Today, April 23, is World Book Day! This is an especially exciting day for Library staff, who make it their life's work to make sure that the public has access to as many books as possible. And what better way is there to celebrate World Book Day than to talk about our favorite books, and look for ways to expand our reading horizons?
When asked "what's your favorite book?", you're guaranteed to receive a delightful variety of answers from Library staff. Some will name just one book, while others name a handful of their favorites! Some staff members can't choose a favorite at all, but may instead recommend some good books that they're read lately. See what Cromaine staff had to say when asked about their favorite books below!
"What's your favorite book?"
"Do you know that this is the worst question you can ask a librarian?"
-Librarian Carolyn
"My favorite book is Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery because it's a timeless story that my mom shared with me and I shared with my daughter. Also, I am named after that Anne. One of my favorite picture books is The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Pinkwater. Great illustrations, and another timeless story about embracing your individuality and following your dreams, and having respectful discourse with your neighbors."
-Circulation's Annie
"Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte-- I love this one because it is such a soap opera, and because Jane shows more agency for the direction of her life than most 19th century fictional women-- she makes her own choices that eventually lead to her own happiness, even if things don't look like the typical "happy" ending.
The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery-- I was just talking to Librarian Loni this morning about why I love this one-- It's written by the author of Anne of Green Gables, but it's the author's push, again, against the typical characters of their time. Like Jane, Valancy seizes her own happiness, but pushes the boundaries of her society and family even further, including associating with an unwed mother in small-town 19-teens or 20s Canada.
Luck in the Shadows by Lynn Flewelling-- this is high fantasy turned political and spy thriller. It starts with a bang, and never slows. It's the book that got me back into reading after grad school (I didn't read much of anything at all from 2015-2021) -- an old favorite that has mostly stood the test of time.
Daughter of the Forest by Julliet Marillier-- This book uses the framework of the Seven Swans myth to tell a story based mostly in the real world of 10th century Ireland, but with the addition of magic and the Fair Folk that can and does interfere with reality. It is a sweet story of the love a girl can have for her homeland, her family, and her world, but also allows her to branch out into loving other places and people completely alien to the world she knows. Bound by silence for most of the book, Sorcha's story is beautifully told, though also painful in unexpected ways.
Pretty much anything by Mercedes Lackey-- she has well over 100 published novels including hard sci-fi, high fantasy, believable urban fantasy, and whole series based in fairy tales-- some in what could be the real world around the time of World War 1, others in a whole new one.
I could keep going, but I think I'll stop now...."
-Librarian Erin
"Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte: Compelling plot, beautiful writing, and a strong, bold narrator make this classic a book I can read over and over again.
The Portable Dorothy Parker: Dorothy Parker was an absolute national treasure, and I love her wit, insight, and writing style."
-Librarian Heather
"My favorite book series is the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan. Out of that series, I like the first book a lot, The Lightning Thief. Some of the reasons are:
I love the characters, and some of them don't show up as much in later books. I liked the story line-- one thing that stuck out to me was the depiction of Hades. In most works of fiction, Hades is depicted as wanting to take over Olympus, but that is not accurate according to the original myths. In The Lightning Thief, Hades wants his Helm of Darkness back. I liked that change."
-Circulation's Mary
There are so many ways to engage with reading at Cromaine Library. Consider joining a book club! We read a different book each month and discuss it at each of these laid-back and engaging book clubs:
For Adults:
- Fiction Book Club: This book club is discussing Absolution by Alice McDermott at their next meeting in May.
- Non-Fiction Book Club: This book club is discussing Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond at their next meeting in May.
- Mystery Book Club: This book club is discussing Face of Greed by James L'Etoile at their next meeting in May.
For Teens & Tweens:
- Teen Book Club: Teens are meeting in June to discuss Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld.
- Tween Book Club: Tweens are meeting in May to discuss Song for a Whale by Lynne Kelly.
For Younger Readers:
- Elementary Book Club: Readers in grades 1-4 are meeting in May to discuss Stick Dog by Tom Watson.
- Picture Book Adventures: Grades K-2 are invited to join us for a story, discussion, and activities! We are meeting in May to read and discuss The Curious Garden by Peter Brown.
Looking to expand your reading horizon in other ways? Consider visiting the Friends Book Nook on the first floor to peruse books for all ages. Garden books, crafting manuals, cookbooks, novels, and children's and teens books are available, and our wonderful Friends of Cromaine are constantly rotating new books onto the shelves! Plus, mark your calendar for the Friends Book and Bake Sale from May 2 - May 4, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, in the third floor Community Room. Learn more about the Friends of Cromaine, and their upcoming Book Sale, here.
To the many book lovers of Hartland, thank you for engaging with your Cromaine Library. We are always happy to see you perusing the shelves, enjoying a book in an armchair, discussing our latest read at book club, or shopping the Book Nook.
Happy reading!