The Reference Desk
Have you ever fallen down a rabbit hole into an obscure topic and suddenly need to know all the details and consume all the media related to it? You've found your people. Every other Wednesday, librarians Hailee and Katie take turns sharing the topic that has them bewitched. After a deep-dive into the subject-du-jour, fill your "to read" list with their related book recommendations.
The Reference Desk
Punxsutawney Phil and other Strange American Traditions
In this episode, Hailee explains the quirky and beloved tradition of Groundhog Day in America, from origins in ancient beliefs to a quaint local observance to a nationally recognized phenomenon. We will also explore a few other quirky American traditions, including the Presidential turkey pardon and a unique form of communication in the rural south.
All books shared in this episode can be purchased at our Bookshop!
Staff picks:
- Big by Vashti Harrison
- There Was a Party for Langston by Jason Reynolds, illustrated by Jerome and Jeremy Pumphries
Recommended reading
Non-Fiction
- Weird U.S.: Your Travel Guide to America's Local Legends and Best Kept Secrets by Mark Moran and Mark Sceurman
Fiction
- Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds
- The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
- Neverworld Wake by Marisha Pessl
Sources:
- Groundhog Was Once on Punxsutawney’s Menu
- The Curious (and Possibly Murderous) Origins of Punxsutawney Phil's Name
- The bizarre history of Groundhog Day
- The Surprising History Behind Groundhog Day
- Pardoning the Thanksgiving Turkey
- Hollerin’ History
- “The Lost Art of Hollerin’”
- The Rise and Fall of North Carolina’s National Hollerin’ Contest