Announcing a new display!
Up on the second floor of the Columbia Public Library (accessible by stairs or elevator) on the shelves along the south orange wall, we are excited to share Things We Love. With this display we, as library staff from all departments, present a gift to you patrons: A sample of some of our favorite books, CDs, and DVDs from our collection.
This display is revolving and evolving, depending on what we have read, listened to or watched. That means that what you notice there on one day might be totally different from what you discover on another day. Each item includes a bookmark with a blurb about why we’re making the recommendation.
Here you’ll find classics and newer picks, from all types of genres. We invite you to stop by to peruse regularly so that you might walk away with something from our collection that intrigues you, challenges you, comforts you or relaxes you.
“The God of the Woods,” by Liz Moore will be the subject of the First Thursday Book Discussion on November 6 at noon in the Columbia Public Library.
“The God of the Woods,” could easily be shelved in the mystery section or the literary fiction section. Moore has the remarkable ability to write a compelling mystery that is also a in-depth study of characters and the buried corners of society.
It opens with the disappearance of a teenage girl from a summer camp. We quickly learn that years earlier another child, the older brother from the same family, disappeared from the same property. Through flashbacks and multiple perspectives the story is carefully constructed, building slowly to a crescendo.
The subject matter covers familial abuse and dysfunctional families among other difficult topics. Questions about class and privilege underlay the story, leaving plenty of fodder for discussion.
Bring your questions, criticism and thoughts to share with other community members on November 6 in the Children’s Programming Room.
Below I’m highlighting some nonfiction books coming out in October. All of the mentioned titles are available to put on hold in our catalog and will also be made available via the library’s Overdrive website on the day of publication in eBook and downloadable audiobook format (as available). For a more extensive list of new nonfiction books coming out this month, check our online catalog.
Top Picks
“The Genius Bat: The Secret Life of the Only Flying Mammal” by Yossi Yovel (Oct 7)
With nearly 1500 species, bats account for more than twenty percent of mammalian species. The most successful and most diverse group of mammals, bats come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, from the tiny bumblebee bat to the giant golden-crowned flying fox. Some bats eat fruit and nectar; others eat frogs, scorpions, or fish. Vampire bats feed on blood. Bats are the only mammals that can fly; their fingers have elongated through evolution to become wings with a unique, super-flexible skin membrane stretched between them. Their robust immune system is one of the reasons for their extreme longevity. A tiny bat can live for forty years. Yossi Yovel, an ecologist and a neurobiologist, is passionate about deciphering the secrets of bats, including using AI to decipher their communication. In The Genius Bat, he brings to vivid life these amazing creatures as well as the obsessive and sometimes eccentric people who study them — bat scientists. From muddy rainforests to star-covered night deserts, from guest houses in Thailand to museum drawers full of fossils in New York, this is an eye-opening and entertaining account of a mighty mammal. Continue reading “Nonfiction Roundup: October 2025”
The book “Piranesi” is a mix of the genres of realistic fantasy and dark academia. A man lives (or is trapped) within a house with oceans in the cellars and clouds in the upper floors. Has the house affected his mind?
This is one of those books that starts out slow and opaque and becomes clearer and more complex as you progress through the novel. I love the character of Piranesi and it is a delight to spend time with him, a beloved child of the house.
Three words that describe this book: alternate worlds, mystery, dark academia
You might want to pick this book up if: You like realistic fiction such as the “Ten Thousand Doors of January” by Alix Harrow or “Ninth House” by Leigh Bardugo.
-Aimee
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
The novella “A Psalm for the Wild-Built” is set at a point in the future after machines have become sentient. It follows a tea monk (think: roving tea barista x therapist) who is struggling with their life’s purpose when they meet a robot on a mission to learn what humans want.
At about the 3/4 mark, I was, ironically, not impressed with the novella, due to the lack of actual plot, or, dare I say, purpose. In the last quarter while the robot taught the tea monk (and the reader!) a lesson about their purpose, this rapidly shifted into one of my favorites. It’s a gentle sci-fi based reminder that as you are, you are a marvel, and that is more than enough.
Three words that describe this book: hopepunk, acceptance, queernorm
You might want to pick this book up if: you’re struggling with the hustle culture or just trying to find your place.
-Anonymous
On Saturday, Sept. 20, Prairie Garden Trust hosted a guided walking tour in partnership with DBRL as part of One Read programming. I wrote about my memory of this enchanting visit, in conversation with the voices of Daniel Mason’s “North Woods.”
It’s a beautiful morning for a walk in the prairie: soft sun, blooming asters, a feeling of quiet wakefulness that widens the gaze. The guide tells us a story about a cluster of ticks falling into his boot. We laugh, and some of us tuck our pants into our socks. I heed his warning, spray my sneakers until they glisten with repellent, but it’s hard to imagine anything truly bad happening out here. Continue reading “A Walk With “North Woods” Through Prairie Garden Trust”
It’s pumpkin spice latte season! I don’t usually buy fancy coffee beverages as I’d rather get the caffeine into my system without the extra sugar and fat, but I do enjoy at least one in September. I am one of those for whom the spicy aroma reminds me of fall, of wearing comfortable sweaters while enjoying brisk experiences in a landscape of oranges and yellows.
Did the “season” start with a pumpkin?
No, not at all. As mentioned below, the current craze started with Starbucks. The spice blend that makes up pumpkin pie spice is old, old and has been used for pies, cakes, cookies, yoghurt, ice cream, jerk chicken, pork rubs, chili, curries and much more. It is cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves perfectly blended to whatever mix you desire. Some people leave out the cloves, others don’t bother with allspice. They may also use mace or star anise. Continue reading “Pumpkin Spice Latte”
With the 2025 release of a new “Superman” movie, a recent book display at the Columbia Public Library asks the question “What makes a man super?” If we are using the character Superman as the standard, dc.com describes him as “the gold standard of heroism, compassion and responsibility. Though his powers make him god-like next to his human compatriots, Superman’s story is not one of greed or conquest. Instead, he strives to represent the inherent goodness of the human spirit, and the capacity of every living thing to do right by their neighbors.” That sounds pretty super to me!
Everyone has their own ideas of what makes a man super, of course, so it is an intriguing topic for discussion. Let’s investigate some relevant books.
At a basic level, the things that make a man super are the things that make any creature super. “How to Be a Good Creature,” by Sy Montgomery, explores the ways animals and humans are alike and different. As a science writer, she shares her insights into what 13 very different creatures can teach us about living life with grace, care and humor. Continue reading “What Makes a Man Super?”
“The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers” explores the shared lives of an eccentric group of individuals who make a living from creating and selling all different types of intellectual puzzles. This book feels like a very fresh, fun work of fiction that has several heartwarming story lines taking place.
I love this book because I love all types of puzzles, jigsaws, crosswords, wooden, etc. There are many levels in which the reader can engage in the story, including even crafting an anagram of their own name.
Three words that describe this book: Unique, charming and clever.
You might want to pick this book up if: You are a fan of puzzles and enjoy a light, heartwarming read.
-Kimberly
This reader review was submitted as part of Adult Summer Reading. We will continue to share them throughout the year.
Variety is the spice of life. Several people mentioned this when I told them my Literary Links topic. And this adage does hold true, of course. Can you imagine only listening to the same 10 songs for the rest of your life? A symphony with only trombones would not have the same depth of sound that a full orchestra could provide. Eating exclusively one food at every meal would not only be dull but would result in nutritional deficiency. There are endless examples of how a lack of variety would leave someone wanting. Variety is often required for balance, interest and health. This is true in many facets of life.
Let’s explore a few books on the topic!
“Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth,” by Nicola Davies, is a children’s book that explains how millions of living creatures inhabit Earth and why their differences matter. Emily Sutton’s illustrations show how some creatures look the same, though they are actually quite different. The book touches on interdependence of species in an ecosystem and how humans have only discovered a fraction of the species that we know must exist. A beautiful spread of illustrations shows creatures from small to large that have all been discovered in the last fifty years. This is a great book to open children’s eyes to the wonderful biodiversity on our planet and why it is worth protecting. Continue reading “Literary Links: The Case for Variety”
Announcing a new display!
