It’s World Honey Bee Day! Besides producing honey, honey bees are important for pollinating fruits, vegetables and flowers. They are vital for our good health; without honey bees, we wouldn’t have cherries, almonds, avocados or other delicious fruits, vegetables or nuts. The practice of beekeeping goes back to ancient civilizations. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used honey for medicinal purposes.
Interesting facts about honey bees:
- They have five eyes.
- Bees can fly up to 20 mph.
- When conditions are ideal, a hive can produce up to 200 pounds of honey a year.
You can also celebrate World Honey Bee Day by planting a pollinator garden or by checking out one of our great books about honey bees.
“Planting for Honeybees” by Sarah Wyndham Lewis
Planting for Honeybees: The Grower’s Guide to Creating a Buzz
by Sarah Wyndham Lewis
Call Number: 638.1 LEW
Summary: Of the 25,000 known species of bee worldwide, only seven species are honeybees. Bees and plants have a sophisticated and delicate symbiosis. In recent years, the shrinking of green spaces has endangered the honeybee. Now, Planting for Honeybees shows you how you can help these delightful pollinators flourish by creating a garden as a habitat for them. No matter how small or large your space—from a window ledge in the city to a country garden—Sarah Wyndham Lewis offers practical advice on which plants to grow and when and where to plant them.
“Buzz, Sting, Bite” by Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson
Buzz, Sting, Bite: Why We Need Insects
by Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson
Call Number: 595.7 SVE
Summary: An informative introduction to the world of insects that discusses the extensive variety of insects and their role in pollinating crops and flowers, providing food for other animals and controlling organisms that are harmful to humans.
“A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings” by Helen Jukes
A Honeybee Heart Has Five Openings
by Helen Jukes
Call Number: 638.1 JUK
Summary: A new homeowner describes her emotional and rewarding journey over the course of a year, after she was given a colony of honeybees as a gift and learned how to care for and live alongside the fascinating creatures.
“Honey and Venom” by Andrew Coté
Honey and Venom: Confessions of an Urban Beekeeper
by Andrew Coté
Call Number: 638.1092 COT
Summary: A year in the life of New York City’s premier beekeeper, who chronicles his adventures and the quirky personalities he encounters while spreading his infinite knowledge of and passion for the remarkable honey bee.
“OMFG, Bees!” by Matt Kracht
OMFG, Bees! Bees Are So Amazing and You’re About to Find Out Why
by Matt Kracht
Call Number: 595.799 KRA
Summary: Are you ready for the ultimate bee book? With lighthearted watercolor and ink drawings, humorous quips, lists and musings, OMFG, BEES! will show you just how important these esteemed bee-list celebrities really are. (Hint: We can’t live without them.)