Photo credit: Rob Cardillo 

Doug Tallamy is the T. A. Baker Professor of Agriculture in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 112 research publications and has taught insect related courses for 43 years. Chief among his research goals is to better understand the many ways insects interact with plants and how such interactions determine the diversity of animal communities. His books include Bringing Nature Home, The Living Landscape, co-authored with Rick Darke, Nature’s Best Hope, a New York Times Best Seller, The Nature of Oaks, winner of the American Horticultural Society’s 2022 book award.  

In 2021, he cofounded Homegrown National Park with Michelle Alfandari (HomegrownNationalPark.org). His awards include recognition from The Garden Writer’s Association, Audubon, The National Wildlife Federation, Allegheny College, Ecoforesters, The Garden Club of America and The American Horticultural Association.

Peoria Reads 2024

Nature’s Best Hope: Exploring Conservation and Climate Change

For more than 20 years, Peoria Public Library has hosted a citywide literary event inviting all residents to read the same book at once.

Every year, our committee chooses a book that we believe has the ability to resonate with all Peorians. This year, we’ve chosen Nature’s Best Hope by Douglas W. Tallamy, a New York Times best seller which he also adapted into a middle school edition.

Instead of despair about our environment, Tallamy brings us hope. Specifically, Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation that Starts in Your Yard.

In this book, Tallamy outlines a grassroots approach to conservation that is practical, effective, easy and — yes — even fun. With our partners, Peoria Public Library we hosted Tallamy for a virtual author event in April, just before Earth Day. A copy of his presentation can be viewed on our YouTube channel.

Peoria Reads 2024 kicked off during National Library Week, April 7-13, but will continue through the fall with a variety of conservation-themed programs.

We invite you to join Peoria Reads 2024!

Click on Upcoming Events to view all the programs we have planned that connect to this year’s theme. Learn about beekeeping and composting or whether solar is right for you. For children and teens, we have fun upcycling and gardening events planned.

Peoria Reads Events

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Peoria Reads

For more than 20 years, Peoria Public Library has hosted a citywide literary event inviting all residents to read the same book at once. 

Peoria Reads is led by Peoria Public Library with the help of community partners, Methodist College, Bradley University and Neighborhood House.

• Bring our diverse community together in ways to promote better understanding.

• Broaden and deepen readers’ appreciation for books dealing with significant issues.

• Bring more people into libraries, bookstores, and literacy institutions

• Increase opportunities for discussion between youth and adults

• Achieve a better understanding of ourselves and of our own humanity.