Readers’ Advisory

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

The Librarian Recommends: Fall Picks 2020

Posted: September 4, 2020

By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian

Here are some recent and captivating reads you’ll definitely want to pick up before the end of the year! Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia This gothic suspense novel set in Mexico is one of the spookiest genre-bending reads of the year. When Noemi receives a troubling letter from her cousin Catalina, she travels to her

Safe at Home: Options for Seniors

Posted: July 26, 2020

By: GEPL Staff

Even while you are home, there’s no limit to exploration! Challenge your mind and feed your imagination with resources available at the Glen Ellyn Public Library and beyond. These materials, activities, and games should have your neurons firing in no time. Some of the resources below will ask you to enter your library card number