Mother’s Day at Your Kirkwood Public Library

The second Sunday of May is quickly approaching and is a special day where many honor the women in their lives, including mothers and those who act as mother figures. 

While the idea of Mother’s Day started many years ago in England with “Mothering Sunday,” on May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson “signed a joint resolution” for the observance of Mother’s Day. In 1915, Woodrow proclaimed the holiday as an annual national observance. The idea for Mother’s Day, however, was in the works years before. In 1872 Julia Ward Howe suggested that “people observe a Mother’s Day on June 2 as a day dedicated to peace.” In 1907, Anna Jarvis of West Virginia campaigned for the nationwide observance of Mother’s Day. It was she who started the tradition of wearing a carnation on Mother’s Day.  (Source: World Book Encyclopedia Online)

Not sure what to get that special mother in your life? Be sure to visit our Books & Beyond Shop, right inside the library and run by volunteers from the Friends of Kirkwood Public Library. They have a variety of wonderful gift selections including a Book Lovers Journal, Bella Taylor Quilted Purse Accessories and lovely BookSeats. And for the younger crowd who might not have a lot of pocket change, the shop offers a selection of gifts at kid-friendly prices, including “I Love Mom” coffee mugs and “World’s Greatest Mom” bookmarks.

And in honor of mothers everywhere, please enjoy this special booklist featuring books and movies.   

Sarah Erwin is the Library Director at Kirkwood Public Library and is currently reading While We Were Watching Downton Abbey by Wendy Wax.