“Meet Your Librarian” is a new library display featuring library books and media picked by a library staff member. This display rotates weekly and is located by the main circulation desk. Our very first “Meet Your Librarian” display came from Amanda in General Reference, who wrote descriptions of some of her favorite library items to share. Enjoy these recommendations from Amanda and come check them out at the library!
Not a librarian but want to create your own library display? Click here to learn more about our other new library display, Meet Your Neighbor!
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
By J. K. Rowling
Teen Fiction
Every Harry Potter book changed my world, but this one in particular took hold of me in ways the others didn’t. I think it was because this book introduced the readers to more of Harry Potter’s need to feel closer to his parents. Little did I know that my own father would pass away, and like Harry I would be looking for ways to connect with my past. This book is so much more than a story about a boy with a scar who was a wizard. It’s about finding the power inside ourselves to overcome the past and do hard things.
Flipped
By Wendelin Van Draanen
Junior Fiction
I never laughed so hard reading a book. The story of Bryce Loski and Julianna Baker growing up in old suburban America touched my heart. The story is told through the eyes of both youngsters they experience real-world problems relating to family, school, prejudices, and first love. I liked this story because the characters felt real. I saw myself in quirky “Juli” Baker with her unusual hobbies and optimistic spirit.
Pride and Prejudice
By Jane Austen
Adult Fiction
I confess I fell in love with Mr. Darcy. His mystery, charm, and downright aggravating not-so-common sense is what draws Elizabeth Bennett to him (and away from him) as we experience a true regency novel at its best in this classic story by Jane Austen. What never ceases to delight me is how well Ms. Austen understood human nature and captured all those characteristics in her novels. We see a little bit of ourselves in Elizabeth’s stubbornness, in Darcy’s need for secrets, and also even in Mrs. Bennett’s antics, as we all strive to find our own happy endings.
The Fault in Our Stars
By John Green
Teen Fiction
I read this book right after a bad break up, and honestly: I wanted to throw it across the room. But I couldn’t do that because it was a library book. Remember to respect the library books (wink). If two kids with cancer could find true love, I thought to myself, why can’t I? Well, setting aside my feelings at the time, this book really is a perfect tear-jerker and will send the reader on an emotional journey about what it means to truly love.
The One Hundred and One Dalmatians
By Dodie Smith
Junior Fiction
I first read this book as a child, and it has always been a favorite of mine. I even own my own copy! Like so many stories that Disney adapted into movies and television shows, this book has so much detail that a movie simply cannot contain. I love that we get to see the world through the eyes of the dogs themselves as they try to keep their family together in spite of Cruella’s evil plan to turn the puppies into fur coats. And all of this is set in the glorious backdrop of England in the 1950s.
In Order to Live: a North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom
By Yeonmi Park
Adult Nonfiction
Growing up in America, we don’t really understand what it means to fear speaking up for our rights as human beings. But there are parts of the world where that fear is very real. Yeonmi Park grew up in a country across the world where fear was as commonplace as hunger, and the ability to think for oneself was not only discouraged, but drilled out of children from the time they were young. This book was a good reminder that not everyone has the same freedoms that we take for granted.
The Little Book of Hygge
By Meik Wiking
Adult Nonfiction
I first discovered the Danish word Hygge while doing some research on what it means to be a calmer, simpler, happier person. Life gets very busy and hectic and this book is a delightful little reminder that the Danish people have been voted among the happiest people in the world for a reason. This book is one of my favorites because each time I read it I am reminded that life doesn’t have to be so fast. Taking time to enjoy the little things in life is part of what brings joy, which is what this beautiful little book brings to my heart.
Once Upon a Broken Heart
By Stephanie Garber
Teen Fiction
This book is part one is a spinoff from Stephanie’s original Caraval series and follows the exploits of the deathly handsome and oh-so-cunning Fate known as Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. Jacks will use any means to get what he wants, even if it means breaking the heart of Evangeline Fox who makes a deal with him to try and win back the heart of the man she loves. But, like most deals that mortals make with Jacks, the bargain backfires and Evangeline finds herself in one mess after another as she tries to unravel herself from Jacks and his deadly web of passion and power.
The Princess Bride
By William Goldman
Adult Fiction
Most of us have seen and adore the movie. This is the book that came before director Rob Reiner brought Westley and Buttercup to the big screen. I recently re-read this book and was delighted by the added backstories and details that the movie fails to capture. I really enjoyed the wit and humor that come across in the pages of this book. It’s no surprise where the movie got its timeless dialogue from. What a little treasure this book is! Just remember that it is satirical and not to take any of the conclusions too seriously.
My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life
By Rachel Cohn
Teen Fiction
This book was a little treasure that I stumbled on in the teen section not long ago and I have been recommending it ever since. The story revolves around Elle Zoellner, a teenager living with her mom who wakes up one day to find out her long-lost father is a Japanese businessman and a millionaire. After her mom is sent to jail, our protagonist goes to Japan to meet her father and his side of the family. She gets swept up in Tokyo culture with its fast-paced lifestyle and high academic standards, not to mention a misunderstood and very attractive classmate named Ryuu. Fans of Japanese high school stories will love reading this book!
Written by Amanda, General Reference
