What do Steve Lacy, Billie Eilish, and Clairo have in common?
They’re three huge names in music and songwriting, with several international tours and viral hits between them. But before the big stages, they were recording and producing music in their bedrooms – and you can, too. Continue reading “Becoming Your Own Producer”
We asked our staff about the YA books they read in 2022 (not necessarily published in ’22) and here are their selections. Whatever you like to read you’re sure to find something great on this list! While most of the responses we got were unique, below are three books that were recommended by multiple people. You can find the complete list here — Staff YA Reads of 2022. Continue reading “Best Books We Read in 2022”
![](https://www.dbrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/selectors-selections-banner2.jpg)
Hello Winter Break! If you’d like a little escapism in your reading before diving back into the next semester, check out these new books I ordered. We’ve got a heist, a magical mystery and a summer romance.
“A Million to One” by Adiba Jaigirdar
Are you ready for an all girl heist set aboard the Titanic? Dublin thief Josefa has just gotten her hands on a coveted ticket for the Titanic’s maiden voyage—but she has even bigger plans. Though the ship will be full of outrageously wealthy passengers, Josefa only has eyes for a jewel-encrusted copy of the Rubaiyat that is also traveling to America. The book is worth millions, so Josefa assembles a team to help her steal it. Told in alternating perspectives by the four young women, the action moves at a brisk pace as hidden motives and burgeoning romances are revealed. The heist story is so involving that readers might almost forget the stakes are a lot higher than our characters realize. Fun fact, the jewel-covered Rubaiyat actually was on board the Titanic! Spoilers in the link, so read at your own risk. Continue reading “The Selector’s Selections: December 2022”
As you might know, “Wednesday” is one of the most popular shows Netflix has ever had, but it didn’t come from nowhere. In fact, the show has its origins in the “Addams Family” comic strip that first appeared in “The New Yorker” all the way back in 1938! Since then it has had numerous book, tv, movie and video game adaptations and had a considerable influence on pop culture. Not bad for a one-panel comic without any words. Let’s have a look at some inspired by and related works available at your local library. Continue reading “If You Enjoyed Netflix’s Wednesday”
In August, we asked our patrons to share what they love about their library! We received some wonderful comments, and each month we will feature quotes from our patrons and library staff, highlighting the things that make their buildings so special. This month, Lisa G. is our guest staff member from the Holts Summit Public Library.
![The chairs are so cool! There are lots of places to sit down and read while waiting for siblings to get books. And they are so comfy! (the chairs, not the siblings) Holts Summit Library Patron quote](https://www.dbrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/HSPL-Patron-Quote.png)
Continue reading “Library Spotlight: Holts Summit Public Library”
![](https://www.dbrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Jolabokaflod.png)
Jólabókaflóðið is coming!
If you don’t happen to be one of the 314,000 people in the entire world who speak Icelandic, we’re talking about the Yule Book Flood.
Maybe you’ve seen the meme on social media about the tradition of Jolabokaflod, pronounced YO-la-bok-a-flud. People exchange books on Christmas Eve and spend the night reading and drinking hot chocolate. Sounds magical, right?
The practice dates back to World War II, when there were restrictions on what could be imported for gifts. The restrictions on paper were not as strict, so books became the Christmas present of choice. And Icelanders have honored the tradition ever since. Continue reading “Brace for the Book Flood!”
Since our teens love fantasy books we had to make another list of recommendations, here is our Fantasy 2.0 list! And let’s be honest this won’t be our last. Check out these and more at your local library!
Continue reading “Reader Reviews: Fantasy Edition 2.0”
![](https://www.dbrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/selectors-selections-banner2.jpg)
Sometimes I end up with themes for these posts, and this time the accidental theme is debut authors. Two out of three of these books are debuts, so let’s give some love to new authors! Yes, we could all just keep re-reading Holly Black or Karen McManus, but I’m always excited to find new favorites. (A bonus theme is protagonists with names that start with the letters “Av”!) Continue reading “The Selector’s Selections: November 2022”
![Teen Reads for Native American Heritage Month](https://www.dbrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Native-American-Heritage.png)
November is Native American Heritage Month! It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Island communities and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people.
So if you want to learn (or re-learn) some North American history or take a dive into Indigenous futurism, there are some great titles below! Continue reading “Native American Teen Reads”
In August we asked our patrons to share what they love about their library! We received some wonderful comments and each month we will feature quotes from our patrons and library staff, highlighting the things that make their buildings so special. This month Beth B. is our guest staff member from the Callaway County Public Library in Fulton.
![The staff is the best! Very kind and helpful. Callaway County Public Library Patron](https://www.dbrl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/FULTON-2.png)
Continue reading “Library Spotlight: Callaway County Public Library in Fulton”