Readers’ Advisory
Community Read 2020
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian
The Glen Ellyn Public Library is excited to announce this year’s Community Read, Costalegre by Courtney Maum! What is the book? Costalegre takes place in 1930s Mexico, during World War II. A group of artists, all based on real-life Surrealists, have fled Europe and taken up residence in Costalegre on Mexico’s western coast. The story
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The Librarian Recommends: Winter Picks 2020
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian
Cozy up to these recommendations that will take your mind off the cold! A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende: Queen of historical fiction, Isabel Allende, begins her latest novel in 1930s Spain during the Spanish Civil War. Roser and Victor flee their homeland to start a new life in Chile, but their
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Repertoire of Reading
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian
No matter your musical tastes, these reads are sure to keep you hooked from page one. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid Daisy Jones is a talented but troubled singer-songwriter; Billy Dunne and his band, The Six, are rock stars on the brink of fame. When they team up, they become one
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Midwinter of Music
By: Beth Clower, Instruction Librarian and Business Liaison
I was at a pre-season football game at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. During a break in play, Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond came over the speakers. When the chorus hit, the entire stadium sang along and you could feel electricity run through the crowd as everyone bonded over that song. Music unites communities,
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Macmillan Limits Library Access to Ebooks
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian
Macmillan Publishers has decided to limit readers’ access to new ebook titles through public libraries. Now, libraries may only purchase ONE copy of each new ebook published by Macmillan for the first eight weeks after a book’s release. Macmillan is currently the only major publisher to do this. What does this mean to me? Members
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The Librarian Recommends: Fall Picks 2019
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian
The Water Dancer by Ta-Nahisi Coates: From the author of Between the World and Me, The Water Dancer is the story of a young slave boy with a mysterious power. When Hiram Walker’s mother is sold to another plantation, he begins his long journey to freedom via the Underground Railroad. For fans of: historical fiction,
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My Favorite Banned Books
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian
We’re celebrating Banned Books Week (September 22-28) here at the library! Check out our display on the 2nd floor to find books that have been banned or challenged in libraries and public schools. You may be wondering, what exactly is Banned Books Week? Sponsored by the American Library Association, Banned Books Week brings together the
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A Closer Look at the Opioid Epidemic
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian
This fall, GEPL is talking about some big issues in our community, including the opioid crisis. (Click here for more information about an opioid panel discussion happening at the library later this month). As it can be a difficult topic to unpack, consider these book recommendations to learn more. Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s
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5 Reasons to Join a Book Club
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian
1. Make new friends Book club is not only a literary discussion but also a social event. It’s a great place to find like-minded bookworms in your community. Some people even make lifelong friendships through book club! 2. Learn something new You never know what you might learn at book club. You could come away
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The Librarian Recommends: Summer Picks 2019
By: Brenna Murphy, Readers' Advisory Librarian
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes: Evvie hasn’t left her house much since her husband passed away. Then her best friend suggests that Dean Tenney, a former major league baseball player going through a crisis of his own, move into the apartment at the back of her house. Bonding over their difficult pasts, the
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