At the library

One of the most common questions that I hear not only at the library but with family and friends is, 'I have nothing to read, what book would you suggest?” This exciting question can lead to various answers depending on the person who is asking or answering the question. Over the years, I have changed my answer with different books or genres I found interesting. But this can be difficult to answer because not everyone has the same likes or dislikes.

The first way to solve the problem is to walk into the library wherever you are and start looking for books. There are hundreds of options sitting on the shelves hoping that someone will check them out and take them home. Someone could start in the new section to see the latest books that have been released whereas others could go through the general shelves that are spread throughout the library. Starting to look for something may ignite some interest in a book you never knew you wanted to read. My favorite thing to look for in a book when I'm in need is the cover. The common phrase, 'Don't judge a book by its cover” seems like a good idea, but the front of the book is sometimes the thing that draws someone in first. It could have a bright fun cover filled with artwork or an intriguing title; the smallest details are what I look for in a book first. After that, I start to look at what the book is about, maybe who the author is, to start to determine if I would want to bring the book home.

Now there is a new problem, there are too many possibilities to check out that it is hard to choose from, and some books might not be as good as you hope they will be. This problem comes with a simple solution, take them all. There has never been a limit on a regular library card that holds you accountable to only check out books that you will read and finish. With our fine free library card, it does limit you to only two books, but you could always start a list somewhere for books that may be a good read later on. No matter what card you hold any book you check out can be easily returned. Start a pile while you're walking through the stacks and don't limit yourself, this is your chance to have fun and find something interesting to read that may be out of your comfort zone.

My answer to the open-ended question of what to check out next is to not limit yourself to one book; go in and find a large stack to bring home. No matter what you like to read, there are always possibilities to read for whatever your interests may be. While you're browsing through books looking for authors you recognize or titles that pop out at you, you might check out a movie you've been wanting to see for a while or a magazine you wanted to read through. The different audio-visuals are the cherry on top of the pile of books you're hoping to bring home. There are thousands of possibilities and it won't hurt to bring home more than you need, so why not go in and take home a couple, or a large stack of items.

New Materials at the Library

The following books were given in memory of Larry Barnes by the Barnes family; Mercedita, Marykaye and Stephanie

The Better Sister (large print) by Alafair Burke

Resistance Women (large print) by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Wife Between Us (large print) by Greer Hendricks

Summer of ‘69 (large print) by Elin Hilderbrand

Then She Was Gone (large print) by Lisa Jewell

If She Wakes (large print) by Michael Koryta

Midnight Sun (large print) by Jo Nesbo

Ask Me No Questions (large print) by Shelley Noble

The Secrets You Keep (large print) by Kate White

Skin Game (large print) by Stuart Woods

Juvenile Fiction

Starring Jules: In Drama Rama by Beth Ain

Starring Jules: Super Secret Spy Girl by Beth Ain

Under the Egg by Laura Marx Fitzgerald

Miss Porter is Out of Order! by Dan Gutman

Maximillian Fly by Angie Sage