The Return (Better Late Than Never)

In July 1943, someone borrowed a book called Your Child, His Family, and Friends by Frances Bruce Strain. The due date was supposed to be 28 days later. But, as is all too often the case, that book never came back… or so everyone thought.

Fast-forward to June 2025, and the library received, rather shockingly, that exact same book, complete with a letter from a person in Oregon. The writer explained they had found it while going through their late father’s belongings.

Apparently, the borrower decades ago was their grandmother, who had moved to Mexico City for work at one point, and the book had stayed in the family ever since.

So yes, a book borrowed during World War II finally returned during the 2020s. What a wild adventure that little book has had.

What the Note Said

The letter accompanying the book is part apology, part explanation, part lighthearted remark. The writer said they noticed the San Antonio Public Library stamp and thought, “Hey, this belongs back there.” They also mused something along the lines of: “I hope there is no late fee for it, because Grandma won’t be able to pay for it anymore.” Ouch! But fair enough, nobody wants to have to pay out for Granny’s 80-year library fine!

The library’s staff was amused and touched. According to Scott Williams, Marketing Manager of SAPL, the content of the book is a bit of a relic; it is a self-help book about parenting from the 1940s, after all, so it doesn’t exactly align with modern parenting ideas. But it’s still a fascinating snapshot of its era.

So… What Was the Cost?

You might wonder: if the book was 82 years late, how much would the fine be? Some libraries charge as much as 20 cents a day, and we don’t even want to try and figure that one out.

Fortunately for the returner, it turns out that question is moot. The San Antonio Public Library eliminated fines for overdue books in 2021, in an effort to reduce financial barriers to library use.

Back in 1943, the fine was three cents per day. But to calculate a true number across decades, you’d have to take into consideration differing library policies, inflation, lost book rules, replacement cost rules, and more. It just would be far too complicated!

At one point, if a book became “lost,” the borrower would have to pay for replacing it, but in this case, that process obviously never played out.

What Happens Now?

With the book being as old and probably outdated as it is, so what happens next?

Here’s where it gets fun. For the month of August 2025, “Your Child, His Family, and Friends” will be displayed in the lobby of the Central Library in San Antonio. It’ll get a moment in the spotlight, just for the sheer brilliance of its return home.

Eventually, the library plans to donate it to the Friends of San Antonio Public Library, who will likely sell it in the used bookstore in the library’s basement. In other words, it’s going to end up in someone else’s hands soon (but this time, it’ll be official).

A Walk Down Memory Lane: 1943 vs. 2025

Let’s take a quick step back and imagine what life looked like when this book first left the shelves. It was July 1943. The world was in the thick of World War II. In San Antonio, people were rationing food, gas, and supplies. Soldiers were shipping out from military bases all around the area. Families were writing letters by hand and waiting weeks for news.

And in the middle of all that, someone was reading a parenting book. Think about that for a second: even in wartime, people were trying to figure out how best to raise their kids, and they turned to the library for answers. That alone makes this story feel a little poignant.

Fast forward to today, 2025. Parenting advice now is found on podcasts, TikTok channels, and parenting blogs. But back then, this book might have been a lifeline for a new parent. The very fact that it survived moves, lived through generations, and decades of cultural change almost feels like a little miracle.

The Charm of Late Book Stories

Here’s the thing: this isn’t the first time a library has gotten a book returned decades late, and it won’t be the last. Every so often, a headline pops up about a dusty volume being rediscovered in an attic, tucked into a box of keepsakes, or left behind in an old piece of furniture.

And each time, people smile. Why? Because these stories remind us that libraries are not just about books. They’re about the threads of connection that run through generations. A novel or parenting guide that belonged to Grandma in 1943 has now made its way back in 2025, and who knows who flicked through it in between. But now, it’s back home, where it can spark joy and conversation for strangers.

That’s the magic of it. Libraries aren’t just warehouses of books; they’re memory banks. And sometimes, memories come wandering back home, even after 82 years.

The post The Most Overdue Book Ever? San Antonio Library Gets Surprise Return appeared first on Magazine.

Bigger and Better Than Expected

When To Kill a Mockingbird was first published by J.B. Lippincott & Co., expectations weren’t sky-high. After all, Harper Lee was just a first-time novelist, and the story, set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, seemed like a quiet, slow-burning Southern drama. There was a high possibility that the book would only appeal to a certain type of reader.

Upon release date, though, readers proved those expectations wrong. The public immediately responded to the book’s sincerity, emotional depth, and the way it addressed race, class, and morality with a careful clarity. Within a year, the book won the Pulitzer Prize. Shortly after that, it was adapted into a critically acclaimed film starring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch.

By the turn of the century, the novel had been dubbed “essential reading” and had been translated into over 40 languages. Across the world, it had sold over 40 million copies—not bad for a little story about a made-up town in Alabama.

Scout Still Speaks to Us

At the heart of To Kill a Mockingbird is Jean Louise Finch, also known as Scout. She’s smart, scrappy, and observant, and serves as our narrator for the tale. She’s just a child trying to understand the complexities of the adult world and the prejudices that divide it, and, by hearing the story from her POV, the readers get a truly unique look at the world in 1960s Alabama.

Scout’s voice, in many ways, contributes to the novel’s timelessness. Her curiosity, confusion, and stubborn sense of right and wrong feel deeply relatable. Whether you read the book as a teenager or revisit it later in life, Scout’s journey forces you to see the world a little differently, just as she’s learning to do.

The Complicated Legacy of Atticus Finch

The kind of father everyone wishes they had, Atticus is wise, principled, and remains calm under pressure. Throughout the book, he doesn’t just teach his children about empathy and justice; he lives it. His defense of Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman, is the moral backbone of the entire story.

Of course, as time has passed, not everyone agrees that Atticus Finch is the unshakable moral hero many once believed him to be. This is unsurprising, considering the difference in… well, everything, since the 1960s.

Some contemporary critics argue that Atticus, while noble, is also a symbol of a certain kind of passive progressivism. He’s the epitome of the type of progression that stops short of true social change. While he defends Tom Robinson, he makes no effort to challenge the system that allows such injustice to happen again and again. He believes in working within the rules of a deeply flawed society, which has made modern readers question: is that enough?

Morals That Still Matter

When you re-read To Kill a Mockingbird today, it feels unsettlingly contemporary. The themes of systemic racism, legal injustice, and social inequality still reflect our world. The story of Tom Robinson mirrors too many present-day news stories. The slow machinery of justice, the entrenched biases, the weight of silence… all of it is still happening.

But the novel doesn’t just shine a light on these issues; it also offers tools: empathy, conversation, education, and the belief that individuals like Atticus and Scout can make a difference, even in small ways. And that matters.

Books like To Kill a Mockingbird also raise tough but important questions about how we teach history and literature. Which voices get heard? Over the years, some schools have challenged or banned the novel, citing its language or portrayal of race, sparking debate about censorship, context, and how we prepare young people to understand difficult truths.

And yet, it’s often in classrooms where the novel comes alive, where students are invited to ask: What would I have done? What should I do now?

Harper Lee’s Quiet Genius

Harper Lee never published another book in her lifetime after To Kill a Mockingbird (aside from the controversial release of Go Set a Watchman). She stepped away from the spotlight, rarely gave interviews, and declined to become a literary celebrity.

As her stand-alone book, To Kill A Mockingbird became a conversation starter, a classroom classic, and a cultural hit. For all its heavy themes, the book is also filled with humor, warmth, and the charm of small-town life. Lee’s writing is rich with detail about front porches, summer evenings, and the feeling of growing up when the world is changing just as fast as you are.

Celebrating the Legacy

July 11th is a chance to return to Maycomb and sit with the questions that Harper Lee first asked all those years ago. It’s an opportunity to see how far we’ve come, but also how far we still have to go.

It’s also a moment to celebrate the power of literature. A single book, written by a first-time author from Monroeville, Alabama, changed the way we talk about race, justice, and childhood in America. That’s no small feat.

So if you haven’t read To Kill a Mockingbird in a while, or ever (impressive!), this anniversary is as good a time as any to pick it up. You’ll find that it’s not just a story about the past. It’s a mirror, a challenge, and maybe even a guide.

The post How To Kill a Mockingbird Got Banned and Became a Pulitzer-Winning Classic appeared first on Magazine.

From Childhood Inspiration to Brick-Built Reality

According to Sarah’s detailed description of her building process, the whole journey began with a cherished memory: watching Beauty and the Beast as a child and being captivated by the library scene. As a child, she also spent plenty of time in libraries, as her grandfather made the effort to take her to libraries on a regular basis.

Her grandfather’s frequent library visits further fueled her imagination. Fast forward two decades, and Sarah, now married to a fellow LEGO enthusiast, decided to bring that beloved scene to life for the 2017 BrickCan LEGO convention. Starting with a modest version using mini-dolls from the official LEGO set, her creation unexpectedly won a prize, igniting a desire to build a more elaborate model.

Building the Beast’s Library: A Brick-by-Brick Adventure

Sarah first started this build way back in 2017. She recounted her journey on Flickr and spoke about sketching out her design before making numerous trips to the LEGO store for white bricks. She focused first on the library’s distinctive lion statues, possibly the most challenging part of the build. Fortunately, her creative flair showed her the way, and, using parts from the LEGO Ninjago Green Ninja Mech Dragon set, Sarah managed to achieve the desired sand green hue and intricate details.

During the build, Sarah’s discovery of essential 1×6 white panels allowed her to create deep bookshelves, essential for the library’s authentic look.

To amass the necessary number of white bricks, Sarah even purchased the re-released Taj Mahal set, while the Disney Castle set provided inspiration and unique pieces for ornate details.

The final build is a staggering 25,000-piece marvel (approximately, of course!), with around 5,500 pieces representing books. These books are not fastened to the shelves, mimicking a real library’s feel, and took about six hours to arrange realistically.

To facilitate transport to conventions like BrickCan 2018, Sarah ingeniously created shelf covers to prevent the books from falling during movement. Even the outside of the building is gorgeous, with the tan castle wall covered with vines.

A Library Alive with Details and Characters

Sarah’s super-creative LEGO library is truly a visual feast. From its soaring spiral staircases and ornate fireplace to tall windows with curtains and endless rows of bookshelves, every nook and cranny is packed with detail. The predominantly white and gold color scheme provides a glittering backdrop, complemented by red and green furniture, a writing desk, and a globe.

At the heart of the scene, Belle and the Beast stand before the fireplace, surrounded by beloved characters like Cogsworth, Lumière, Babette, Mrs. Potts, and Chip, all welcoming visitors into this enchanting space.

Recognition and Legacy

For any Beauty and the Beast fans inspired by Sarah’s creation, you’re in luck. LEGO has continued to celebrate the tale through various sets, culminating in the 2025 release of the 2,916-piece Beauty and the Beast castle set, featuring detailed interiors like the ballroom, dining room, and library, along with minifigures of key characters. This set allows you to completely immerse yourself in the story, much like Sarah did with her own creation.

Sarah von Innerebner’s creative and stunning LEGO library stands as a testament to the magic that can be achieved when passion meets creativity. Built years before LEGO decided to make their own version, Sarah’s work brought a beloved Disney scene to life and also inspired others to embark on their own brick-building adventures. It’s a beautiful reminder that, with imagination and dedication, even the most fantastical dreams can be built, one LEGO brick at a time.

Bookish LEGO Adventures

If you don’t feel quite confident enough yet to embark on your own LEGO adventure, don’t fret. There are a few different bookish LEGO sets that you can get to let out your inner Sarah von Innerebner! LEGO sells an Icons Books are My Passion set with 285 pieces, as well as an Expert Bookshop for the more advanced LEGO-heads among us, with a whopping 2,504 pieces!

On the LEGO Ideas website, a platform where fans can recommend and support ideas for new LEGO sets, there is also a LEGO library idea, currently at 10,000 votes! If you dream of a LEGO library kit one day, go and place your vote now so that the creative minds behind the LEGO brand know what to make next!

The post Someone Built the Library in Beauty and the Beast Using LEGO Bricks appeared first on Magazine.

These cinematic sanctuaries would be a must-visit for any book lover who finds themselves with the ability to step into the screen.

Whether it’s a gilded fairytale castle, a rainy public building, or a galaxy far, far away, these libraries are more than just sets. They’re pretty much characters in their own right: quiet, powerful, and beautifully mysterious.

The Wicked Library – Wicked (2024)

Oh, Glinda, you sparkling diva of the Dewey Decimal System.

In the vibrant, spellbinding world of Wicked, the library isn’t just a quiet place to “shh!” someone… oh no, it’s much more. It’s a shimmering haven of floating books, golden staircases, and enchanted chandeliers.

As Elphaba unravels her mysterious origins and browses books and scrolls that could well topple governments (or at least school boards), it is impossible not to stare in awe. It’s got a bit of “dark academia meets magical mid-century modern” energy, and we are here for it. We’d deal with any number of flying monkeys to spend hours perusing those shelves.

The Magic Of The Public Library – Matilda (1996)

Roald Dahl’s Matilda gave us all something to aspire to: becoming so literate that you start moving objects with your mind. We’re still working on it.

And where did our telekinetic heroine begin her intellectual uprising? The local public library, of course.

This unassuming, warmly lit library is everything a bookworm’s heart could desire. No CGI spells. No gilded railings. Just rows and rows of knowledge stacked taller than Trunchbull herself. It’s a reminder that the most magical libraries don’t need enchantments; they just need to be open to kids like Matilda.

The Pemberley Archive – Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Dear diary, today I fell in love with a bookshelf.

When Elizabeth Bennet visits Mr. Darcy’s estate in the 2005 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, we’re sure we’re not the only ones mentally elbowing her aside to tour that dreamy, mahogany-lined, candlelit library. It is the kind of place where time ceases to exist, and you can lose yourself in the hundreds of texts lining the shelves.

The Pemberley library isn’t just beautiful; it’s aristocratically swoon-worthy. Imagine lounging there with a quill in hand, flirting with your social status while casually thumbing through a first edition. No wonder Darcy looks permanently overwhelmed. I would be, too, trying to remember where I shelved Shakespeare’s plays while Elizabeth saunters by.

Kingdom of Books – The Pagemaster (1994)

If your childhood didn’t include screaming “Adventure!” while riding a giant flying book, did you even grow up in the ’90s?

The Pagemaster is the fever dream of every kid who ever got lost in a story—and the literal dream of Macaulay Culkin’s character, Richard, who finds himself in a magical library that turns into an animated world of literary genres. Horror, Fantasy, and Adventure guide him through a visually stunning labyrinth of tales in a classic film that still holds a place in all book lovers’ hearts.

But the real gem? The very beginning, when the storm drives Richard into a domed library of gothic spires and echoing silence. It’s the place you imagine when you read Moby Dick or Treasure Island under a blanket with a flashlight. Equal parts eerie and epic.

The Bridgerton Book Nook – Bridgerton (2020–)

Dearest gentle reader, prepare to swoon.

Now, the Bridgerton library isn’t necessarily the grandest on this list, but it might be the most romantic. Sunlight-drenched and dotted with Regency-era charm, this is where secrets are whispered, letters exchanged, and scandalous novels sneak-read behind fans.

It is less “Oxford archive” and more “reading Jane Austen while waiting for your next duel invite or romantic love letter”. Less about literary volume and more about the subtle vibe. Plus, who wouldn’t want to flirt over Shakespeare while wearing an empire-waist dress and sipping tea served by gorgeous footmen?

Beast’s Ballroom of Books – Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Beast could have handed Belle a moldy closet of pamphlets, and we still would’ve melted. But instead, he gives her an entire multi-story library with twinkling chandeliers, velvet drapes, and… wait for it… ladder slides.

This cinematic library is the blueprint. It is the gold standard. The library that launched a thousand bookish daydreams. The animated version was already a showstopper that had us all wishing upon a star, but the 2017 live-action film made us believe in fairytales (and that libraries should have more balconies).

The Jedi Archives – Star Wars: Attack of the Clones (2002)

Because even space knights need a place to Google things.

Enter the Jedi Archives: the sci-fi answer to the Library of Alexandria. All smooth white surfaces, glowing blue holobooks, and endless aisles of knowledge guarded by Jocasta Nu, the galaxy’s sassiest librarian. (Don’t try telling her that the records are incomplete. She will give you a condescending smile.)

Don’t get us wrong, this library isn’t cozy. It’s not quaint. It doesn’t smell like old paper. It probably smells like antiseptic and intergalactic mystery. But it is thrilling, and the idea of ancient Jedi texts stored in glowing cylinders is enough to make any sci-fi scholar swoon.

Bonus: Obi-Wan is there sometimes.

Biblioteca di San Barnaba – The Last Crusade (1989)

X marks the spot. In a library. With stained glass. And maybe Nazis.

Only Indiana Jones could turn a library into the most thrilling setting for a clue hunt. In The Last Crusade, we’re treated to the Venetian library-turned-tomb-hunt in a grand, echoing cathedral of knowledge built atop a literal hidden path to the Holy Grail.

Between marble floors, crumbling catacombs, and the dramatic sound of Indy smashing a floor tile in perfect sync with a librarian’s stamping, this scene is cinematic gold.

And it brings with it a fashion tip: wear your best fedora when decoding ancient riddles. It’s tradition.

The post The Most Beautiful Libraries in Movies and TV Shows appeared first on Magazine.

Hidden among her designer boots and Central Perk mugs are titles that are emotionally rich, occasionally terrifying, deeply romantic, and surprisingly existential. Let’s dive into some of the best books that graced Rachel’s on-screen collection, because it turns out, this ‘90s style icon was also a low-key literature queen. Who knew?

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

It’s poetic that Rachel owned Jane Eyre. Like Jane, Rachel walks away from a life of privilege, makes it on her own, and refuses to settle for a love that doesn’t come with respect. Sure, Jane may have had it worse… after all, she had to deal with a wife in the attic and Victorian patriarchy, while Rachel was just dodging smelly cats and Ross’s bad decisions—but emotionally? Same journey. Some would argue an attic wife is easier than hearing “we were on a break” every ten minutes, anyway…

Brontë’s gothic classic is full of heartbreak, fire, and a fiercely moral heroine who doesn’t let society, or Mr. Rochester, define her. Rachel’s pick here makes perfect sense. Both Miss Green and Miss Eyre value independence, resilience, and a perfectly timed dramatic exit.

Honestly, imagine Jane storming out of Thornfield with a matching monogrammed luggage set. Rachel would be proud. Plus, let’s face it: Rachel probably imagined herself in those long, windblown moors, rocking a corset… as long as it was Prada.

The Shining by Stephen King

Here’s Johnny… and there’s Rachel, reading psychological horror in her pajamas.

Now, this is where things get interesting. You wouldn’t immediately expect The Shining, a blood-soaked tale of cabin fever, haunted hotels, and axe-wielding madness, to sit beside Vogue on Rachel’s nightstand. But it did. And that’s what makes her bookshelf a chef’s-kiss level of chaotic and beautiful.

But let’s remember, The Shining isn’t just a horror novel; it’s a deep psychological dive into isolation, addiction, and how environments can unravel people. It sounds a bit more up-trapped-rich-girl Rachel’s alley now, right?

Either way, she clearly wasn’t just chasing swoony romances and designer dreams. Owning The Shining suggests Rachel appreciated a good scare and wasn’t afraid to read something that might make her sleep with the lights on. Or, at the very least, she wanted to understand why Joey and Chandler kept yelling “REDRUM” in the hallway.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Rachel Green probably saw a bit of herself in each of the March sisters: Meg’s desire for elegance, Amy’s flair for drama, Jo’s career ambition, and Beth’s sweet, innocent heart. Okay, maybe not Beth, but definitely the other three. Owning Little Women shows Rachel had a soft spot for stories about sisterhood, self-discovery, and a little healthy competition.

Alcott’s novel is a literary warm blanket: comforting, heartfelt, and full of life lessons that sneak up on you. Jo’s struggle to balance her passion with love and societal pressure? Rachel lived that. Amy’s insistence on being seen? Very Rachel. Meg’s desire to both conform and rebel? Also Rachel.

It’s no surprise this book ended up on her shelf. It reflects Rachel’s evolution from a woman who once ran from her wedding to one who owns her independence. Little Women taught us that love comes in many forms, and that sometimes, the biggest plot twist is realizing you don’t need to marry Laurie after all.

Anthem: An American Road Story by Shainee Gabel

This one’s the deep cut, the unexpected gem. Anthem isn’t particularly well known, but its presence on Rachel’s shelf is perhaps the most revealing. Shainee Gabel’s Anthem: An American Road Story is a beautifully curated blend of photography and soul-searching essays, a tell-all about real people on the road, people who are traveling America with hope, loss, and longing.

Could this book be any more Rachel Green post-season 5? At this point in the show, she realizes that she’s not just “the girl who works at Ralph Lauren.” She’s someone who’s trying to understand her place in the world, what she wants, what she’s willing to sacrifice, and what freedom really means to her.

Anthem is filled with the voices of drifters, seekers, poets, and dreamers. It’s full of raw emotion and spiritual restlessness. You read it and feel like you’re flipping through a stranger’s private thoughts scribbled in the margins of a gas station receipt. And for Rachel, who took her own emotional road trip over ten seasons, this book wasn’t just decoration, it was familiarity.

Also, it looks amazing on a coffee table. We’re just saying.

Rachel’s Reading List: A Reflection of Her Evolution

What makes Rachel Green’s bookshelf so fascinating is that it wasn’t just curated for show. The producers could have picked up any old book and given it to Jennifer Aniston to read on set. But the books they chose actually tracked the character’s transformation. From the girl who couldn’t tell a gravy boat from a bookend to a woman navigating life, love, and existential dread one chapter at a time.

Jane Eyre was her declaration of independence, and then The Shining reflected her willingness to confront inner demons. Little Women showed her love of relationships and growth, and perhaps Anthem was a poetic snapshot of her deeper self-searching.

Rachel didn’t read to impress anyone. She read for herself, which is a lesson we can all learn from.

The post Here’s What Rachel Green Was Reading on FRIENDS appeared first on Magazine.

Traditional “grandma hobbies” like knitting, gardening, baking — and even a bit of old-fashioned reading — are growing in popularity.

But why? Well, it might be to do with our mental health!

The Therapeutic Power of Traditional Hobbies

It turns out your grandma might have been onto something all along. That repetitive click-clack of knitting needles? It might just be the cure to doom-scrolling.

“Grandma hobbies” like knitting, crocheting, gardening, and quilting are seeing an ABBA-level comeback, and not just because they make for a great TikTok aesthetic post. Apparently, they’re great for our mental well-being!

When you’re stitching a scarf or potting petunias, you’re not absorbing all of the world’s news from your phone or answering emails… instead, you’re locked in. The repetitive movements encourage a sense of mindfulness (which turns out to be more than just a buzzword), and they can produce a state of calm and focus.

Not only that, but when you complete a project, you get a big ol’ hit of dopamine that will make your brain do the happy dance. It doesn’t matter whether you’re harvesting your first tomato or perfecting a sourdough starter; they’ll both work just as well.

Cognitive Benefits: Keep Calm and Cable-Knit On

To you, watching a true crime documentary and cross-stitching is just multitasking. But actually, its really good for your brain. Not only is picking up a new hobby of any kind great, but one that involves patterns, sequences and some kind of mental gymnastics makes our brains really work. That’s why hobbies like reading, sewing, and gardening are all great. If you were to look at your brain under an MRI while you did any of those hobbies, it’d light up like a Christmas tree!

Things like knitting involves both hands, and therefore, both brain hemispheres. It uses bilateral movement which is linked to improved memory and problem-solving skills.

By regularly engaging in these sorts of activities, we can combat brain fog and cognitive decline. Just by remembering a new recipe, figuring out how to propagate a stubborn monstera or keeping track of what line you’re on, you can help your brain to create new connections.

And it doesn’t stop there. These hobbies are often used in things like trauma therapy, which aims to heal deep wounds that we often don’t realize are there. So it might be that, by making a blanket, you’re also making peace.

Social Connections Through Shared Interests

Today’s hobbyists are building whole communities around their shared love for the analog life. From online crochet forums to local gardening clubs, there’s a place for everyone to plug in… and for once, that doesn’t involve a charger.

These social spaces are more than just fun, though. For many people, they’re lifelines. Across the world, in all sections of society, loneliness is a growing mental health crisis. Shared hobbies are an organic, joyful way to connect with others that can really help to combat this. Whether you’re bonding over sourdough starters or swapping embroidery patterns, you’re creating connections that matter.

This exact principle is the core principle behind events like the “Stitch & B*tch”, and all of your favorite book clubs. These casual crafting meetups are like therapy with yarn, laughter, and maybe a glass of wine. You leave with a finished project, a lighter heart, and a few new friends. Or, if painting is more your thing, there are “Paint and Sip” classes everywhere these days, too.

Which Hobbies Promote Lifelong Wellbeing? (Hint: One Of Them Involves Books)

It’s all well and good referring to these hobbies as “grandma hobbies”, but what actually is a grandma hobby? What should you try your hand at to promote cognitive development and happiness?

Well, there are a few.

We’ll start, though, with our favorite. Reading is a great way to promote mental stimulation, to relax, and to learn. It’s a hobby that often gets overlooked, just like plenty of these “grandma” hobbies, but we book-lovers know well enough just how fulfilling it is. By reading, we are exercising our imaginations, learning new facts, digesting new words, all while we allow ourselves to shut off from the outside world. Locking into a good book is just as satisfying as any other grandma hobby!

Plus, if you like audiobooks, you can do more than just read. Play your favorite audiobook and pick up another grandma hobby for ultimate relaxation and stimulation—-your brain will thank us!

Take gardening, for example. You’re outside, moving your body, soaking up sunshine (hello, vitamin D~), and getting your hands dirty in the most satisfying way. That’s a trifecta of wellness benefits.

Alternatively, how about baking? The alchemy of turning flour, eggs, and love into something delicious is nothing short of magic, and science agrees. Studies show that cooking can reduce anxiety and enhance mood, especially when shared with others. Besides, it’s hard to argue with the appeal of fresh baked goodies. Find a new recipe on TikTok or Instagram, and you’re good to go.

If that’s not your vibe, there are the different types of needlecraft; you could be a secret crochet mastermind, or perhaps cross stitch will be your newfound glory. All you need to do is head to your local craft store and pick up some thread, yarn, and the right needles! With all sorts of hacks and how-to guides online, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

In a world obsessed with instant gratification, these hobbies teach patience and persistence, and they give us a chance to really slow down. Sure, your first cross-stitch might be lopsided, your sourdough might come out like a brick, but that’s part of the charm. You improve, you grow, and, most importantly, you enjoy the ride.

The post These Old-Fashioned Hobbies Are Great for Your Mental Health appeared first on Magazine.

All these years later, the tablet bearing his stories has been on its own adventures. Passed through smuggling rings, surviving wars, and even taking a seat in courtrooms…

But why?

The Story of Gilgamesh

The Gilgamesh dream tablet contains an interesting section of one of the world’s oldest known literary works. The entire story is written in cuneiform script and was etched onto the tablet almost 40 centuries ago.

In the scene, Gilgamesh, a very famous superhuman king, recounts a strange dream to his mother, the goddess Ninsun. He describes seeing a massive meteorite crashing down from the heavens and tells Ninsun that he is both afraid of it and, for some unknown reason, strangely drawn to it.

Translations have shown that the imagery in this scene is intense and symbolic. The meteorite is described as immovable, powerful, and almost written like it is tied to fate. Gilgamesh tells his mother that he struggles with the rock and its arrival, but ultimately, he loves it “as a woman!”

Ninsun listens to her son and tells him that she interprets this dream as a sort of prophecy. To her, the celestial object represents Enkidu, a wild man who was created by the gods and who will soon enter Gilgamesh’s life.

She explains that not only will Enkidu become Gilgamesh’s closest friend, but he will also play a crucial role in Gilgamesh’s personal growth and eventual journey toward wisdom.

In its storytelling, the tablet captures more than just a dream. This scene is a crucial turning point in the epic. It marks the beginning of a legendary friendship and a foreshadowing of the emotional highs and tragic lows of their shared adventures.

Why is the Tablet Important?

The Gilgamesh Dream Tablet is a fragment of the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of humanity’s oldest known literary works. The whole text is written in the Akkadian language using cuneiform script, one of the oldest forms of written language.

As described, the tablet captures a poignant moment in which Gilgamesh recounts his dreams to his mother, seeking interpretation and guidance.

These dreams, rich with symbolism, offer important insights into the hero’s psyche and foreshadow his epic quests. Without this scene, important imagery and nuance in the story would be missing.

The tablet was first discovered in the 19th century among the ruins of the library of an Assyrian king in Northern Iraq. When found, the tablet provided historians with invaluable glimpses into ancient Mesopotamian beliefs, values, and even their storytelling traditions that we had not had before.

Its narratives, which parallel important tales from the Hebrew Bible, are just another piece of historical evidence regarding the interconnectedness among ancient civilizations.

The Tablet’s Tumultuous Journey

So, enough about the story on the tablet, what about the story of the tablet? Where has it been, and where is it now?

After being found in 1853, the tablet was stored in a museum for a significant chunk of time. But in the late 20th century, it went missing from Iraq.

Following the chaos that surrounded the 1991 Gulf War, the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet was unfortunately looted from its home in an Iraqi museum, and it quickly vanished into the shadows of the black market. Across the decades following the war, it discreetly traveled from one country to another again and again with documents that masked its real origins.

The tablet first appeared in London in 2003, where an antiques dealer purchased it. From there, it eventually made its way to the United States.

In 2007, the tablet appeared in the United States, where it was acquired by Hobby Lobby seven years later, in 2014. They hoped to display it at the Museum of the Bible, an attraction in Washington, D.C., but suspicions soon emerged regarding its importance, and it was seized in 2019.

Homecoming: A Nation’s Cultural Reclamation

It took a few years, but finally, in 2021, the United States officially returned the artifact to Iraq. The handover took place during a ceremony at the Smithsonian Institution in September of that year, and was hailed as a significant milestone and victory for Iraq, which has been fighting the trafficking of its cultural artifacts for years.

Faud Hussein, the nation’s cultural minister, emphasized the tablet’s importance. He said it was one of 17,926 pieces recovered in that year alone, and reiterated the significance of the victory in the face of those who sought to “steal” Iraq’s history.

Today, the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet is proudly displayed in Baghdad, where it should be.

The Enduring Legacy of Gilgamesh

The saga of the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet shows not only how long we as people have been telling stories, but also how important those stories are. Even now, all these years later, the tablet appealed to individuals enough to loot, hide, and sell it through whatever means necessary.

The celebration in Iraq shows us the importance of working together to preserve cultural heritage. Its return to Iraq not only restores a piece of the country’s heritage, but has rekindled global interest in the Epic of Gilgamesh and other super interesting parts of Iraqi history!

The post How the Gilgamesh Tablet Made Its Way Home After 30 Years appeared first on Magazine.

One simple yet incredibly powerful language tool that supports any kind of learning and communication is something called a “lexicon”. But to be able to use a lexicon effectively, you’ve gotta know what it is!

So let’s get to it. Let’s break down exactly what a lexicon is, why it’s worth creating one, and how you can build your own in just a few practical steps. You’ll be levelling up your learning in no time at all.

What Is a Lexicon?

A lexicon is a collection of vocabulary (words and their meanings) typically organized in a specific context (by subject, for example!).

In linguistics, a lexicon refers to the complete set of words in a language. However, in practical and educational terms, your personal lexicon is just a curated glossary of key terms, phrases, and definitions relevant to your area of interest.

It’s almost like your own personal dictionary for a specific subject, only tailored to your needs. It’s written in your own words and can evolve and grow as you do, along with your knowledge.

Why Create a Lexicon?

It might seem like a lot of effort, especially when studying, to create a whole lexicon. So why bother? Well, there are several benefits to doing so.
For example:

Creating a Lexicon Builds Communication Skills

Have you ever struggled to really get something across? Perhaps a complex idea in an essay or discussion? That’s where a lexicon comes in handy.

A personal lexicon can serve as your go-to language bank, offering precise terminology that improves the clarity and professionalism of both your writing and speaking. And, even better, the definitions are completely understandable, because you wrote them!

Whether you’re working on a paper or preparing a presentation, having access to accurate, subject-specific language helps you craft more compelling arguments and confidently engage in academic or professional conversations.

Using a Lexicon Helps to Enhance Memory

When you take the time to personalize and organize new vocabulary, rather than just skip over it, you automatically create much stronger mental links between the words, their meanings, and their contexts. Instead of just connecting A and B (or the word and its meaning), your brain forms deeper connections through the process of writing, categorizing, and revisiting the information.

Adding examples, like visual cues, can make it easier to recall during exams, presentations, or conversations.

A Lexicon Can Deepen Your Understanding

Instead of passively reading or listening to terms, you have to stop and take the time to define them when you are making a lexicon. As you do, you’ll find yourself connecting those terms and words to other ideas as you interpret their meanings in your own words.

This active engagement helps you truly understand concepts, not just recognize them. For example, if you’re studying psychology and you come across the term “cognitive dissonance,” you’re more likely to remember it and apply it correctly if you sit and define it using your own thoughts and examples.

A Lexicon Will Stay With You

Lexicons are designed to be memorable; they help you develop and nurture pathways in your mind. As a result, they often stay with you. Rather than being a short-term studying resource, you will often find that words collected in your lexicon stick with you, even years later.

This allows you to expand your vocabulary and provides you with a really solid base, especially if you’re heading into a career!

Creating a Lexicon

If all of the above sounds good, then it’s time to start curating your lexicon and improving your studying! There are a few key things you’ll need to do.

1. Choose Your Focus

You should always start by choosing the subject area for your lexicon. Are you focusing on business jargon, psychological buzzwords, or literary terms?

Then, once you’ve determined that, you’ll need to choose how you’re going to categorize your words. Will you organize them alphabetically? By topic? By frequency or importance?

2. Always Use Your Own Words

The whole point of a lexicon is to paraphrase and describe the definitions of words using your own language. This ensures that you actually understand and grasp the concept of the word. In this way, you should not only be able to use the word correctly but, in theory, you should be able to effectively explain it to others, too.

You should, whenever possible, use diagrams, examples, or the word in context. This makes the terms more memorable and relatable.

3. Revisit and Revise

Your understanding of a term may evolve over time, and therefore so should your lexicon. The lexicon should always be treated as a living, evolving document that you can revisit, revise, and refine as needed. Revisit entries on a regular basis to refine your definitions, add new examples, and update any knowledge with additional context you may have learned.

This also gives you the chance to revisit any words or terms that you may have been stuck on or confused by, and, if need be, relearn or research them accordingly.

4. Use The Words

To ensure your lexicon is really helping, you should try to incorporate the terms into your weekly or daily use. Quizzing yourself is also a great way to make sure the words become more natural.

By testing yourself regularly, you’ll be able to see a significant impact. A lexicon truly transforms your understanding of important words, making them second nature in no time at all.

The post What Is a Lexicon and Why Should You Build One? appeared first on Magazine.

Facing the End, He Started Something New

When most people are told they only have weeks to live, their world understandably stops. Everything around them ceases to matter.

But not Rob McCann.

After being given a cancer diagnosis in 2023, Rob did something bold and entirely unique: he opened a bookshop.

In Sutton Valence, Kent, Capelli’s Books (named after a nickname of Rob’s) is no ordinary shop. It’s filled with over 4,000 books from Rob’s personal collection. Not because he’s trying to clear out his home, but because he’s got one thing on his mind: a mission. A mission with heart. Every single penny made from selling these books goes to the Heart of Kent Hospice, the place now helping him navigate his final chapter.

His goal? To raise £50,000 and give back to the place he says makes him feel “safe and cared for.”

Once Good with Money, Always Good with Money

Before cancer flipped everything upside down, Rob had recently retired from a long career as an accountant. But retirement didn’t mean putting his feet up, though. Instead, he started helping out at the hospice in a finance role. He quickly became fond of the hospice and all the folk who worked there.

Then, heartbreakingly, in 2023, Rob received his diagnosis. With seemingly only a little time left, he was offered a bed at the same hospice he’d once worked for. He took it, but only on the proviso that Freddie, his dog, could join him. The hospice agreed immediately, and he moved in. Not only have the hospice staff made his life easier, but they’ve provided his partner with counselling, too, easing the pain she feels as best they can.

It was a surreal full-circle moment. But instead of letting the disease define his last days, Rob got to work. Pretty quickly, he was organizing, sorting, planning, and ultimately opening up a shop that would let him give back to the place that has made this whole ordeal just that little bit easier for him and his loved ones.

A Bookshop with Soul

Walking into Capelli’s Books is like walking into someone’s living room. Well, if that someone were a passionate reader with a wildly eclectic taste. The shelves are filled with everything from science fiction to local history, classic novels to obscure titles you’d never find in a chain store. It’s absolutely the kind of place you browse in for hours and walk out with something you didn’t know you needed.

Rob had been collecting books for decades, including many from charity shops, boot fairs, and small sellers. Some were bought just because he wanted to support local businesses. Others were old friends, stories he’d read and loved.

It’s clear from the second you see Capelli’s that it isn’t just about the books. No, it’s about connection. Rob chats with customers, shares stories, and tells them where the money’s going. Many leave with a book and a smile, knowing they’ve supported something that matters.

The Importance of Hospice

Hospices are all too often misunderstood. Lots of people think of them as gloomy, clinical places, but Rob’s story paints a completely different picture. He describes the Heart of Kent Hospice as a place “full of life, warmth, and support.”

That’s why the fundraising goal means so much to him. He’s aiming for a whopping £50,000, which will be a huge help to the hospice, allowing them to continue to provide the stellar service that they’ve given both Rob and his partner. Every book he sells chips away at that target, marking one more person who has become a part of his heartwarming journey.

But it’s not just that. Rob is challenging how we think about illness and death. He’s challenging decades of preconceived notions. He’s not hiding away, he’s not withdrawing, he’s showing up. He’s living his life as fully as he can, laughing with visitors at Capelli’s and putting good back into the world. He’s being brave, the quiet type of brave that doesn’t go viral, that may not make international headlines—but should.

Rob’s story isn’t just about books or cancer. It’s not even just about fundraising or hospice care. Rob is an icon, a reminder that, at the end of the day, what truly matters is how we choose to spend our time on this planet. Some people chase bucket lists, some people plan exotic trips, some just live their normal lives, loving their loved ones. Rob chose to do just that, and, with this last little piece of his time, he’s chosen to give back. He’s opened his heart (and his living room!) to strangers, and has reminded all of us that there’s beauty in bravery, and in generosity.

The post Meet the Man Selling 4,000 Books for Hospice Care appeared first on Magazine.

Meet Ohio’s Oldest Reader

Lily Walter, who turns 105 this May, has spent over a century developing her love of books. She first entered a library at four years old, receiving her first library card. Now, over one hundred years later, she’s just renewed her card at the Hubbard Public Library in Ohio, continuing a tradition that has been a huge part of her long life.

Originally from Latvia, Lily moved to the United States in 1949 and has called it home ever since. Reading has always offered more than just knowledge to Lily; when reflecting on the role that books have played in her life, she said, “In hard times, [reading] can take you to a better place.”

Her story, from immigrating to the States, to living to 105, and showing no signs of stopping there, is a testament to the power of knowledge, learning, and growth.

It isn’t just the books that Lily loves, though. Her connection to libraries also runs deep. In her 80s and 90s, she volunteered her time at the public library. She used to love looking at the circulation data, curious to see which books had been taken out and which were being looked over by her community.

What Lily’s Been Reading

Of course, at 105, Lily has read more books than many of us could ever dream of! She’s read thousands of books; in fact, she’s taken thousands out from Hubbard alone. And yet, peculiarly, she doesn’t like to make book recommendations. She believes that reading is personal, and that each reader should be free to discover their own favourites without influence.

That being said, we do know a few of the books she’s read over the years, like Freedom: Memoirs 1954–2021 by Angela Merkel, Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench, and Reagan: His Life and Legend by Max Boot. She has also enjoyed Agatha Christie: An Elusive Woman by Lucy Worsley, Christmas with the Queen by Hazel Gaynor, and The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood.

According to Lily’s daughter, her mother’s reading tastes are varied and adventurous. She loves fiction, cozy mysteries, but most of all, books about people. Lily loves a story that connects with a person, a real person, reflecting their warmth, complexity and telling their story.

How Reading Impacts Us as We Age

It’s no surprise that Lily has lived so long — after all, she’s been an avid reader from a very young age. This love of books hasn’t just filled her days with joy and knowledge, but it has likely played a key role in her remarkable age and mental sharpness.

Reading is widely recognized as one of the most beneficial activities for the brain, especially as we age. It has the power to stimulate cognitive function by encouraging the formation of new neurons and strengthening the brain’s existing neural networks. This can improve our analytical thinking, reasoning skills, and memory retention, all of which are areas that naturally decline over time without regular work and engagement.

Lily’s dedication to reading has likely supported her intellect and her overall well-being. Studies have shown that reading helps the brain to unwind, easing mental strain and even muscle tension. This calming effect contributes to better impulse control, more regulated emotions, and improved sleep quality. Altogether, this helps to improve cognitive and physical health!

Not only that, but brain-challenging and engaging activities like reading can actually help to prevent or delay the onset of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s!

How Your Local Library Can Benefit You

We can all learn from Lily. She has used her life to learn and to love her library, and, ultimately, spent two decades giving back to it, too.

Far more than just places to borrow books, libraries serve as free educational hubs that level the playing field. In many communities where access to learning resources is limited, libraries break down those barriers by providing books, internet access, classes, and support. They make a huge difference for people who can’t afford private tutoring or textbooks, or who perhaps don’t have anywhere else to study.

They are often also safe havens. For vulnerable members of our communities (think the homeless, the elderly), libraries offer warmth, safety, and somewhere to spend the day without having to spend any money.

Libraries also play a crucial part in preserving local history. Many libraries have archives, host events, and foster a sense of community in their local areas. Through their outreach, they continue to nurture the connections that have been around for generations. This is especially important in our technological era of isolation.

There’s a reason that Lily has spent 100 years loving libraries, and spending her days walking the stacks searching for her next read, and doing so has clearly done her wonders. A lifelong love of libraries has served her well, and we hope that her story inspires others to feel the same.

The post This 105-Year-Old Woman Just Renewed Her Library Card appeared first on Magazine.