can be combined with a visit to the Frick Art and Historical Center (free); Ohiopyle State Park, with views of the beautiful Youghiogheny River and Cucumber Falls; Beechwood Farms, where kids and adults can opt to participate in nature programs and walks; and Mt. Davis Natural Area, where hikers can stand on the highest point in Pennsylvania. History buffs will love Bushy Run and its museum and other historical site/hike combinations. Those seeking solitude will relish time spent walking in lovely Todd Sanctuary or one of the scenic and tranquil destinations of Forbes State Forest.

Best Hikes Pittsburgh : the Greatest Views, Wildlife, and Forest Strolls by Bob Frye

Concise descriptions and detailed maps for more than 35 easy-to-follow trails in Pittsburgh that allow hikers of all levels to enjoy beautiful views, get fit in the outdoors, and learn about the region’s history. Best Hikes Pittsburgh gives you the Information you need to plan your customized trip: Common and lesser-known hikes, Full-color photos, maps, detailed trail descriptions, and trailhead GPS, Insightful hike overviews, details on distance, difficulty, canine compatibility, and more. Soul-restoring adventure comes in all varieties when it comes to trails.

50 Hikes in Pennsylvania by Matthew Cathcart

In this all-new first edition, hiking expert Matthew Cathcart (coauthor of 50 Hikes in the Catskills) delivers 50 hikes, walks, and day trips all throughout Pennsylvania. The hiking trails of Pennsylvania offer both novice and experienced hikers a tempting variety of natural terrain and human history. Sites featured in this comprehensive guide to the state’s offerings include the Whiskey Springs Rock Mazes, McConnells Mill State Park, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, and the Lehigh Gap Appalachian Trail Loop.

Hiking Waterfalls in Pennsylvania : a Guide to the State’s Best Waterfall Hikes by Johnny Molloy

Hiking Waterfalls in Pennsylvania includes detailed hike descriptions, maps, and color photos for some of the state’s most scenic waterfall hikes. Hike descriptions include history, local trivia, and GPS coordinates. Hiking Waterfalls in Pennsylvania will take you through state and national parks, forests, monuments and wilderness areas, and from popular city parks to the most remote and secluded corners of the area to view the most spectacular waterfalls.

Forest Walking : Discovering the Trees and Woodlands of North America by Peter Wohlleben

Awaken your senses and make the most out of your next walk in the woods–with Peter Wohlleben, New York Times-bestselling author of The Hidden Life of Trees. When you walk in the woods, do you use all five senses to explore your surroundings? For most of us, the answer is no–but when we do, a walk in the woods can go from pleasant to immersive and restorative. Forest Walking teaches you how to engage with the forest by decoding nature’s signs and awakening to the ancient past and thrilling present of the ecosystem around you. With Forest Walking, German forester Peter Wohlleben teams up with his longtime editor, Jane Billinghurst, as the two write their first book together, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. Together, they will teach you how to listen to what the forest is saying, no matter where you live or which trees you plan to visit next.

How to Suffer Outside : a Beginner’s Guide to Hiking and Backpacking by Diana Helmuth

Refreshingly approachable guide for aspiring backpackers and casual hikers of all stripes Colorful and humorous illustrations throughout Relatable, rising female voice in outdoor literature Part critique of modern hiking culture and part how-to guide, How to Suffer Outside is for anyone who wants to hit the trail without breaking the bank. Diana Helmuth offers real advice, opinionated but accessible and based on in-the-field experiences.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Backpacking and Hiking by Jason Stevenson

Backpacking remains one of the most popular, and inexpensive, outdoor activities in America. The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Backpacking and Hiking helps anyone prepare and plan for a rewarding adventure.

New DVD Movie Titles

August 11, 2022November 29, 2022Cheryl

Looking for a new DVD movie to watch? Check out these recently added titles.

Drive My Car

Two years after his wife’s unexpected death, Yusuke Kafuku arrives in Hiroshima to direct a production of Uncle Vanya for a theater festival and, through relationships with an actor with whom he shares a tangled history and a chauffeur with whom he develops a surprising rapport, finds himself confronting emotional scars. This quietly mesmerizing tale of love, art, grief, and healing is ultimately a cathartic exploration of what it means to go on living when there seems to be no road ahead. Contains Korean sign language.

Starring Hidetoshi Nishijima, Toko Miura, Masaki Okada.

Dual

Upon receiving a terminal diagnosis, Sarah opts for a cloning procedure to ease her loss to her friends and family. When she makes a sudden and miraculous recovery, her attempts to have her clone decommissioned fail and lead to a court-mandated duel to the death.

Starring Karen Gillan, Beulah Koale, Theo James, Aaron Paul.

Eraser Reborn

A U.S. Marshal ‘erases’ a federal witness faking her death to hide her deep in the witness protection program only to have a breach within his department that puts them both on the run.

Starring Dominic Sherwood, Jacky Lai.

Everything Everywhere All at Once

Evelyn Wang, a flustered immigrant mother, is contacted from a parallel universe and told that only she can save the world. The unlikely hero must learn to channel her newfound powers and fight through the splintering timelines of the multiverse to save her home, her family, and herself in this big-hearted and irreverent adventure.

Starring Michelle Yeoh, Stephanie Hsu, Ke Huy Quan, Jenny Slate, Harry Shum Jr., James Hong, Jamie Lee Curtis.

Fatherhood

A father brings up his baby girl as a single dad after the unexpected death of his wife who died a day after their daughter’s birth.

Starring Kevin Hart, Alfre Woodard, Lil Rel Howery, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Carrigan, Paul Reiser.

Fortress : Sniper’s Eye

This action cyber-thriller continues the adventure begun in The Fortress. Weeks after a deadly assault on Fortress Camp, Robert makes a daring rescue to save Sasha, the widow of his old nemesis, Balzary. But back in the camp’s command bunker, Sasha may have devious plans of her own, and as a new attack breaks out, Robert is confronted with a familiar face he thought he’d never see again.

Starring Jesse Metcalfe, Bruce Willis, Chad Michael Murray, Kelly Greyson, Ser’darius Blain, Michael Sirow, Welker White, Natali Yura.

Gold

In the not too distant future, a drifter travelling through the desert discovers the largest gold nugget ever found. He must guard it from thieves amid harsh conditions and wild dogs while waiting for his partner to return.

Starring Zac Efron, Susie Porter, Anthony Hayes.

Infinite Storm

Based on the life of Pam Bales, when a climber encounters a stranded stranger on Mt. Washington, she must get them both down the mountain before nightfall when an oncoming blizzard is due to hit.

Starring Naomi Watts, Billy Howle, Denis O’Hare, Parker Sawyers.

Licorice Pizza

The story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around, and falling in love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.

Starring Alana Haim, Cooper Hoffman, Sean Penn, Tom Waits, Bradley Cooper, Benny Safdie.

The Lost City

Reclusive author Loretta Sage writes about exotic places in her popular adventure novels that feature a handsome cover model named Alan. While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta gets kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire who hopes she can lead him to an ancient city’s lost treasure from her latest story. Determined to prove he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her.

Starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Da’vine Joy Randolph, Brad Pitt.

Montana Story

Two estranged siblings return home to the sprawling ranch they once knew and loved in order to confront a deep and bitter family legacy.

Starring Haley Lu Richardson, Owen Teague, Gilbert Owour, Kimberly Guerrero, Eugene Brave Rock, Asivak Koostachin.

The Outfit

An expert tailor must outwit a dangerous group of mobsters in order to survive a fateful night.

Starring Mark Rylance, Zoey Deutch, Johnny Flynn, Dylan O’Brien, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Simon Russell Beale.

Oceans of Possibilities DVDS

July 7, 2022November 29, 2022Cheryl

The Oceans of Possibilities summer reading program is in full swing so add an ocean-themed DVD to your summer movie viewing.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou

A group of explorers embark on a journey to hunt down the ‘jaguar shark’ that ate one of their crew. As their adventure takes them into dangerous waters, the group finds magic both in their bonds to each other and in the colorful world around them.

Starring Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Cate Blanchett, Anjelica Huston, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Michael Gambon, Noah Taylor, Bud Cort, Seu Jorge.

Open Water

Susan and Daniel are a happily married couple who are taking a much needed vacation to the islands. They are hoping for a memorable trip. However, their vacation turns tragic when their scuba diving party leaves them in the middle of the ocean by the careless diving boat crew. As the reality of isolation sets in, they turn to one another for support. Unable to flag down passing boats, they begin to panic as encircling sharks begin to appear.

Starring Blanchard Ryan, Daniel Travis, Saul Stein.

Aquaman

An action-packed adventure that reveals the origin story of half-human, half- Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime–one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but also to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be: a king.

Starring Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson, Dolph Lundgren, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Nicole Kidman.

Life of Pi

A young Pi Patel, overcoming a cataclysmic shipwreck, finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with the last survivor, a ferocious Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.

Starring Suraj Sharma, Irrfan Khan, Rafe Spall, Tabu and Adil Hussain.

The hunt for Red October

A Soviet nuclear sub captain turns rogue and heads straight for the U.S. mainland, hoping to defect. When his deception is discovered, the U.S.S.R. ships begin the hunt to stop it. But one special agent for the CIA may be able to save it.

Starring Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones, Sam Neill.

In the Heart of the Sea

A recounting of a New England whaling ship’s sinking by a giant whale in 1820, an experience that later inspired the novel Moby-Dick.

Starring Chris Hemsworth, Benjamin Walker, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland, Ben Whishaw, Brendan Gleeson.

The Light Between Oceans

A lighthouse keeper, living off the coast of Australia with his wife, finds a baby on an adrift rowboat. They rescue and raise the child as their own, changing their lives and that of a stranger.

Starring Michael Fassbender, Alicia Vikander, Rachel Weisz, Bryan Brown, Jack Thompson.

Master and Commander the Far Side of the World

A sudden attack by a French warship inflicts casualties and severe damage upon his vessel, and a Captain of the British Royal Navy is torn between duty and friendship as he embarks on a thrilling high stakes chase across two oceans to capture the enemy.

Starring Russell Crowe, Paul Bettany, James D’Arcy, Edward Woodall, Chris Larkin, Max Pirkis, Jack Randall, Max Benitz, Lee Ingleby.

Kon-Tiki

This story is based on the true adventures of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl who crossed the Pacific Ocean in a balsa wood raft in 1947, together with five men, to prove that South Americans back in pre-Columbian times could have crossed the sea to settle on Polynesian islands. After gathering financing for the trip with loans and donations, they set off on an epic 101-day-long journey across eight thousand kilometers, all while the world was watching.

Starring Pål Sverre Hagen, Anders Baasmo Christiansen, Tobias Santelmann.

Captain Phillips

Based on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, which was the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years.

Starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi.

All is Lost

The tale of a lone sailor’s fight for survival after his boat is damaged in the Indian Ocean.

Starring Robert Redford.

Soul Surfer

The incredible true story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcomes all odds to become a champion again, through her sheer determination and unwavering faith.

Starring AnnaSophia Robb, Helen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Lorraine Nicholson, Carrie Underwood.

USS Indianapolis Men of Courage

The story of the crew of the U.S.S. Indianapolis, which was sunk in shark-infested waters after delivering the first atomic bomb during the waning days of World War II.

Starring Nicolas Cage, Matt Lanter, James Remar, Brian Presley, Johnny Wactor, Adam Scott Miller, Cody Walker, Callard Harris, Yutaka Takeuchi, Mandela van Peebles, Craig Tate, Joey Capone, Emily Tennant, Weronika Rosati, Shamar Sanders, Max Ryan, José Julián, Patrice Cols, Tom Sizemore, Thomas Jane.

Cast Away

Chuck Noland, a FedEx systems engineer, finds his by-the-clock existence and relationship with Ph.D. candidate Kelly Frears abruptly ended when a plane crash leaves him alone on a tropical island. In his struggles for survival, he begins a new personal journey.

Starring Tom Hanks, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy.

Global Running Day – June 1, 2022

June 1, 2022November 29, 2022Cheryl

The best way to celebrate Global Running Day on June 1st is to lace up those running shoes, stop at the library and grab one or more of these titles and head out for a run.

Run Like a Pro (even if you’re slow) : Elite Tools and Tips for Runners at Every Level by Matt Fitzgerald

Cutting-edge advice on how to achieve your personal best, for everyone from casual runners to ultramarathoners.

Running Outside the Comfort Zone : an Explorer’s Guide to the Edges of Running by Susan Lacke

Running Outside the Comfort Zone uncovers the brash, bold, and very human sides of running, and along the way Susan Lacke rekindles her own crush on America’s favorite all-comers sport

Master the Marathon : the Ultimate Training Guide for Women by Ali Nolan
Master the Marathon is a comprehensive guide to marathon training for women at all levels of running – beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The book takes you through everything you need to know to be prepared for the 26.2 miles of the marathon, including detailed training plans, strength training programmes, building your mental awareness of your physical body, nutrition, guidance on finding the best marathon for you, identifying and avoiding potential injuries, inspirational advice, and other unexpected pieces of wisdom.

Run for Your Life by Mark Cucuzzella
The first running book by a world’s leading pioneering running doctor and athlete, creator of the Air Force’s Efficient Running program–the result of more than three decades of study, practice, and science that shows us in clearly illustrated and accessible text how easy it is to run efficiently and injury-free , whether you’re in your 20s, 60s or 70s; for beginning runners and experienced marathoners.

The Run Walk Run Method by Jeff Galloway

Jeff Galloway’s injury-free marathon training program has helped hundreds of thousands of runners of all abilities. Runners will explore the RUN-WALK-RUN Method the principles of and mental and physical benefits behind the method. You will learn Jeff’s Magic Mile, how to set up a running strategy, mental training, proper form and technique, drills, transitions, problem solving, running faster, race rehearsals, and more.

Fitness Running by Richard L. Brown
Whether you run for health, competition, or both, Fitness Running includes proven programs to help you achieve your goals. Color coded and customizable, the 13- to 26-week programs cover base building, fitness, and training for short-distance events, half marathons, and marathons. Each workout is prioritized according to your goal, allowing you the flexibility to tailor the training to your schedule.

Rise & Run : Recipes, Rituals, and Runs to Fuel Your Day by Shalane Flanagan

For athletes, breakfast is always the main topic of conversation when out on a morning run. Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky believe (and science confirms) that what you eat at the start of the day impacts everything- your mood, your work output, your cravings, your sleep, and even your long-term health. In Rise and Run , they turn their focus to the most important meal of the day, with 100 recipes for nutrient-rich, indulgent breakfasts and packable snacks for athletes on-the-go, including morning staples like Goddess Grain-Free Granola, Breakfast Power Bowls, and new savory and sweet variations of the fan-favorite Superhero Muffins.

Becoming Forrest : One Man’s Epic Run Across America by Rob Pope

The remarkable true story of an unrivalled journey to recreate the greatest run in film history: 15,621 miles, five-times across the United States. Becoming Forrest is the incredible story of Englishman Rob Pope, a veterinarian who left his job in pursuit of a dream – to become the first person ever to complete the epic run undertaken by one of Hollywood’s most beloved characters, Forrest Gump. After his momma urged him “to do one thing in life that made a difference”, he flew to Alabama, put on his running shoes, and sped off into the wilderness.

North : Finding My Way While Running the Appalachian Trail by Scott Jurek

From the author of the bestseller Eat and Run , a thrilling memoir about his grueling, exhilarating, and immensely inspiring 46-day run to break the speed record for the Appalachian Trail. Scott Jurek is one of the world’s best known and most beloved ultrarunners. Renowned for his remarkable endurance and speed, accomplished on a vegan diet, he’s finished first in nearly all of ultrarunning’s elite events over the course of his career. But after two decades of racing, training, speaking, and touring, Jurek felt an urgent need to discover something new about himself. He embarked on a wholly unique challenge, one that would force him to grow as a person and as an athlete: breaking the speed record for the Appalachian Trail.

Find It @ Sewickley Public Library

Watch, Read, Listen, Learn

Author: Cheryl