Westerly Sun Column | The Wonders of the Humble Serviceberry

In April, for the second year running, the library is excited to partner with the Westerly Land Trust for a book discussion celebrating the natural world, indigenous wisdom, and our beautiful community! Last year, we enjoyed discussing a classic: Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden” (1854). This year, we are discussing what may yet become a classic: Robin Wall Kimmerer’s newest book, “The Serviceberry” (2024).

Kimmerer’s name may sound familiar, particularly if you have interest in environmental science. An enrolled citizen of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Kimmerer is a botanist, professor, and author of two other highly regarded books: “Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses” (2003), and “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” (2013). In her latest book, Kimmerer uses the Serviceberry — a native shrub that produces edible berries — as a symbol of gift economies, in which goods and services are exchanged as gifts, focusing on community building and reciprocity rather than accumulation of goods or wealth. The Serviceberry produces an abundance of fruit that is shared with birds, who then prepare the seeds for germination through their digestive system, and scatter the seeds so that more trees can grow. To Kimmerer, this is the sort of redistribution of wealth that humans should focus more on.

There is much more presented in “The Serviceberry” and, at just 112 pages, the book is also easily digestible! Our book discussion will take place on April 23 (in celebration of Earth Day!) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westerly Land Trust’s Wahaneeta cabin. After the discussion, the group will enjoy a guided hike through the Wahaneeta Preserve. In the spirit of gift giving, the Westerly Library and Wilcox Park has free copies of “The Serviceberry” to give to those who register for the book discussion through the Westerly Land Trust’s website. Copies are available at the second floor Reference Desk. Perhaps, when you are through, you can share the book with another who would benefit from reading it.

Also in the spirit of Earth Day and ecological preservation, I would be remiss not to mention our “Get Your Bike Ready for the Season” program, which takes place this Thursday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the library Terrace Room. Josh from Remy’s Cycle will lead a hands-on program that will teach you how to perform basic maintenance on your bicycle, including tube changing, so you can feel prepared to get out there this spring and save a bit of gas. As this is an interactive program, participants are highly encouraged to bring their own bike, but all other supplies will be provided.

Whether you come by for one of these programs, or another reason, be sure to take some seeds from our Seed Library to plant in your garden. Your summer bounty can be shared with friends and relatives, seeds later saved and donated back to the Seed Library, and small steps can be made toward supporting an economic model of shared giving and gratitude.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian