Join us for a book talk with author Kortney Yasenka as she discusses her new book Swedish Lagom: Finding Joy in Just Enough. releasing on February 25th 2025. You don’t need to be Swedish to benefit from the principles of lagom – discover the secret to a happier, more balanced life with this Swedish philosophy.
Sweden consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world, and many attribute this to their uniquely balanced lifestyle. At the heart of this lifestyle is the concept of lagom, which literally translates to “just the right amount.” Swedish Lagom delves into this philosophy, offering bite-sized facts, engaging anecdotes, and practical tips to help you incorporate lagom into your daily life.
ABOUT KORTNEY: Kortney Yasenka is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, as well as the author of The Stoicism Book of Quotes. She specializes in providing individual, family, and group therapy, along with life coaching for student-athletes. Kortney is certified in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and incorporates ecotherapy into her treatment approach. She holds a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology from Northeastern University and has worked in community mental health, schools, and private practice.
A lifelong Cleveland sports fan (thanks to her father), Kortney enjoys traveling to Cleveland for Guardians games in the spring and rarely misses a Browns game, thanks to streaming services. In her free time, she loves running, spending time with family, and vacationing on the beautiful island of St. John.
Kortney’s work is deeply influenced by her Swedish heritage, which was passed down from her mother. This connection to Swedish traditions has shaped her understanding of the importance of balance in life, and it informs the way she lives and writes.
Foraging is a huge part of Nordic cooking. From Noma making it chic in Copenhagen to Sweden’s ancient custom referred to as “Allemansrätten”, allowing you to roam in any wood, meadow or field to forage for wild food.
Want to lean what it’s all about? Join local foraging expert Diana Burnell for a relaxing walk in the woods!
You will learn how to identify mushrooms and other delicious local wild edibles. This class is perfect for the forager/mushroom enthusiast, outdoor enthusiast, foodie or vegetarian. We will review how to properly identify mushrooms and wild edibles, discuss sustainable harvesting and local laws and collect specimens to study. Learn 5-10 edible mushroom species that are available now, as well as a variety of non-edible/poisonous fungi and perhaps even take some home with you to enjoy!
Sunday, October 20th | 10am- noon | $60; $50 for members of the SCC&L | SOLD OUT
**limited to 10 participants. register early so as not to miss out**
LOCATION: Hammond Pond, Hammond Pond Parkway, Newton, MA 02168 (Free onsite parking available. Reservation lot is on the left when entering the Chestnut Hill Shopping Center from Hammond Pond Parkway)
ABOUT DIANA Born and raised on the seacoast of New Hampshire, Diana Burnell has been passionate about connecting people to nature, food and the outdoors for as long as she can remember. As a child, she would spend hours in her back woods, playing ‘Transcendentalists’ with her sister and mother (she was always Henry David Thoreau).
In 2014, she started Edible Excursions Wild Foods, selling her foraged goods to restaurants from New Hampshire to New York.
Longing to share her passion with the masses, Diana launched Edible Excursions Foraging in 2019 and currently offers private classes, guided group walks, home/land owner surveys, wild picnics and lectures around New England.
🐦⬛Merlulae is a Swedish vocal group of women’s voices from Greater Boston. They are a group of 10 Swedish women that do harmonies of traditional and more contemporary music. Merlulae means ‘The Blackbirds’ in Latin. The blackbird sings in the springtime and inspires us to ” sing in the spring” with some Swedish traditional songs.
Presented as the Library’s May film choice: Gold Run (2022)
April 9, 1940. The German war machine occupies Norway. One of their primary objectives is to seize the nation’s entire gold reserves. But thanks to a few courageous individuals, the gold is smuggled out – just as the Germans come.
Based on true events, Gold Run tells the story of how 55 tons of gold was transported through rough winter landscapes on trucks, trains and boats by a group of unlikely resistance fighters ahead of the invading Nazi forces.
Saturday, May 10th | 1pm | $10; $5 for members | Tickets
In Norwegian with English subtitles | Drama, War, Thriller | 114 minutes
Join us in commemorating the 200th anniversary of the first organized Norwegian emigration to the United States. On July 4, 1825, the sloop Restauration set sail from Stavanger, Norway, carrying 52 hopeful emigrants seeking a new life in America. This voyage marked the beginning of a significant chapter in Norwegian-American history, leading to nearly 900,000 Norwegians immigrating to North America over the next century.
The flag-raising ceremony will honor this historic journey and celebrate the enduring ties between Norway and the United States. The event will feature:
Flag Raising: Hoisting of the Norwegian flag in honor of the bicentennial.
