Tag teens

A teens with curly dark hair in red goggles, blue gloves, and a white jacket mixes a sustance in a beaker. A graduated cylinder holds multi-colored fluid.

HiTech classes return!

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A teens with curly dark hair in red goggles, blue gloves, and a white jacket mixes a sustance in a beaker. A graduated cylinder holds multi-colored fluid.

Teens, you can have a summer adventure at the library. Running through August 9, the HiTech summer program offers hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) classes to boost your skills, explore your interests, and create cool projects. Check out these tracks and choose one (or more than one!) that’s right for you.

  • HiTech classes run through August 9.
  • Individual classes can run for one to three weeks.
  • Monday – Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
  • Classes are held at our East Columbia, Elkridge, and Savage branches.
  • Ages 11 – 18
  • Sign up begins three weeks prior to the first day of class at bit.ly/hitech-2024

STEAM Leadership Academy: Over two weeks, explore opportunities and skills for STEAM leadership. Interact with leaders in the field and apply what you learn to hands-on projects. Learn leadership skills that will be useful at school and throughout life.

Go Green: Dig deep into the world of horticulture as you explore hydroponics, green gardening, and the construction of living wells.

Underwater Science and Engineering: Dive in with the SeaPerch submersibles and marine science classes. SeaPerch is a remotely operated vehicle built by students to accomplish underwater competitions. Learn about the different living organisms, creatures, conditions, and aspects of underwater living.

Tech Foundations and Robotics: Learn and practice coding in Python, Java, CSS, Arduino, and other languages. Practice your programming skills as you make a humanoid robot move, customize a Ten80 race car, implement Generative AI to make a robotic arm play a game, or work on LEGO Mindstorms.

Engineering Your Way: Project-based engineering classes not only teach engineering principles but also create fun things people can use. Classes include civil engineering, aerospace engineering, and mechanical and electrical engineering, which work toward building carnival games or vacuum-formed objects. Practice the basics with mousetrap cars and compete in Rube Goldberg competitions.

Artistic Impressions: Use paints, computers, laser cutting, 3D printing, and other mediums to explore your artistic side. New this year: Interior design and architecture class.

Mathematically Speaking: “Short take” math classes introduce math concepts or help you refresh concepts from the past school year. Classes include games of probability and chance, computational thinking, algebra 1 & 2, geometry, and SAT math.

Scientific Perspectives: Geek out in this science track featuring physics, chemistry, biology, genetics, or nanomedicine. Build a weather balloon or conduct messy experiments.

Booker stands in front of a desk and shelves of books holding a golden ticket.

Happy Reading this Summer!

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Booker, the library's mascot owl, strides out from a spinning globe while carrying a suitcase.

Dear Parents of HCPSS students,

Summer is almost here! In addition to fireworks, family time, and barbecues, I’m looking forward to tackling my summer reading list.

I’m proud that the Howard County Public School System and Howard County Library System are again partnering to present a fun and engaging summer reading experience for our community. I hope this letter encourages your child – and your whole family – to participate.

Here’s why:
There are games (and prizes!) for each age group, including an attractive reading journal for adults. Begin your summer reading adventure on June 1. The children and teens games celebrate reading (including graphic novels, comic books, and audiobooks) and activities.

Summer reading helps connect your family to the library this summer. That includes six celebrations, hundreds of free summer classes and activities for all ages, and STEAM classes for middle and high school students. HCLS has an amazing collection, and staff that love helping your child select a book they’ll love. Learn about it all at hclibrary.org/summer.

Just like a dessert with secret veggies in it, this fun is good for you! Reading all summer has been shown not just to eliminate slide in reading but also to help students advance their skills.

Get started! Every elementary school student will receive a gameboard at their school. Middle and high school students can pick up gameboards at their school media centers. Additional copies may be picked up at any Howard County Library System branch. I know that library staff are ready to answer questions and get you started!

New this year: When your elementary student finishes summer reading and submits a ticket to the library to receive their prize, please check the box authorizing the library to share their success with their school so we can continue to celebrate them when they return to school in the fall.

Happy reading!

Sincerely,
William J. Barnes
HCPSS Superintendent

Booker, the library's mascot owl, strides out from a spinning globe while carrying a suitcase.

Summer Reading Adventures 2024

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Booker, the library's mascot owl, strides out from a spinning globe while carrying a suitcase.

by Jean B.

It’s summer, hooray! So much free time!
It’s summer, oh, no! So much free time!

What will you do with the kids this summer? Check out the library’s summer reading program, which begins June 1. Join in the adventure. It’s FREE, it’s for everyone!

So what’s in it for you? FUN! Borrow music, dance and sing! Borrow puppets and put on a show. Take home the Gingerbread Man literacy activity kit, and build a boat that floats. Get a book of jokes to share. Take our Summer Reading Mascot on a journey as Flat Booker.

BOREDOM BUSTERS. Try some activity ideas from the summer reading game board at home, at the library, or in your neighborhood. Party at our branch Summer Reading Celebrations (see p. 11) scattered throughout the summer. You may discover safari surprises, mythological creatures, carnival games, and more. The one thing that you won’t find is boredom!

STRUCTURE and GOALS. Instead of school routines, use your game board as a daily brain-builder. Make a plan to read together every day and complete a space on the game board. Visit the library often — where your child can collect a stamp for completed activities, earn a sticker, and find more great things to borrow. It all builds to a great goal: complete the game and earn a summer reading prize – hooray!

A (SECRET) BOOST TO SCHOOL SKILLS. Did you know? Reading, singing, talking, writing, and playing all summer helps reduce “summer slide,” so your kids are ready for the transition to a new grade in August.

AIR CONDITIONED COMFORT. On the hottest days of summer, you can find cool spaces and even cooler events at HCLS’ six branches. Crafts, STEAM activities, games, book clubs, movies – it’s all happening at your library.

Get on board and pick up your map for a Summer Reading Adventure at any HCLS branch, beginning June 1. Bet you can’t wait for summer to arrive with lots of time to explore and learn. See you at the library!

Join Booker in games for ages birth – 4 and ages 5 – 10. Teens (ages 11 – 18) participate in a raffle. Adults receive the new 2024 Reading Challenges booklet.

For book lists, classes, and more, visit hclibrary.org/summer.

SUMMER READING CELEBRATIONS
For all ages. Drop in to these sessions happening all summer! For details, visit hclibrary.org/summer
Passport to Adventure
Tue, Jun 18; 3 – 7 pm | Glenwood Branch
Party on the Patio
Wed, Jun 26; 5 – 8 pm | Central Branch
Summer Reading Carnival
Fri, Jul 19; 11 am – 2 pm | East Columbia Branch
Summer Safari
Sat, Jul 20; 11 am – 2 pm | Savage Branch
Mythological Creatures of Legend
Thu, Aug 15; 6 – 8 pm | Miller
Summer Reading Celebration
Sat, Aug 24; 10 am – 4 pm | Elkridge Branch

Jean B. is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch who loves reading books for all ages when she isn’t enjoying the outdoors.

PSA ad: a young Black woman wearing glasses looks down at her cell phone while her other arm is full of books. A blue square to the left says: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Talking about Teen Mental Health

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PSA ad: a young Black woman wearing glasses looks down at her cell phone while her other arm is full of books. A blue square to the left says: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

by Brandon B.

During National Mental Health Awareness Month each May, and throughout the year, you can find a wealth of resources at the library. Many teenagers may suffer from mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Some teens might feel isolated, bullied, or ostracized from society. If you are looking for a place to belong, we have created a safe and friendly environment just for you.

Are you looking for a fun and free spot to hang out after school? Your local branch is always looking forward to seeing you. At HCLS East Columbia Branch, you can interact with other teens for fun and excitement most afternoons. Do you have anxiety about math or need assistance with your homework? You can get assistance with your math studies and face your fear of arithmetic at Central Branch from 4-5 pm on Tuesdays. For high school students, final exams are soon! Miller and Elkridge Branches offer a chance to de-stress with some friendly, furry faces.

According to a New York Times article, you can cope with your mental health issues in some simple ways. Just 20 minutes of exercise can relieve stress, or you can use meditation techniques like deep breathing exercises. If you are truly feeling overwhelmed with life challenges, you need to find a trusted adult (parent, teacher, counselor) to talk with. If you are thinking about doing harm to yourself or others, call the national suicide hotline at 988 to talk to a mental health professional. For a local connection, call the Grassroots 24-hour Crisis Line at 410.531.6677.

Tutoring Tuesdays: Math Made Easy!
Ages 11–18. Register here.
Do you struggle with math homework or tests? Do you want to improve your math skills and confidence? If you answered yes, then this is the perfect class for you! Middle school and high school students can get extra help or practice with math topics in middle school math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, and Algebra 2.
Tuesdays; May 7 – Jun 4
4 – 5 pm  
Central Branch

Teen Chill Room: Dog Cafe
For high school students, but 11 & up are welcome. Walk-in only.
Finals stressing you out? Take a peaceful brain break in the Teen Chill Room, and return to studying feeling refreshed.
Spend time unwinding with loving, furry friends. Pets on Wheels certified therapy dogs, along with their trainers, bring calm and smiles to busy a midterm week.
Mon, Jun 10
3 – 4 pm
Miller Branch
De-stress with Pets
Sat, Jun 8
2 – 3 pm
Elkridge Branch – Registration opens June 1 at 2 pm.

Brandon is a Customer Service Specialist at HCLS Central Branch who loves reading, football, and taking nice long walks around his neighborhood.

A hanging flower basket filled with pink impatiens.

Plant a Book, Grow a Reader: Friends and Foundation of HCLS Spring Fundraiser

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A brightly colored illustration of piles of books with flowers mixed in. The lettering in dark pink reads Plant a Book (above), Grow a Reader (below)

Friends & Foundation of Howard County Library System is blooming with opportunities for you to help us raise funds to support literacy for youth in Howard County. We hope to increase the library’s selection and quantity of young adult books chosen for teens and by teens at local high schools. With this fund, HCLS piloted the teen-led book selection project last year at three high schools and saw an increase in participation and excitement at these book clubs that reach 50-60 teens monthly. The Spring fundraiser runs through May 11 – donate now!

$40 donation
You receive a big thank you from the Friends, along with an amazing 12″ hanging basket bursting with spring flowers, ready for you in early May – just before Mother’s Day. These donations support early literacy classes, outreach, and initiatives offered by the library. All the baskets are claimed each year, so don’t miss out on these beautiful thank-you gifts!

+$25 contribution
For an additional $25, the Kathleen Glascock Tribute Fund will match up to $750 to purchase books for teen-led book clubs.

The Kathleen S. Glascock Tribute Fund for Children/Youth Literacy & Education was established in 2016 in honor of Kathleen S. Glascock, who worked for the Howard County Public School System as a media specialist at Clarksville Middle School. According to her husband Robert, “Kathy was an avid reader her entire life who found joy in sharing her love of books with her students and encouraging their growth through reading.” This fund has raised more than $23,000 to support literacy programming for the library, including special author events such as an appearance by Jason Reynolds, the partnership the library has with Head Start, and Summer Reading materials and activities.

Spring Break with HiTech

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Teens working together to test their simple robot.

HiTech is the library’s award-winning STEAM program for teens. Using advanced teaching tools and technology, our instructors encourage and inspire the next generation of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) professionals. Held year-round, our classes foster free expression while teaching critical skills and exciting STEAM concepts.

All spring break classes take place at Savage Branch from March 25 – 28 for middle and high school students. Registration and more information available here.

Origami Engineering
10 – 11 am, Savage Studio
Get hands-on experience in the ancient art of paper folding. Use origami to create structures like solar panels, bridges, and packing materials. Look at tessellating polygons and how these amazing structures
can be used by scientists and engineers.

Wonders of Chemical Reactions 1
10 – 11 am, Carver Lab
Explore chemistry in a fun and colorful environment. Conduct experiments that range from the physical and chemical properties of matter to Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry, and even Acid-Base Chemistry.

Acoustic Science
12 – 1 pm, Savage Studio
Learn about the science of acoustics as you explore the engineering of basic PA systems and small studio setups. Topics include sound, frequencies, dynamic microphones vs condenser microphones, and how to build a speaker/monitor.

STEM Heroes
12 – 1 pm, Carver Lab
Did you know that Mae Jemison made history as the first Black female astronaut? She is also an engineer, a physician, a professor, and an entrepreneur. Explore people throughout history and today who have contributed to the sciences.

Forensic Science: Biology
2 – 3 pm, Carver Lab
Have you ever wondered what goes on during a crime scene investigation? Learn the techniques forensic scientists use, such as fingerprinting, footprinting, and DNA analysis.

Movie Magic: Chroma Key
2 – 3 pm, AV Studio
Dive into the world of video special effects as you create your own reality. Record and edit video as you learn about the chroma key technique and how it evolved over time.

Audio Video Technology Workshop
4 – 5 pm, AV Studio
Record and mix music or create videos in the sound booth and with other equipment.

Cosmology
4 – 5 pm, Carver Lab
Do you watch The Big Bang Theory and want to know more about the Big Bang? Study the origin and development of the universe, and learn how to identify stars, constellations, and planets in the night sky.

A pale green background with a golden symbol for female, with the center post an upraised fist, surrounded by illustrated heads of famous women.

Read about Women’s History Month

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A pale green background with a golden symbol for female, with the center post an upraised fist, surrounded by illustrated heads of famous women.

by Emily B.

Women’s History was not always a month-long celebration. It started in 1980 as a week-long celebration. President Jimmy Carter offered these words as he issued his proclamation for the first Women’s History Week celebration:
“Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.”

Each year a new theme is chosen by the National Women’s History Alliance, a non-profit organization who lobbied and advocated for Women’s History Month to be recognized across the United States. The 2024 theme for Women’s History Month is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.” Check out these books celebrating women who did just that!

For adults
Valiant Women: The Extraordinary American Servicewomen Who Helped Win World War II by Lena S. Andrews (also available as large print, e-book, audio on CD, and e-audiobook.)
350,000 American women served during WWII, working as codebreakers, chemists, pigeon trainers, translators, and more. Learn about these unsung heroes and their previously untold stories.

The Women of NOW: How Feminists Built an Organization that Transformed America by Katherine Turk (also available as e-book and e-audiobook)
Learn about the women behind the creation of the National Organization for Women, a group that has advocated for gender equality, reproductive rights, racial justice, and LGBTQIA+ rights since its formation in 1966.

For teens
Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom by Lynda Blackmon Lowery
Read the memoir of the incredible teen who marched for civil rights alongside Martin Luther King Jr.

Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Pénélope Bagieu (also available as e-book)
This graphic novel focuses on some of history’s most impressive boundary-breaking women, like Mae Jemison, Nelly Bly, and Christine Jorgensen.

For children
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Denise (also available on DVD)
Learn about Pura, the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City. She advocated for the Spanish-speaking community by offering bilingual story times and purchasing Spanish language books. (Also available in Spanish.)

Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight: Patsy Takemoto Mink and the Fight for Title IX written by Jen Bryant; illustrated by Toshiki Nakamura
Patsy Takemoto Mink was the first woman of color in Congress and was a huge proponent in passing Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs.

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. She enjoys puzzling, reading, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor. 

Astronomy for Teens

Julia M 1 Comment
A simple metal telescope pointed into a slightly cloudy blue sky.

by Julia M.

Ever wonder what’s out there, beyond our atmosphere? Through books, online resources, and classes, discover what happens in our universe beyond Earth’s limits. You can see amazing things even without a telescope, and we’re here to help your teen get a glimpse at what’s happening in the sky in our Learn Astronomy series at HCLS Glenwood Branch. If your teen (ages 11-18) is interested in learning more about a specific astronomy phenomenon or event, come to one of our Learn Astronomy classes.

Learn Astronomy: Geminids Watch Party! 

In December, a member of the University of Maryland Graduate Astronomy Program will guide us through observing the Geminids meteor shower, an astronomical event that happens every December. This year, they’re timed perfectly with a new moon, which means they’ll be extra visible in the night sky. Thanks to the new moon, Jupiter and Saturn, which are visible in the evening sky for all of December, will also be observable that night—there will be no shortage of celestial objects to view in between meteor sightings! 
Thursday, December 14 at 7:30 pm 

Learn Astronomy: Project Artemis 

In our January class, discover NASA’s Project Artemis: the mission to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon. Through this project, NASA will build a home base on the Moon’s surface as well as a base that will orbit the Moon. This project also includes a plan to send astronauts to Mars! We’ll talk about the latest news about Project Artemis and what it means for humankind’s study of space, including the new types of spacecraft used, the timeline for the project, and any current or upcoming developments. Since NASA has already completed Phase 1 of Project Artemis, we’ll recap Phase 1 and discuss what’s to come in Phase 2 and 3!
Thursday, Jan 11 at 7 pm 
Thursday, January 16 at 11 am 

The moon half lighted against a blue background.

For more information on dates and times to observe events in the night sky, check out the Night Sky Almanac (2023 or 2024). To learn more about our solar system, check out Solar System Reference for Teens or DK’s The Practical Astronomer. Finished with those, or have a different space-related question? Ask a librarian at any HCLS branch and they’ll be glad to show you where to find more astronomy books on the shelves! 

Julia is a Teens’ Instructor & Research Specialist at Glenwood Branch + Makerspace. She loves reading YA books, playing the cello, practicing martial arts, trying new cookie recipes, and generally trying to squeeze as many hobbies into a day as possible.

A young black man is centered on the cover, with speeding red lights in the space for his body. Dear Martin is written across him in handwriting.

Bauder Book Talk with Nic Stone

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A young black man is centered on the cover, with speeding red lights in the space for his body. Dear Martin is written across him in a scr

Thursday, November 9
4 – 6 pm
Registration required.
HCLS East Columbia Branch
410.313.7700

Dear Nic,

During the pandemic when the world seemed especially grim, I attended a virtual conference where you served as a guest speaker. You stood out to me with your bold avocado earrings and the backstory of how you started writing for teens. Your appearance lifted me up during a time when all I wanted was to return to work in person with my teen library customers.

Fast forward to May 2023, my friend Amanda and I proposed that we host you at HCLS and learned you were indeed coming to my branch, East Columbia, on November 9.

Most people will have read Dear Martin, one of your most powerful works. In this novel, we learn about the life of college-bound Justyce McCallister and his letters to the late Martin Luther King, Jr., written as reflections on being young, black, and escaping the ongoing violence toward unarmed black boys and men. In Dear Martin’s follow-up Dear Justyce, we read about Quan, his circumstances far different than his friend Justyce who helps him while he is incarcerated in a juvenile detention center. Quan sees up close the shortcomings and racial disparities in our flawed criminal justice system. 

Two more of my favorite titles are Clean Getaway and Odd One Out. In Clean Getaway, we see the connection between G’ma (a grandmother) and her grandson “Scoob,” as they go on a road trip exposing family secrets and a lesson in the beauty of intergenerational family ties. While in Odd One Out, we follow Jupe, a gay teen girl and her best guy friend Coop (who may be in love with her). In comes Rae, the new girl in town who may or may not be straight. The love triangle takes Jupe on a journey of self-discovery, exploring gender and sexual identity, and the strength of friendships.

Nic, you write about characters facing hard truths about our society and inspire young people to keep pressing forward, even when it seems impossible to do so. 

My hope is your visit will continue to inspire our young people, those turning your pages and seeing themselves and making the world better.

Sincerely,
Carmen

Bauder Book Talks by Howard County Library System is made possible by a generous gift from Dr. Lillian Bauder, a community leader and Columbia resident. Howard County Library System will present an annual endowed author event, known as Bauder Book Talks, for under-served students in grades 6-8 attending public middle schools in Columbia with high percentages of African American and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) students. Authors and titles selected are high-interest and high-quality on topics of social issues, equity, and related matters. Student participants have the opportunity to hear from and engage the author and receive a copy of the author’s book. The event honors the memory of Don Bauder, late husband of Dr. Lillian Bauder and a champion of civil rights and social justice causes. 

This year, meet famed young adult author Nic Stone as she shares the inspiration behind her critically-acclaimed novel Dear Martin and other featured works.

Booker owl in a hot air balloon, which is striped white and green with the Hi circle in blue.

Summer Reading Adventures for Everyone

emilyhcls Leave a comment
Booker owl in a hot air balloon, which is striped white and green with the Hi circle in blue.

by Jean B. and Emily B., Central Branch

Choose your own adventures as you read, explore, and experiment this summer.
Visit hclibrary.org/summer for more details on Summer Reading Adventures for all ages.

GET STARTED
For all ages! Find the summer reading adventure that’s right for you and your family. Separate game boards available for ages 0 – 5, 6 – 10, teens, and adults.

READ & DO ACTIVITIES
Each time you read or do an activity, you complete a step toward finishing the game. Reading includes print books, e-books, audiobooks, magazines — whatever you like!
Find additional activities, book lists, classes, events, and more at hclibrary.org/summer.

WIN A PRIZE
When you complete your adventures (reading and activities), complete a finisher’s form available at any HCLS location or online. Pick up a prize (while supplies last) in person August 1 – 31.

Reading is always an adventure, right? A good book can make you an explorer of a different place, time, perspective, or personality. And you know where to find all kinds of books and knowledgeable “tour guides:” our six library branches. But the 2023 Summer Reading Adventure will take you beyond books and beyond buildings with exciting experiences for children and families. Besides reading together, you can build foundations for literacy and support the skills of young readers with a wide range of activities — whether you’re outside observing nature or inside creating and experimenting. We’re here to feed your adventurous spirit!

If you go to Savage Branch, you can explore the outdoor Storywalk, soaking up the beautiful words and images of Eve Bunting’s Flower Garden and Eric Carle’s Where is the Sun? as you stroll. Nature adventures happen weekly at Central Branch, weather permitting, with Wednesday morning classes on the patio — maybe you’ll observe an itsy-bitsy spider when you sing its song!

Wander through the Enchanted Garden at Miller Branch to find the two new resident foxes and learn their names, while observing the different kinds of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that are growing.

To add sports and engineering into your adventure, help create a giant miniature golf course at Glenwood Branch. You can learn all about the Cardboard Challenge at an information session on June 28, get a starter kit of supplies, and then put your engineering and creative talents to the test as you build your one-of-a-kind mini-golf hole at home. Everyone brings their creations back to the library in July, then plays a community golf game for the record books.

If you’re looking for an adventure in art, head to East Columbia Branch on Wednesday evenings where 6-9 year olds and their adults can learn about great artists from Kahlo to Kandinsky, then create masterpieces. Makers of all ages find fun at Elkridge Branch, where families can work their way through STEM exploration stations, preschoolers can participate in weekly STEAM activities, and teens can create a stop motion movie with LEGO™ blocks. And when the adventure winds down in August, stay tuned for the STEAM Carnival at Miller Branch – an opportunity to share your experiences, projects, and inspiration.
Come to your libraries – adventure awaits!

For Teens:

Join the Quest! Earn treasure as you travel through books, stream music or movies, and have fun with experiments and games. Your local library contains everything you need to succeed. Stop by any branch to receive a gameboard and a Tshirt (while supplies last)! Visit online and in person with your ideas, questions, and enthusiasm.

For Adults:

If you thought that all the Summer Reading fun at the library was just for kids, think again! Visit any library branch to pick up a Reading Journal and participate in our adult Reading Challenge. Each journal contains 13 challenge prompts, intended to guide you through a year of reading.

Not sure what book to read for a certain prompt? A list of suggested titles chosen by our staff is provided for each theme. These challenges offer an opportunity to read outside of your comfort zone, discover new authors, and explore different genres.

To complete your Summer Reading Adventure, finish any three challenges or read three books of your choosing. Between August 1 – 31, visit any HCLS branch to complete a finisher’s card. Finishers are then entered into our end-of-summer prize drawings and receive a limited-edition prize while supplies last.

Kick off your summer reading journey with the online Adult Summer Reading Showcase on Tuesday, June 6 at 7 pm. Join our instructors online as we share our top picks for summer reads. With genre-spanning recommendations, from thrillers to nonfiction and everything in between, you’re bound to learn about some new books and authors of interest. You may find a few titles to add to your TBR (to-be-read) list!

Jean B. is a Children’s Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch who loves reading books for all ages when she isn’t enjoying the outdoors.

Emily is an Instructor & Research Specialist at the Central Branch. She enjoys puzzling, reading, listening to music, and re-watching old seasons of Survivor.