From Our Blogs

Book and activity ideas for all ages.

  • Reader Review: How To Be a Stoic

    The writings of ancient Greeks and Romans may seem like old, dusty stuff, but in “How To Be a Stoic” the author brings to light a worldview called Stoicism. The thoughts of Epictetus and his peers and colleagues, when translated into modern English, do have power and relevance for our own times. I was surprised … Read more

  • The Selector’s Selections: March 2024

    For whatever reason, all my books this time feature romances. I say whatever reason, but obviously “romantasy” is huge right now, and publishers are paying attention to that. So if you enjoy romance, read on! And if you don’t, I promise I’ll try to include non-romances next month. “What Monstrous Gods” by Rosamund Hodge This … Read more

  • Reader Review: The Black Book

    In “The Black Book,” a young Chicago cop, Billy Harney, from a family of cops, gets involved in a bust involving a lot of powerful citizens at a brothel. However, the only missing item to pull the case all together is the madame’s black book. Everyone is out to find the black book including Billy’s … Read more

  • Hitchcock Film Fest on Kanopy

    Pop some popcorn and kick off your very own Hitchcock film fest with this documentary that centers on the famous week-long interview of Alfred Hitchcock by fellow filmmaker Francois Truffaut: “Hitchcock/Truffaut The Timeless Legacy of Alfred Hitchcock.” While revealing a lifelong friendship between the two directors, the film makes some interesting points about the work … Read more

  • Caring for Houseplants = Caring for You

    It’s officially spring as of yesterday! And if you’re like me springtime can be a mix of joy and misery. Joy! 😃 The sun is out longer, the weather is warming up and flowers blooming. Misery. 😭 The flowers are blooming. I’m an indoor cat through and through, so I’ll just sit in a sunbeam … Read more

  • March 2024 LibraryReads

    As Spring arrives, so do new, great books, and they include some romance, mysteries and historical fiction. Check out these LibraryReads favorites from library staff across the country:   “How to Solve Your Own Murder” by Kristen Perrin It’s 1965, and Frances is at a country fair with her friends when she ducks into a … Read more

  • 2023 Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award Winner!

    We are excited to announce that the winner of the 2023 Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award is “I’m Terrified of Bath Time” by Simon Rich and illustrated by Tom Toro. Nearly 13,000 Missouri children voted, and 2,318 kiddos voted for the winning title. Extra Shoutout We would like to give an honorable mention to … Read more

  • Reader Review: The Bonesetter’s Daughter

    Amy Tan explores the relationship between mothers and daughters in this compelling story. “The Bonesetter’s Daughter” follows Ruth Young as she struggles to care for her mother, LuLing, when she is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Ruth’s relationship with her partner, Art, also undergoes challenges and rethinking as Ruth cares for her mother. Ruth finds two … Read more

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