Library News: July 11th, 2024
This week, the library is spotlighting two new adult fiction books.
The Collected Regrets of Clover by Milki Brammer. Clover Brooks has felt a stronger connection with the dying than she has with the living ever since she watched her Kindergarten teacher drop dead during a dramatic telling of Peter Rabbit. Twenty years later, when her beloved grandfather who raised her dies alone while Clover is traveling. she decides to become a death doula in New York City, dedicating her life ushering people peacefully through their end-of-life process. The problem is that Clover spends so much time with the dying that she has no life of her own, but this all changes when the final wishes of a feisty old woman send Clover on a road trip across the country. On this trip, she is forced to examine what she really wants and whether she will have the courage to go after it. In this probing, clever, timely and hopeful book, Mikki Brammer turns the normally taboo subject of death into a reason to celebrate life. The book also sheds light on the little-known role of a "death doula" in our youth-obsessed society, as well as the experiences of isolation and loneliness that so many of us have grappled with in new ways since COVID became a reality several years ago.
Middle of the Night: A Novel by Riley Sager. The worst thing that ever happened on Hemlock Circle, a quiet, quaint New Jersey sul de sac, occurred in Ethan Marsh's backyard. One night in July, ten-year-old Ethan and his best friend and neighbor, Billy, fell asleep in a tent set up on a Hemlock Circle lawn. The next morning, Ethan woke up alone because during the night, someone sliced the tent open with a knife and took Billy who was never seen again. Some thirty years later, Ethan, plagued by bad dreams and insomnia, has reluctantly returned to his childhood home and begins to notice strange things happening in the middle of the night. Someone is roaming the cul de sac at odd hours, and signs of Billy's presence keep appearing in Ethan's backyard. Is someone playing a cruel prank? Or has Billy, long thought to be dead, somehow returned to Hemlock Circle? The closer Ethan gets to the truth, the more he realizes that no place is completely safe and that the past has a way of haunting the present.
Upcoming Events at the Marcellus Township Wood Memorial Library
Wednesdays:
Support Group for Parents of Challenging Kids, the 2nd Wednesday of every month— July 10th, August 14th and September 11th at 9:00 A.M as well as the 3rd Friday of every month—June 21st, August 16th, and September 20th at 3:00 P.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. The last Wednesday of each month, July 31st, and August 28th starting at 6:00 PM. We’ll have fresh popcorn and a movie during game night! All ages are welcome.
Wednesday Summer Crafts in July. (Crafts were chosen from the books that are written in parentheses). Starts at 12 Noon. July 3rd: Circle Lollipops (Circles Around Us); July 10th: Rice Sock Rabbits (The Rabbit Listened); July 17th: Cup of Kindness (I Promise); July 24th: You Are Welcome (All Are Welcome Here); July 31st Duplo Stamped Dinosaurs (Dinosaur Dance). All ages are welcome!
Africa: An Excellent Adventure. Wednesday, July 24th, at 6:00 P.M. Travel to Africa through this extraordinary presentation brought to you by the four ladies who experienced the journey first-hand—Tina Haggin, Sharon Melko, Becky Moore, and Pam Zandt.
Morris Murders: Occurred on September 28th, 1879. Wednesday, August 7, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. We welcome you to attend a presentation about the unsolved case of the Morris murders. Charles Morris, Esther Morris, and their unborn child were all victims. Listen as Jan Roeder & Ron Morris, the last direct descendent of this Morris family line, discuss this unsolved true crime.
Thursdays:
First Thursday Book Club 2024, August 6, 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.
Community Read, July 25, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. Join us to talk about the book The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons. We’llwatch a videotaped interview of Annie Lyons and then discuss the book together. If you would like a copy of the book in order to join in the discussion prior to the meeting, please contact the library. We would love to have you join us. Light refreshments will be served.
Animal Magic Presentation. Thursday, August 1st at 9:00 A.M. Animal Magic is a licensed, nonprofit, no-kill exotic animal rescue/educational facility whose staff members travel around to present their exotic animals.
Fridays:
Lego at the Library, Fridays 3:00-4:30 PM. Build & create with our Lego & Duplo collections! All ages are welcome!
Support Group for Parents with Challenging Kids
Treasures From the Archives. Friday, July 5th from 5PM-7PM. If you've ever wondered, "What's in the basement at the library?" stop in during First Friday to see some of the interesting finds that. are kept safely in storage!
Throughout the Year:
Smokey the Bear Reading Challenge. January 1st-November 28th, 2024. Help Smokey by learning how to prevent wildfires and help the environment. Read 3 books and earn 4 badges to complete the challenge and earn your prize. Badges are earned by completing at least one activity per section. Bring your completed sheet into the Library for your prize. One prize per person.