As we begin to emerge from lockdown, I find myself reflecting on the last three months. I have felt many emotions during this time, ranging from fear and sadness listening to the daily briefings to joy and wonder watching nature ‘carrying on as usual’ all around us on those wonderful sunny spring days.

None of us will have come through this strangest of times unaffected and getting back to a ‘new normal’ may be the hardest time of all. It’s okay to feel apprehensive, we will all cope in different ways. It’s important now more than ever to look after your mental wellbeing, you may find our collection of self-help eBooks/eAudiobooks useful. You can check out Learn It Live: live and on-demand classes, quick tip videos, and virtual reality wellness.

Libraries play such an important role in many people’s lives. We are pleased to be able to offer excellent online resources but are very much looking forward to the day when Dorking Library opens its doors again and we can welcome back all of our greatly missed customers. And while we are still waiting for this to happen you can enjoy a couple of new Cockerel’s Choice recommendations. – Diane

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Diane’s recommendation

I would like to recommend – The Humans by Matt Haig. A friend recommended this book and although not my usual choice I’m so glad I gave it a go, I loved it! Uplifting tender and funny, a wonderful story about love family and what it is to be human. Easy to read but at the same time thought-provoking and gripping, with a little bit of mathematics thrown in! – Diane

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Laura’s recommendation

Laura recommends An African Love Story by Daphne Sheldrick. “Following the life of Daphne Sheldrick, ‘An African Love Story’ captures a unique time period and a unique experience, woven into a beautifully written and deeply moving story.

She transports you from the 1950s to present-day Kenya and the personal, social, political and environmental challenges they faced. Her deep passion and knowledge of the African wildlife are inspiring, leaving you filled with awe for this land where the boundary between human society and the untamed wild is so thin.

Her journey to founding the globally renowned David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is fascinating, filled with compassion and care for orphaned wild animals, the battle of the anti-poaching campaign and the dangers faced in a time of social and political unrest. Her personal love story is just as moving, watching Daphne develop strong and loving relationships with both humans and animals.

There is so much we can learn from Daphne – from her strength, determination and resilience, to the way she embraces nature as her extended family and respects the world around her. A remarkable story written by a remarkable woman.” – Laura