Looking for some book and movie recommendations from library staff and the Brimfield Library community? Check out our Staff Picks blog! We are posting new recommendations every week from library staff, trustees, friends, and book club members. Maybe you’ll discover a new favorite among our latest picks.
Watership Down by Richard Adams
I decided that this was the time to introduce my kids to Watership Down via audiobook. The kids started their journey with the rabbits on Monday. It’s a hit. We all listen to it during breakfast before the kids zip off to homework and chores. This trustee gives it two thumbs up!
– Alyshia Jensen, Trustee
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
In this book, the first of a trilogy, we follow Kelsea Raleigh, a young princess, as she comes out of hiding in order to claim her throne. This might sound like a typical fantasy story featuring a spunky young princess, but it’s deeper (and darker) than you might expect. While definitely a fantasy novel, there are sci-fi elements too as we realize that Kelsea’s ancestors sailed to this new land to escape modern technology. The capital of her kingdom is called “New London,” a very familiar sounding name, so as you read the book, you wonder what happened in the past, and if this is really a dystopian novel after all.
Kelsea’s quest to retake the throne is not an easy one. A lot of people would prefer her dead. There is a lot of political intrigue in this novel, and a lot of violence, so it’s not for the faint of heart. Some have even compared it to Game of Thrones. I’m not sure I would go quite that far, but it’s definitely a great read and I recommend it. The mysteries, secrecy, and the fleshed-out characters will keep you wanting to read more.
– Anne, BPL
Hellstrom’s Hive by Frank Herbert
A mad entomolgist’s efforts to create a utopian society filled with members bred to sacrifice themselves for the survival of the collective hive has become the world’s greatest threat. The outside world becomes more and more suspicious over Dr. Hellstrom’s unusual farm and scientific studies, labeled as Project 40.
When agents are sent undercover to discover what might be happening at Hellstrom’s Farm but then disappear, the agency becomes highly alarmed. More agents are sent in but no one is prepared for discovery of the absolute abomination that Dr. Hellstrom’s Project 40 has become.
– Joanie, BPL
This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel
In the book, the author explores parenting, gender issues, unconditional love, and family all in one well-written book that I couldn’t put down!
When three-year-old Claude asks to wear a dress and refers to being a girl when he grows up, parents Rosie and Penn realize they are in a situation for which they are painfully unprepared. Doing everything they possibly can to support their child, Rosie and Penn help Claude transition into Poppy. She’s thrilled to be Poppy and blossoms into a happy, joyful child. Yet problems soon arise when keeping a secret as big as ‘Poppy’ becomes a secret that ends up keeping the entire family.
Frankel weaves a layered, complex, and rich story exploring themes of self-identity, self-loathing, and self-esteem in the transgender community. Highly Recommended! ~Rebecca, BPL
The library will be closed until further notice
Blind Date With a Book!
In Memory of Cindy Martin
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our most beloved Cindy.
Anyone who has entered the library in the last 23 years has been met by the most welcoming, charismatic, kind, beautiful woman. She made every person feel special, appreciated and important. Thought of as a friend by most who entered, not just a librarian. She had an uncanny way of connecting with people, remembering their names after just one visit, asking them about things that they had talked about previously, offering the best hugs and encouraging words at just the right time – an empath through and through. She cared for her patrons, her friends and her family with all of her heart. Cindy was the most giving of people.
She loved working at the library – it was her second home and we her second family. Those of us remaining are confused, devastated and heart broken. We will never be the same without her. The library will never be the same without her. She was an amazing person, she was a member of our family, she was the light at the desk.
Unsure if we could handle it, we did open yesterday morning. Cindy would have wanted it that way. She would have wanted us all to be together, hugging and supporting each other. She would have loved to be a part of the stories, the reminiscing, the occasional giggle through tears when we would remember something funny. We found it hard to leave at 1:00, we didn’t lock the door, we just sat. Her presence was with us. In the end, opening was the right decision for us and the community. Many people stopped in to cry, share, offer hugs. The library was and will forever be a place of community. That was one of the things that Cindy loved most about it.
Please come in this week. Join us in celebrating her. We will have red puffy eyes, we will have tears running down our faces, we will need and offer as many hugs as necessary, but we will smile, we will laugh, we will rejoice in the life of our most precious friend. We want you to do those things as well. Cindy loved to laugh, loved to be silly, loved talking to people…she loved to love. And we love her.
~ Anne, Bonnie, Joanie and Rebecca
Present Wrapping Event!
Need a space to wrap your presents away from prying eyes? Drop in from 6-8:00 p.m. on Monday December 16th and use our supplies (or bring your own) to create beautiful packages ready for giving! We will provide festive music and refreshments, wrapping paper, ribbon, scissors, and tape. Just bring your gifts to wrap and your holiday cheer! This is an adult only event.
Harvest Fest 2019 – *EVENT IS FULL!*
Join us for Harvest Fest 2019 on Thursday, October 24th from 5:30pm – 7pm. This event is geared towards children in grades Pre-K – 6th. Costumes are optional. Space is limited so call 413-245-3518 or drop by the library to sign up. Please let us know the names and ages of the children and how many adults will be attending along with them. This is a free event sponsored by the Friends of the Brimfield Public Library, Ind. Hope you can make it!
**Reminder: Overflow Parking is at the Town Hall Annex. Please do not park in the driveway of the house next door.**