Winter has officially arrived, bringing with it some recent snowy days, and if you are anything like the staff at Crawfordsville District Public Library, this weather might make you wish you could hibernate and read all season long. While that’s not a reality for most of us, hopefully you can still get some book time in! Mary has some aptly selected titles to recommend this month, starting with “Winter Storms” by bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand (FIC Hil): “Christmas, a special wedding, and a historic once-in-a-century blizzard create upheavals for everyone.” She also enjoyed “Winter Sisters” by Robin Oliveira (FIC Oli): “After an epic winter storm, a former civil war surgeon begins searching for two little girls. When what happened is revealed, families are torn apart and lives are put at risk.”
Several of our staff are channeling the theme of our adult Winter Reading Challenge, “The Universe Belongs to the Curious,” with their recommendations this month. Tray loved reading “Cosmic Queries” by Neil deGrasse Tyson (523.1 Tys): “This was an engaging read, filled with fascinating insights into the universe, and the big questions we all share about existence. Tyson does a great job of making complex topics digestible, blending humor with profound ideas!” Christie recommends checking out “Cosmos” by Carl Sagan (520 Sag): “Based on the 13-part TV series, journey into our cosmos and discover what wonders abound!” Need more Carl Sagan? Join our Wyrd Words book club on Jan. 15 at 6 pm at the library to discuss “Contact.” Cindy recommends the science fiction title “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir (FIC Wei), calling it a page turner with a surprise ending. And Steph brings us a nature recommendation, “Wild + Free Nature” by Ainsley Arment (372.35 Arment), which is filled with outdoor adventures for kids to explore, discover, and awaken their curiosity. Want to explore more books with our curiosity theme? We have two entire display tables of selections on the second floor. Plus, if you haven’t signed up for our Winter Reading program yet, stop by the library to get started! Adults can also sign up online at cdpl.beanstack.com.
For more great fiction ideas, Christie says that “The Resurrectionist” by A. Rae Dunlap (FIC Dunlap) checks all the boxes for historical Scotland, body snatchers, serial murderers, and even, surprisingly, delightful romance! Lisa loved “Somewhere Beyond the Sea” by T.J. Klune (FIC Klune Cerulean v.2) and Dellie enjoyed “Inheritance” and “The Mirror” by Nora Roberts (FIC Roberts Lost v.1 and Lost v.2) of the Lost Bride Trilogy and can’t wait for volume three to come out.
Finally, Susanna shares her wonderful childhood memories of reading “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum (j FIC Bau): “When I was a kid, my family read this book aloud together. It’s an experience I treasure and warmly recommend.”
These titles are currently on display on the first floor of the library through the end of the month. Come in and check one out with your library card. Many are also available to check out digitally on our free Libby app. Our regular open hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. During this snowy season, any closures due to weather will be posted on our website, social media, and local channels.
Megan Taylor is assistant manager in the Adult Services Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
