Happy almost-spring. We’ve got a fun mix of items recommended for you this month by the friendly folks at the Crawfordsville District Public Library. Although it’s not quite raining cats and dogs, both animals appear on our list this month. So if I mention a cat that writes mystery novels, fans of Rita Mae Brown will immediately know I’m talking about her prolific feline co-author Sneaky Pie. Mary recommends two titles from their popular Mrs. Murphy series: “Tall Tail” and “A Nose for Justice” (FIC Bro). If you prefer woofs to meows, Mary still has you covered with the first title in another popular series, the heartwarming “A Dog’s Purpose” by W. Bruce Cameron (FIC Cam). All three of these titles are also available in e-audiobook format on Hoopla and Libby. Of course kids love their furry friends too, so Dawn has some great recommendations for our younger readers: “The Cookie Store Cat” by Cynthia Rylant (j E Ryl) and “Can I Be Your Dog?” by local author Troy Cummings (j E Cum).
Need a boost to dispel the last of the winter blues, the COVID blahs and just start feeling better about yourself and your fellow humans again? Learn more about the lives and accomplishments of some amazing females throughout history in “The Lives of Gutsy Women” by Hilary Rodham Clinton and Chelsea Clinton (LP 920.72 CLI). Get inspired all over again like Lisa was by the poem Amanda Gorman read (and wrote for) President Biden’s inauguration in “The Hill We Climb” (811.6 Gor), also available as an e-book or e-audiobook on Libby. Find out why the Dark Ages were really quite illuminating in “The Bright Ages: A New History of Medieval Europe” by Matthew Gabriele (940.1 Gab). And learn how one man restarted his life and learned its true value at the age of 63 with Brenda’s pick “How Starbucks Saved My Life” by Michael Gates Gill (921 Gill, M.).
If it’s just not warm enough yet to go outside for you, burrow deeper under the covers, indulge in some self-care and binge away via your DVD player. For belly laughs as well as all the feels, Emma recommends Resident Alien (DVD FIC Res). Need some more snark in your life (who doesn’t)? Try Shelbi’s pick Vicious, starring the legendary Sir Ian McKellan (DVD FIC Vic). And for all you gamers out there, how about a video stream/book crossover? Rachel recommends Vox Machina: Kith & Kin (FIC Nij), where you can learn the origin story of Critical Role characters Vex and Vax. But if you think old school is still the best school, try Crystal’s pick Super Mario Brothers Encyclopedia (794.8 Sup), which is also available on Hoopla.
No matter how far you’ve emerged (or not) from your winter slumber, we’ve got a wide variety of materials to match your mood and maybe even inspire you to clear aside the mental cobwebs and start participating in a new season of life. Venture out to the library and start exploring today. The world is waiting for you.
Amanda Grossman is the assistant manager of reference and local history at Crawfordsville District Public Library.
