Books are a uniquely portable magic.
Stephen King
Summertime is upon us and it is the perfect season to read. Long sunny days and warm starry nights provide hours upon hours to read to your heart’s content. Or maybe you want to use this magical season to get a head start on next year’s school reading list or explore a classic or explore a new author. Finding your next favorite read can be a challenge but at the Orem Public Library, we have databases for book lovers that can help you explore endless literary worlds. The only requirement is your library card!
Novelist
Find your next great read with Novelist, one of the best databases for book lovers. Readers can browse recommended reading lists, search for similar authors and titles or find a book based on their personal interests by using the appeals mixer. Learn about different genres, read professional reviews and explore award lists. Novelist is curated with current content by librarians and Novelist Plus K-8 is perfect for younger readers. Beginning in June, Novelist BookChat librarians will be available to make personal recommendations and answer questions Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Literary Reference Center and Poetry & Short Story Reference Center
The Literary Reference Center and the Poetry & Short Story Reference Center are both databases that can help readers explore a topic, author, book or poem. Browse lists of most studied works, most studied authors or explore featured titles. Both databases provide access to full text ebooks and many articles to increase your understanding and enjoyment of classic works.
Novels for Students and Shakespeare for Students
Novels for Students and Shakespeare for Students are part of the Gale Virtual Reference Library. Novels for Students contains accessible and content-rich discussions of the literary and historical background of novels from various cultures and time periods. Readers will discover everything they need to expand their understanding of the work. Citations include character lists, plot summaries and historical context. Later editions even include “Literature to Film” entries. Planning a book club meeting? Novels for Students is a fabulous resource for preparing for discussions!
Have you ever found William Shakespeare’s writings overwhelming? Shakespeare for Students can help reduce anxiety and increase the fun. Each detailed, illustrated entry provides an introduction that provides an overview of the play or poem, a plot summary, an annotated character list, a discussion of the play’s principal themes plus much more. Heading to the Utah Shakespeare Festival this summer? Shakespeare for Students can help you get ready to get the most from your experience.
Check out Orem Public Library’s reading and literature databases to make the most of your summer reading!
Written by Julie H. (Cataloging & Digital Services)
