Westerly Sun Column | At Westerly Library & Wilcox Park: A Wealth of Material on Travel Awaits at the Library

It was a long winter, and I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to deny my kids’ requests to have picnics during frigid windstorms and go for walks through feet of snow and ice. Now that spring has finally arrived and more reasonable weather is imminent, I am ready to begin ALL of the outdoor activities. When my youngest expressed interest in going on a hike the other day, it was an immediate and resounding “YES” from me. And I knew exactly where to turn for ideas.

One of the most popular sections of our Nonfiction collection is the travel guides, where armchair travelers and international adventurers alike can find books on destinations far and wide. Fodors, Frommers, and Lonely Planet are all sought-after series for planning trips, but there are many other books that offer great ideas and information, particularly for day trips and local travel. One of my favorite newer books is “Trash, Trolls, and Treasure Hunts” by Thomas Dambo, the Danish artist who is responsible for the giant, recycled-wood troll sculptures in Ninigret Park. Full of hundreds of photos, poems, and stories about how Dambo created his art, it’s a great book to share with family (including kids) to get them excited before heading out to find “Greta Granit” and “Erik Rock” in Ninigret Park.

If you are into hiking or biking on local trails, you’ll find numerous guides at the library to help you plan your next excursion. FalconGuides has a fantastic series called “Best Easy Day Hikes”, which includes a new book on hikes in Rhode Island. The guide offers concise descriptions and helpful maps of different trails throughout the state, so you know exactly what to expect before heading out. For those who prefer to travel on two wheels, FalconGuide also publishes books on biking, like “Best Bike Rides, Connecticut”, with similarly detailed information.

While many travel guides are quite broad in their coverage, you can also find ones that are tailored to more specific interests. “Lighthouses & Coastal Attractions of Southern New England” by Allan Wood, and “Getting’ Nautical in New England” by Daniel Seddiqui are perfect for folks who like to stay close to the coast and explore the waters. Meanwhile, something like “Beer Hiking New England” by Carey Kish is an option for those who are simply looking to veer away from their local watering hole. Ghost hunters may be interested in “Guidebook to Haunted and Strange Places in Rhode Island and Surrounds” by Charles Harrington, which includes 14 self-guided tours through supernatural locales in the state.

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy the outdoors…you can always pop by Wilcox Park to enjoy a beautiful nature walk. On our website, www.westerlylibrary.org, you’ll find a fantastic interactive guide to the many trees and plantings in the park, and little ones can currently enjoy a StoryWalk on their way to visiting the Runaway Bunny. There’s so much to see, so get outside and enjoy it!

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian