Even if you’re not taking a trip this summer, you can still explore the world through books. Your library has books on people and places around the world, so relax in an armchair or perhaps a hammock or beach towel, and read your way around the world.

Need some suggestions on where to start? You can subscribe to our Armchair Travel Newsletter. Every other month you’ll receive an e-mail newsletter that includes both new and older books of travel adventure.

NextReads Newsletters — You can subscribe to the Armchair Travel Newsletter (and many others) from this page

NextReads Newsletter Archives — Go to this page if you’d rather read these online instead of by e-mail, or if you want to check out the back issues

Fortieth Anniversary of the First Moon Landing

July 20 marks the fortieth anniversary of that historic moment in 1969 when astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon.

Astronauts Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin left the Apollo 11 command module, piloted by Michael Collins, in orbit in the lunar module Eagle, and at 4:18 p.m. EDT, Armstrong announced to a the world that “The Eagle has landed.” Armstrong was the first to leave the module and step out onto the surface of the moon, with the historic words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” Aldrin followed Armstrong down the ladder to become the second man to stand on the moon. They returned safely to Apollo 11 and to earth, leaving behind a leaving a plaque inscribed with the words: “Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon, July 1969 AD. We came in peace for all mankind.”

• Apollo 11 Booklist — Check the library catalog to read more about the Apollo 11 astronauts and this historic event
• July 20, 1969: One Giant Leap For Mankind — NASA’s page honoring this historic event
• Apollo 11 Partial Restoration HD Video Streams — View the videos of the event

Summer Reading Lists — It’s summer, and for students, that means it’s time for summer reading! Here is a collection of summer reading lists from local schools to help you find the books you need to read this summer.

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. We celebrate the Fourth of July as Independence Day, the birthday of the United States of America.

Independence Day — Learn more about the history of this patriotic holiday, and find ideas for ways to celebrate, including crafts, recipes and more