Library News: August 29th, 2024

This week, the library is highlighting two works of adult fiction. The first is the book that has been chosen for our next Community Read on September 19, 2024 at 6 PM. The library has one copy of this book—we have ordered additional copies to be available to anyone interested in joining us for the next Community Read.

The Book of Lost Friends by Lisa Wingate. The author bases this story on actual "Lost Friend” advertisements that appeared in Southern newspapers after the Civil War, as freed slaves desperately searched for loved ones who had been sold off. The book has two time lines—one set in Louisiana, 1875 and the other in Louisiana, 1987.  In the first, three young women set off as unwilling companions in the tumultuous aftermath of Reconstruction. Lavinia is the pampered heir to a now-destitute plantation. Juneau Jane is Lavinia's illegitimate free-born Creole half-sister, and, Hannie is Lavinia's former slave. Each woman carries private wounds and powerful secrets as they head for Texas.  Lavinia and Juneau Jane make the journey out of financial desperation as they search for inheritance. Hannie, who had been torn from her mother and eight siblings before slavery's end, is searching for her family or what remains of it. All three have hope, improbable as this may be. Now, fast forward to Louisiana, 1987.  First-year teacher Benedetta Silva takes a job at a poor rural school in a tiny, backward Mississippi River town called Augustine, Louisiana. It seems like a good way to cancel her hefty student debt. However, she finds that the townspeople are suspicious of new ideas and new people. Benny is also struck by the poverty stricken lives of her students. But, Benny comes across the century old history of three young women, a long-ago journey, and a hidden book that could change everything.

The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout (available in audiobook). Brothers Jim and Bob Burgess escaped to New York City from their Maine hometown of Shirley Falls years ago as soon as they could. They are both haunted by the freak accident that killed their father when they were children. Jim has become a sleek, successful corporate lawyer and often belittles his bighearted brother. Bob, on the other hand, has become a Legal Aid attorney and idolizes Jim, taking his brother's guff in stride. Their longstanding dynamic is upended when their sister, Susan, who had stayed behind, urgently calls her brothers home. Her lonely teenage son, Zach, has gotten himself into a world of trouble and Susan needs their help. So, the brothers return home where long-buried tensions that have shaped and shadowed their relationship begin to surface in surprising ways that will change them both forever.

Upcoming Events at the Marcellus Township Wood Memorial Library:

Tuesdays:

Southwest Michigan Reads: Tobin Buhk, September 24th at 6:30 PM at Arclight Brewing Company in Watervliet. Join readers from all over southwest Michigan to hear Tobin Buhk, author of Killer Women of Michigan cover the darker side of regional history. The true crime author will be signing books following the presentation. Food truck, Hendo’s BBQ will be on site beginning at 6 PM. 

Wednesdays:

Support Group for Parents of Challenging Kids, the 2nd Wednesday of every month— September 11th at 9 A.M Parenting isn’t easy. If you are feeling overwhelmed, join others to gain valuable support coping strategies and information about community resources.

Last Wednesday Family Game & Movie Night with Popcorn. August 28th starting at 6 PM. We’ll have fresh popcorn and a movie during game night! All ages are welcome.

Preschool Story Hour, Wednesdays at 11 AM starting September 11th. Join us for music, movement, stories & crafts intended for ages 0-5 and their parents/caregivers.

Thursdays:

First Thursday Book Club, September 5, October 3, 2024, 12 NOON-1 PM. Join others to chat about what you have been reading or to get suggestions from others.

Comic Book Workshop, September 19th at 4 PM. Do Art Productions will cover the foundations of creating your own comics with this interactive and entertaining program aimed at ages 6-15. 

Community Read.  September 19 at 6 PM.  September’s Community Read will be focused on Lisa Wingate’s The Book of Lost Friends.  We’ll listen to the author being interviewed and then join in a discussion about her book.  If you would like us to obtain a copy of the book for you in time for this experience, just contact the library!

A Trail of Money and Death, September 26th at 5 PM. A virtual presentation on the Morris Murders by the author of A Trail of Money and Death, offering another perspective on the unsolved murders of Esther and Charles Morris in 1879. 

Fridays:

Great Marcellus Bake Off, Friday, September 6th from 5-7 PM. In partnership with the Marcellus Home Arts Club, we’ll be hosting the annual bake off to decide who is the best baker in town! Contact the library for information on how to enter the competition as a baker. To help judge the contest, stop in during First Friday to buy sample tickets to taste the treats before casting your vote!

Lego at the Library, Fridays 3:00-4:30 PM. Build & create with our Lego & Duplo collections!  All ages are welcome!

Saturdays:

Tech Time, Saturdays, September 7th, 14th, 21st, From 10AM-1PM. Are you struggling with your phone? Do you have trouble navigating the internet? Do you need help with mel.org, the Libby App or the Marcellus Library Catalog? Drop in the library to ask Justin your IT related questions and learn to navigate your device or our computers!