Readers’ Advisory

Read Diverse Books!

Posted: August 25, 2021

By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian and Adult Dept. Assistant Director

It’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

Book Club Recommendations

Posted: July 20, 2021

By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian

Learn 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,

Youth Award Nominees: Books for Summer

Posted: June 21, 2021

By: Kate Easley, Youth Librarian - Homeschool Services

Just 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

International Fiction

Posted: June 14, 2021

By: Brenna Murphy, Readers’ Advisory Librarian

Even 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

May 2021 Recommendations

Posted: May 13, 2021

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

Imagine Your Future: Nonfiction

Posted: April 13, 2021

By: Brenna Murphy, Readers’ Advisory Librarian

We’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

Verse is Diverse

Posted: February 25, 2021

By: Tom Malinowski, Middle School Librarian

Books 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

GEPL’s Most Popular Titles of 2020

Posted: February 15, 2021

By: GEPL Staff

2020 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

Nonfiction Titles for Self-Care and Creativity

Posted: January 7, 2021

By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian

This winter, we’re all about what the Danish call hygge—coziness and comfort. Winter is the perfect time of year to practice self-care and maybe learn something new! Here are some suggestions for nonfiction titles with a focus on mindfulness and creativity. Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport If

The Librarian Recommends: Winter Picks 2020-21

Posted: November 27, 2020

By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian

These winter reads will take you back in time, immerse you in mystery, and pull you into adventure! Place a hold today. Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam Amanda and Clay are looking forward to a calm vacation in an isolated area outside of New York City. Then the owners of their rental home