If you ever thought of adopting a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle, the Polk County Public Library has a varied collection of books that can help you get started.

Turn your lawn or balcony into a garden, make your own organic jam, raise chickens in the backyard or learn how to harness natural energy. The following list of recommended “homesteading” titles was compiled by staff member Kitty Edwards:

“Healing Appalachia: Sustainable Living through Appropriate Technology” by Al Fritsch & Paul Gallimore;

“The Urban Homestead: Your Guide to Self-Sufficient Living in the Heart of the City” by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutsen;

“The North Carolina Fruit and Vegetable Book” by Walter Reeves and Felder Rushing;

“The Complete guide to Making Cheese, Butter and Yogurt at Home” by Richard Helweg;

“Stocking Up III: America’s Preserving Guide” by Carol Hupping;

“The New Woodburners Handbook: A Guide to Safe, Healthy & Efficient Woodburning” by Stephen Bushway;

“ABC of Poultry Raising: A Complete guide for the Beginner or Expert” by J.H. Florea;

“Home Herbal: A Practical Guide to Making Herbal Remedies for Common Ailments” by Penelope Ody;

“Natural Beekeeping: Organic Approaches to Modern Apiculture” by Ross Conrad.

These books (and more) will be featured near the circulation desk of the PCPL in Columbus. To read about upcoming events or to see new book acquisitions, visit the newly redesigned PCPL website at www.polklibrary.org or visit the library’s Facebook page.

– article submitted by Tracey Daniels