Readers’ Advisory
Your Next Read: Gift Edition
By: Tom Malinowski, Middle School LibrarianThe library’s Your Next Read service premiered two years ago, and it’s been a great way for us to provide book suggestions. The holiday season is upon us, and we want to remind everyone that we’re happy to help with gift suggestions. If you choose to buy a book instead of borrowing one, that’s ok! Giving
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Youth Book Club Services
By: Kate Easley, Youth LibrarianThere is nothing better than finishing a great book and then finding out that a friend loved it as well. You get to share all your favorite parts, and revisit all the best characters. It’s a bonding experience to discuss books – love them or hate them. It’s just as exciting for kids to share
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Read Diverse Books!
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian and Adult Dept. Assistant DirectorIt’s easy to get stuck in a reading rut, falling back on favorite authors and genres. But I believe we can and should challenge ourselves to read outside of our comfort zones. Reading diversely helps us learn about new cultures, consider new perspectives, and gain confidence through exposure to members of our global community who
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Book Club Recommendations
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory LibrarianLearn more about book clubs. See what local book groups are reading. Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe For Fans of true crime, Irish history, suspense. If you liked I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara or In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. What You Wish For by Katherine Center For fans of uplifting reads,
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Youth Award Nominees: Books for Summer
By: Kate Easley, Youth Librarian - Homeschool ServicesJust in time for summer reading, we have a fresh selection of books nominated for three annual awards on display in the Youth Department! There are lots of good choices for every grade, and you’ll have plenty to read all summer long. The Monarch Award: Illinois’ K-3 Readers’ Choice Award On the Monarch list, check out
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International Fiction
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers’ Advisory LibrarianEven if we can’t physically take a trip around the world, reading allows us to learn about a new culture, meet fascinating characters, and immerse ourselves in a new setting. Here are four fiction titles set in Mexico, India, Scotland, and Nigeria that offer a glimpse of life in a different country. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Socialite
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May 2021 Recommendations
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers’ Advisory Librarian Anxious People by Fredrik Backman For fans of contemporary issues, humor, multiple character perspectives. If you liked Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman or The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner For fans of historical fiction, feminist stories, mysteries. If you liked The Henna Artist
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Imagine Your Future: Nonfiction
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers’ Advisory LibrarianWe’re looking toward the future – and putting 2020 behind us! Luckily, there are plenty of books that express a positive view of what’s to come. Here are a few nonfiction picks from visionary authors. 21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari In this guide to the future, Harari examines 21 of the most pressing issues for the 21st century. From technology to politics
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Verse is Diverse
By: Tom Malinowski, Middle School LibrarianBooks in verse have rhythm, rhyme, beats. They hum and drum like other books, but strike a different chord among the heartstrings. Although quicker to read, they reach and curl into your brain distinctively. Some with no words inspire and invoke creativity from the reader. No matter your mood, books in verse challenge and change
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GEPL’s Most Popular Titles of 2020
By: GEPL Staff2020 was full of challenges, but despite the obstacles, Glen Ellyn kept on reading and watching! Here’s what our community checked out most last year. Top 10 Fiction Books Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens The Guardians by John Grisham The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes Blue Moon by Lee Child A Minute
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