Bookmarked: Book Recommendations & News from Forsyth County Public Library

Friday, July 31, 2020

RBdigital eAudiobooks move to OverDrive August 12

Forsyth County Public Library will move its collection of eAudiobooks from RBdigital to the Libby app as part of the OverDrive collection on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. 


This change comes as a result of OverDrive acquiring RBmedia’s library business, RBdigital, in North America, UK, and Australia earlier this year. Titles in the RBdigital collection will be transferred to OverDrive and patrons will continue to be able to browse, borrow, and enjoy all the same great books from the RBdigital app, now available in Libby.

Transition from RBdigital

Patrons who currently have an eAudiobook checked out in the RBdigital app should be advised that those books will be available through the remainder of the lending period, so patrons can finish the book without disruption.

Holds will not be moved, but patrons may export their Transaction History from the Profiles section of the RBdigital app, then place new holds on those titles in Libby.

Only eAudiobooks are moving to the OverDrive collection at this time, so patrons can continue to access RBdigital eMagazines, ArtistWorks, The Great Courses, and Hoonuit on the RBdigital platform.

Getting Started with Libby

Forsyth County Public Library is proud to continue to offer patrons a wide selection of digital titles to access anytime, anywhere through Libby, the one-tap reading app.


For those who have not yet tried the Libby app, all you need to get started is your Forsyth County Public Library card and PIN number. The Libby app is easy to use and will guide you through the setup process and get you connected to our library in just a few minutes.
 
Patrons can find in-app support, or visit the Help site or Libby Academy within the app for assistance.

Access the eLibrary 24/7

In just a few taps, patrons can start reading or listening instantly on a phone or tablet. Libby is available 24/7 without leaving home and is free with your Forsyth County Public Library card.
 
Patrons who need help with eBooks, eAudiobooks, or the transition from RBdigital to OverDrive should visit the Ask Us desk inside any Forsyth County Public Library branch, call us at 770-781-9840, or Ask a Librarian.

Thursday, July 30, 2020

Kids' Book Spotlight - Colorful Picture Books and Early Readers

"Create your own rainbow every day."

Picture Books


Napí
by Antonio Ramirez

A Mazateca girl who lives beside a river in Oaxaca describes her home and village at different times of the day. When the night comes and she dreams, she is a heron flying over her village observing the people and a beloved tree.





The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
by Supriya Kelkar

Harpreet Singh has a different color for every occasion, from pink for dancing to bhangra beats to red for courage. He especially takes care with his patkas, his turbans, smoothing each one out gently before putting it on. But when Harpreet's mom finds a new job in a snowy town and the family has to move, he finds himself choosing white over and over--all he wants is to be invisible. Will he ever feel a happy sunny yellow again?




Colors versus Shapes
by Mike Boldt

Colors face off against Shapes in a talent show.









Little Green Peas
by Keith Baker

Little green peas make their way into collections of objects of many different colors, from blue boats, seas, and flags, to orange balloons, umbrellas, and fizzy drinks.







Early Readers


The Pinkerrific Playdate
by Victoria Kann

Pinkalicious is excited for her new friend Rose to come over and play, but after a day of making friendship bracelets, baking cookies, and playing in the tree house, the girls are not ready for their fun to end.







Bowlful of Rain
by Harriet Ziefert

At first Hank thinks that collecting rainwater does not sound like much fun, but Sophie shows him how interesting water can be when they color, freeze, and melt it, and also watch it evaporate.








Mouse Loves School
   by Lauren Thompson

   Hiding inside a backpack, Mouse spends the day at school, discovering colors, letters, numbers, and his favorite thing--friends.





I Like My Car
by Michael Robertson

Animals show how much they love their cars, of all different colors, while driving, caring for them, and even hugging them.








Stephani Lindsey
Youth Specialist
#WeKnowBooks








Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Library Launches New Website for Patrons

Visitors to the Forsyth County Public Library's website at www.forsythpl.org can enjoy a more mobile-friendly experience as a new website launches on Wednesday, July 29.

 
The new site is cloud-based, rather than being hosted on local server equipment. That means the website won't go down in the event of a power or internet service outage at library headquarters. Hosting the new website in the cloud will ensure continuity and ensure that our patrons can always access the library's online services.

Patrons will notice other convenient changes on the new site, as well.

"The new website is reactive, which means it will automatically change to fit the viewer's screen, whether they're using a phone, a tablet, or a full-sized laptop or desktop screen," says Information Technology & Facilities Manager Holly Barfield.

Reading recommendations will now appear on nearly every page, helping visitors discover new books, audiobooks, magazines, and online learning tools. Visitors will also find complete information about materials, programs, and services organized by age in the Kids, Teens, and Adult information portals.

Original content from the Forsyth Remembers oral history project will also be available on the new website. Visitors can stream 18 Forsyth Remembers audio recordings commemorating the first manned Lunar Landing in 1969. Another set of audio recordings dedicated to the construction of Lake Sidney Lanier and life on its shores is expected to be available on the website later this year.

Circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic required the library to make changes in operating hours, curbside pickup, and the availability of meeting rooms. As a result, room reservations will not be immediately available on the new website.

"When we are able to return to full operations, patrons will find all information about our branches, including the ability to request a meeting room, study room, or conference room reservation, in a single location on the new website," explains Barfield.

Patrons who have questions about using the new website are encouraged to visit the Ask Us desk at any FCPL location, call 770-781-9840, or use the online Ask a Librarian service.

Monday, July 27, 2020

FCPL Joins Libraries Worldwide to Investigate Conspiracies in Largest Digital Book Club

Forsyth County Public Library patrons can join millions of other readers around the globe by reading a historical fiction thriller eBook and eAudiobook during Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club.

 
From August 3 to August 17, readers can borrow and read Tim Mason’s “intellectually stimulating and viscerally exciting” The Darwin Affair from FCPL's OverDrive service (or OverDrive's Libby app for Apple and Android devices) with no holds and no waiting. Readers can then discuss the book online at https://discuss.biglibraryread.com

About The Darwin Affair by Tim Mason

Historical fiction novel The Darwin Affair takes place in London during June 1860. When an assassination attempt is made on Queen Victoria, and a petty thief is gruesomely murdered moments later, Detective Inspector Charles Field quickly surmises that these crimes are connected to an even more sinister plot. 

Soon, Field’s investigation exposes a shocking conspiracy in which the publication of Charles Darwin’s controversial On the Origin of Species sets off a string of murders, arson, kidnapping, and the pursuit of a madman named the Chorister. As he edges closer to the Chorister, Field uncovers dark secrets that were meant to remain forever hidden. 

Tim Mason has created a rousing page-turner that both Charles Dickens and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would relish and envy.

About Big Library Read

Big Library Read is available in over 22,000 libraries around the world, which has resulted in extensive online conversations during past programs. The program is facilitated by OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for popular eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. 

How to Participate

To read The Darwin Affair, use your Forsyth County Public Library card to check out the eBook or eAudiobook version from our OverDrive collection between August 3 and August 17.

The Darwin Affair was published by Algonquin Books and can be read on all major computers and devices through Libby or libbyapp.com, including iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets and Chromebook™ without waitlists or holds. Through Libby, readers can also “send to Kindle®” [US libraries only]. 

The title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, and there are no late fees.

If you'd like to participate in the global online discussion of the book, please visit https://discuss.biglibraryread.com

#WeKnowBooks

If you enjoyed The Darwin Affair and would like to read more thrilling historical fiction, we can help! You can look for novels with similar themes on NoveList Plus or request Personalized Reading Suggestions from our staff.

To learn more about the services and materials available to Forsyth County Public Library cardholders, please visit www.forsythpl.org.


Korean books now available in FCPL's World Languages collection

Forsyth County Public Library serves a vibrant and diverse community of patrons and now those patrons can check out books in languages other than English.


Six World Language Collections

Patrons can browse and check out books in Spanish at the Cumming, Hampton Park, and Post Road locations. Print books in Hindi, Korean, Mandarin, Tamil, and Telugu are available at the Sharon Forks location.

Patrons may also browse the World Languages collection in the library's online catalog and place a hold on materials for express pickup at any branch.

Free Language Learning Programs

Patrons who wish to learn a new language can use their Forsyth County Public Library card to access Mango Languages in the eLearning section of the library's website. 

Mango prepares adult learners for realistic conversations and communication in over 70 languages, such as Arabic, French, Japanese, and Tagalog. Access Mango online, then learn where ever you may roam with Mango Languages apps for Apple or Android devices.

For young language learners, FCPL also offers cardholders access to Muzzy, an online language learning service for children.

Muzzy helps children learn a new language through animated stories, online games, and printable flashcards and activities. Access Muzzy on the library's website, then use the Puffin app to access Muzzy from an Apple or Android mobile device.

We're Here to Help

If you need assistance locating materials in the World Languages collection, or if you need help accessing our online language learning programs, please visit the Ask Us desk of any FCPL branch or Ask a Librarian.

Friday, July 24, 2020

Kids' Book Spotlight - Teen Graphic Novels

We have some amazing art and stories in our Teen Graphic Novel Collection! Check out some of these great titles.

by Gene Luen Yang

When Dr. Lee moves his family to Metropolis, his son Tommy adjusts to the new neighborhood while daugher Roberta feels out of place, so when the evil Klan of the Fiery Cross begins a string of terrorist attacks on the city, Superman fights them, and Roberta and Superman soon learn to embrace their own unique features that set them apart.




by Kat Leyh

Snap's town had a witch. At least, that's how the rumor goes. But in reality, Jacks is just a Croc-wearing, internet-savvy old lady who sells roadkill skeletons online--after doing a little ritual to put their spirits to rest. It's creepy, sure, but Snap thinks it's kind of cool, too. They make a deal: Jacks will teach Snap how to take care of the baby opossums that Snap rescued, and Snap will help Jacks with her work. But as Snap starts to get to know Jacks, she realizes that Jacks may in fact have real magic--and a connection with Snap's family's past.

by Kevin Panetta

Baked with love! Now that high school is over, Ari is dying to move to the big city with his ultra-hip band. If he can just persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their struggling family bakery. Though he loved working there as a kid, Ari cannot fathom a life wasting away over rising dough and hot ovens. But while interviewing candidates for his replacement, Ari meets Hector, an easygoing guy who loves baking as much as Ari wants to escape it. As they become closer over batches of bread, love is ready to bloom...that is, if Ari doesn't ruin everything.


Pashmina
by Nidhi Chanani

Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? But Pri's mom avoids these questions and the topic of India is permanently closed. For Pri, her mother's homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she finds a mysterious pashmina shawl tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more vivid and colorful than any guidebook or Bollywood film.


Queen of the Sea
by Dylan Meconis

When her sister seizes the throne, Queen Eleanor of Albion is banished to a tiny island off the coast of her kingdom, where the nuns of the convent spend their days peacefully praying, sewing, and gardening. But the island is also home to Margaret, a mysterious young orphan girl whose life is upturned when the cold, regal stranger arrives. As Margaret grows closer to Eleanor, she grapples with the revelation of the island's sinister true purpose as well as the truth of her own past. When Eleanor's life is threatened, Margaret is faced with a perilous choice between helping Eleanor and protecting herself.

Stephani Lindsey
Youth Specialist
#WeKnowBooks

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

Staff Picks: More Mystery Series Starters

The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry from The Cotton Malon Series

Cotton Malone has retired from the U.S. Justice Department to run his dream bookstore. But his knowledge and background put him in a unique position for callback on assignments. Steve Berry uses historical events to build his stories. The best part? At the end of each novel he explains which parts are fact and which are fiction. As is often the case, the truth sometimes seems stranger than fiction!

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Windspear, the Maisie Dobbs Series

Set in England just prior to World War I, our protagonist works as a housemaid on a large estate. She slips into the vast library at night to further her education. Her astute employers realize her potential and sponsor her education at Cambridge. When World War I starts she becomes a nurse on the front lines. Afterwards, with the assistance of a mentor to help her deal with war trauma, she decides to open her own detective agency to learn more about what makes people tick. She uses psychology and the understanding of her own wartime trauma to inform her investigations and help her clients.

The Echo Killing by Christi Daugherty, from The Harper McClain Series

Set in Savannah, GA, the protagonist Harper McClain is a journalist who witnesses a crime scene that reminds her of the murder of her mother, a traumatic event from her childhood. As a child she discovered her mother’s lifeless body in the house after school. McClain is convinced that the same murderer is still on the loose.  The police don’t share her opinion. She sets out to try to solve the crime herself. This, the first in the series, establishes the framework for future books set in this historic city.

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith, first in the The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series

Set in Botswana, this first-in-the-series introduces readers to Mme Ramotswe, a new detective who has learned her craft from a manual she has read from cover to cover. Though her agency is off to a slow start she does begin to have customers, many of whom are skeptical of the new agency. Her views on life, along with her love for her country, elucidate her cases and enlightens the reader.

Cover Her Face by P.D. James, from the Inspector Adam Dalgleish Series

Set in England, P.D. James' Inspector Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard is called in to solve a classic locked-door mystery. Reminiscent of Agatha Christie, the Inspector Dalgliesh mysteries are solid whodunits for connoisseurs of the genre.


The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz, from The Spellmans Series

Fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series will enjoy this clever debut featuring Izzy Spellman, an irrepressible 28-year-old sleuth who works for her parents' San Francisco PI firm. Members of the dysfunctional and relentlessly nosy Spellman clan include Izzy's 14-year-old sister, Rae, who engages in recreational surveillance (a fancy term for tailing people just for kicks), and her uncle Ray, a cancer survivor and recovering health-food addict who regularly disappears on liquor-drenched "Lost Weekends." Scenes showcasing the relationships among the various Spellmans are often laugh-out-loud funny.

Lola Nichols
Information Specialist
#WeKnowBooks

Tuesday, July 21, 2020

Kids' Book Spotlight - Juvenile Graphic Novels

Graphic Novels are a great way to engage reluctant readers! Check out some of these awesome titles.

Nat Enough
by Maria Scrivan

Natalie has never felt that she's enough -- athletic enough, stylish enough, or talented enough. And on the first day of middle school, Natalie discovers that things are worse than she thought -- now she's not even cool enough for her best friend, Lily! As Natalie tries to get her best friend back, she learns more about her true self and natural talents. If Natalie can focus on who she is rather than who she isn't, then she might realize she's more than enough, just the way she is.



My Video Game Ate My Homework
by Dustin Hansen

Dewey Jenkins wants to have the top science project in class to avoid summer school and win a state-of-the-art virtual reality video game, but after his friend Ferg accidentally breaks the console, they unwittingly trigger the device, finding themselves transported inside a video game.






Consent (For Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You
by Rachel Brian

This is a guide to consent and bodily autonomy, packed with bright and energetic illustrations. Readers will learn about boundaries and how to set them; ways to respect themselves and others; what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe; and much more. Along the way, they'll be encouraged to reflect on (and improve!) their own behavior and to practice consent in their daily lives. Whether you're looking for a consent primer to share with a friend or searching for a way to talk to your child about what it means to be in control of their own body and respect others', look no further!


The Tea Dragon Society
by Katie O'Neill

After discovering a lost Tea Dragon in the marketplace, apprentice blacksmith Greta learns about the dying art form of Tea Dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners.







The Singing Rock and Other Brand-New Fairy Tales
by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer

A genie just wants a chance to grant a wish to the frog who accidentally let him out of his lamp; meanwhile, the frog just wants to be left alone. A witch is tormented by the cheerful (and awful) singing of a persistent bard, but when she finally snaps and turns him into a rock, he just keeps on singing--somehow the power of terrible music overcomes all magic. A wizard wants a pet. An ogre just wants to make beautiful art. Four original, wry and utterly charming fairy tales comprise this new collection for young readers.

Stephani Lindsey
Youth Specialist
    #WeKnowBooks

Forsyth Libraries to Expand Service Hours Beginning Week of July 27

Beginning the week of July 27, all branches of Forsyth County Public Library will expand regular hours. Libraries will be open on Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Forsyth County Public Library branches had reopened to the public on June 15 following a two-month closure for the COVID-19 pandemic.


Wear a Mask & Practice Social Distancing

"We are pleased to be able to add more hours just in time for the start of a new school year as we expect students will want to access the library at a variety of times, particularly in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends," says Library Director Anna Lyle.

The additional hours are intended to give students and other patrons more opportunities to browse for study or pleasure reading materials and check them out for use at home.

All library patrons are encouraged to continue wearing masks in library buildings, practicing social distancing, and limiting visits to 30 minutes or less.

"Our staff will continue wearing masks and practicing social distancing. We'll also continue monitoring and limiting the number of patrons admitted to the library," adds Lyle.

Placement of seating, tables, and computer areas continue to promote social distancing between patrons and discourage gathering. Study rooms, conference rooms, and meeting rooms remain closed.

Curbside Pickup Service

"Our Contact-Free Curbside Pickup services will continue for patrons at risk for severe illness and for those with personal circumstances that make coming inside the library difficult. Available appointments for pickups will vary by branch," explains Lyle.

Some patrons using the Contact-Free Curbside Pickup service may qualify for Mailbox Books, a free service that delivers books and other materials via postal mail.

Patrons enrolled in Mailbox Books may select their own materials or have a librarian select materials based on their preferences. To learn more or to check eligibility requirements, please contact the FCPL Mailbox Books service at 678-513-9365.

Quarantine for Returned Books & Materials

Books and other materials returned to the library will continue to be quarantined for at least three days.

"Expert advice from the REALM (Reopening Archives, Libraries, and Museums) Project from OCLC, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and Battelle, tells us that time is the most effective disinfectant for books and other library materials," says Lyle.

Patrons should expect that items they return will stay on their account for several days while they are quarantined. Items held in quarantine are not considered overdue and fines will not accrue.

eLibrary Services Available at Home

eLibrary services are free to all patrons and can be accessed in the library or remotely by logging in with a Forsyth County Public Library card account.

All students and teachers enrolled in or employed by an educational institution in Forsyth County are eligible for a free library card. Eligibility requirements and an online application for a library card are posted on the library's website.

"FCPL offers thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, and other online services such as research databases and free, one-on-one homework help from Tutor.com," says Lyle.

Virtual Programs Continue

"We all miss having our patrons visit the library for in-person programming, but we will continue to offer virtual programs for the foreseeable future," says Lyle.

Patrons may continue to enjoy such online programs as Baby & Me, book talks for teens and adults, crafting events, book clubs, writing workshops, and author talks. Other popular programs may be presented in new formats. For example, Online Storytime will be presented live via GoToWebinar and as a pre-recorded program on YouTube beginning in August.

Libraries Help Patrons Stay Connected

Earlier this spring, libraries across Georgia adjusted their WiFi networks to allow patrons to connect to the internet from the parking lots. Those networks were widely used by students to access their virtual learning programs, as well as by adults connecting to career and work-related services.

"Many students and adults in our community depend on the library for internet access.  WiFi will continue to be available to patrons in their vehicles in our parking lots from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily, including weekends," explains Lyle.

Library staff also remain committed to serving patrons and helping them access all available library services.

Patrons inside the library are encouraged to visit the Ask Us desk for help finding materials or using library resources. Patrons at home may call 770-781-9840, use the Ask a Librarian service, or send messages via Facebook and Instagram for assistance. Now that staff are available by phone or in-person 7 days/week, the Live Chat service launched during the Library’s closure in March and April will be discontinued on July 24.

For more information regarding online materials, services, or programs, and to check current operating hours, please visit www.forsythpl.org.

Monday, July 20, 2020

Library Limelight: Amy Billings, Youth Specialist, Sharon Forks Library

Library Limelight is intended to be a quick read to help FCPL patrons get to know our librarians, staff, and volunteers. We hope you enjoy learning about the people who make our libraries great!

Amy Billings
Youth Specialist
Sharon Forks Library



Where is your hometown?
Long Valley, NJ
How long have you been at FCPL?
3 years
What other jobs have you had at FCPL?
I have been in this position and at this branch since I started here.
Why did you choose to work in a library?
I have been a librarian my entire adult career. When I decided to go to library school, everyone I knew nodded their head and agreed it was a perfect fit. I’ve always been a reader and I like games and solving puzzles and a reference question is basically a puzzle to solve. 
Describe your job in five words or less.
Engage, Assist, Encourage, Recommend, Instruct (and currently, Disinfect)
What is unique about your job?
I love the chance to foster a love of books and reading in the very young, and the chance to influence how parents support their children’s educational and recreational reading.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I’d have to say there are two equal favorites: When a patron (adult or kid) comes back and tells me that they liked I book I suggested, it’s always a great moment. But I also really love those great big, happy, baby smiles that I get to see during baby storytime.
What’s the most interesting place you’ve lived or traveled?
Last year, my son, my husband, and I hiked to the top of Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park in Utah. It was extremely steep and narrow and was dangerous and very scary – the photos did not do it justice. I almost turned back halfway up but I pushed through. It was a very cool experience and way out of my usual comfort zone.
What are your hobbies?
Reading, jogging, trying new recipes, and playing tennis
What are you reading right now?
I just finished reading Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and I’m listening to The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow. 
Paper books, eBooks, or audiobooks?
All three!
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I wish journalists who want to write articles about how “the library is a relic of the past” would visit our library on a Sunday afternoon or during an Summer Reading event! There would be no more doubt that libraries are alive and flourishing and providing a great community service.

Sunday, July 19, 2020

Staff Picks Devolution (Adult Fiction) by Max Brooks

Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Ranier Sasquatch Massacre by Max Brooks

Devolution combines scientific research, reports, and evidence collected after the fictional Rainer Sasquatch Massacre, with journal entries kept by a resident of a tiny eco-community in Washington State.

Kate Holland's journal describes how she and her husband arrive in tiny Greenloop, Washington shortly before Mount Rainier erupts and sends the Pacific Northwest into chaos. While populated areas like Seattle face food shortages and rioting, the isolated community of Greenloop — with only ten adults and one child — is entirely cut off from the outside world.

Without Siri to answer all their questions and no weekly drone deliveries, the residents start preparing for a long, cold winter. Personality conflicts arise as soon as talks of food rationing begin but food isn’t the only necessity Greenloop lacks. The high-tech community has no tools or weapons, an oversight that leaves them vulnerable to unexpected predators from the woods who are experts at camouflage.

Devolution is a great escapist thriller that will have you believing in Bigfoot!

Alicia Cavitt
Information Specialist
#WeKnowBooks

Saturday, July 18, 2020

Kids' Book Spotlight - Easy Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are a fun, captivating way to encourage kids to read. Check out some of these great choices from our Easy Graphic Novel Collection.

by Beth Ferry

Easygoing Fox and anxious Rabbit seem like total opposites. But, somehow, they make the perfect pair! Whether searching for hidden treasure or planting a garden in their own backyard, Fox and Rabbit find everyday magic at every turn. On this first adventure, the pair will discover some new favorite things like sunsets, dandelions, and cotton candy. And they'll face new fears like heights, swimming, and (poisonous!) frogs. Thankfully, there's nothing Fox and Rabbit can't do together!

by Ross Burach

Whether it is best friends picture day or the waggle dance, Bumble and Bee buzz around the pond, trying to engage Froggy in their playful activities--even coming up with a terrifying way to cure Froggy's hiccups.






¡Vamos! Let's Go to the Market
by Raul the Third 

Little Lobo, a Mexican American, and Bernabe, his dog, deliver supplies to vendors at the Mercado, a busy border town market.








by Isabelle Arsenault

Albert wants a quiet place to read, but his friends just want to play and now everyone has to figure out how to have fun together.








by Frederic Brremaud

Chipper & Squizzo encounter strange and fascinating sea creatures when they set off on a deep-sea adventure.








Stephani Lindsey
Youth Specialist
#WeKnowBooks

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Staff Picks Dawn by Octavia Butler (Adult Fiction)

Dawn by Octavia E. Butler

Octavia Butler has been called the godmother of Afrofuturism and was the first science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Foundation 'genius' grant. Late in the last century, Butler's science fiction helped answer the question, "Are there black people in the future?" Published in 1987 and the first in the Lilith's Brood trilogy, Dawn is set in post-apocalyptic times. In fact, Earth has been uninhabitable for centuries and aliens have interceded to save humanity. Or have they? Dawn is a fascinating novel on its own, but you would be smart to check out Lilith's Brood to get the entire series in one book. You won't regret it.

Kim Ottesen
Information Services Supervisor
#We Know Books