Celebrate the holiday season with Hopepunk fiction! Hopepunk, as defined by author Alexandra Rowland, is a science fiction subcategory defined as “the opposite of grimdark.” It focuses on characters fighting for societal change, radical kindness, and the good of humanity.
Think Library: Blog
Fiction, nonfiction, memoir, and poetry that remind of us of the vitality and relevance of North America’s diverse indigenous cultures.
October 27, 2022
Donations Accepted November 12–20
October 20, 2022
For transcending the traditional binary mindset, here is a list of recommended nonfiction written by and/or about transgender or nonbinary people. This list was made as an addition to the Transgender Nonfiction list.
October 12, 2022
These resources provide a structure for sequential skill building for intermediate English language learners. Visit VITAL’s Tutor Resources for more tools, tips, and training.
October 10, 2022
For transcending the traditional binary mindset, here is a list of recommended fiction written by and/or about transgender or nonbinary people. This list was made as an addition to the Transgender Authors and Fiction list.
October 2, 2022
Explore haunted houses, meet the bloodsucking undead, and revisit twisted folktales in these terrifying books featuring LGBTQ+ protagonists. If horror fiction preys on a reader’s fears and anxieties, then queer horror subverts the genre’s conventions and challenges notions of who is considered monstrous.
September 21, 2022
Books unite us. They reach across boundaries and build connections between readers. Censorship, on the other hand, divides us and creates barriers. One of our most important goals here at the Library is to provide free and equitable access to information and resources. Among the many implications of that word–access–is the notion of freedom: you are free to read, watch, play, or listen to whatever interests you.
September 18, 2022
The first Great MCPL Kid’s Bake Off is a wrap! We challenged 17 children to make their best book-inspired dessert. The catch? They had to include a mystery ingredient–beet root powder!
Each participant received a kit that included measuring spoons, beet root powder, some suggestions for baking books, and a copy of The Complete Cookbook for Young Scientists: Good Science Makes Great Food: 70+ Recipes, Experiments, & Activities to keep.
September 14, 2022
Sue (Suyapa) does not want to have a quinceañera where she'd be required to wear a poofy dress and dance around, so when her mom surprises her by having planned one and invited guests during a family trip to Honduras, Sue isn't happy. That is, until she makes a deal with her mom: 1 quinceañera for 1 overnight sleep camp with her friends. However, preparing for the celebration takes a tragic turn when Sue's beloved grandmother passes away suddenly.
August 24, 2022
When Silas's father is taken away in the middle of the night by a group of outlaws who seem to mistaken him for someone else, Silas knows he has to do something. With his best friend, a ghost named Mittenwool, Silas heads out to rescue his pa while riding his beautiful bald-faced pony. Will Silas be able to rescue his pa? And what's so special about his pony? Read this book to find out!
August 24, 2022
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month by reading these titles written by Hispanic authors. The list covers a wide variety of genres–including memoir, historical romance, and contemporary fiction.
August 15, 2022
Ever wanted to know more about the universe, epidemiology, or geometry but couldn't wade through the jargon? Check out these popular science books that cover fascinating topics written for people without a Ph.D in the field!
July 26, 2022
Ash is a middle schooler who loves music, is a synesthete who can see sounds, and is figuring out their gender identity after being bullied at their last school for being a “flip flop freak.” It doesn’t help that Ash’s dad is putting more and more pressure on them to just choose a gender and “stick with it.” Then Ash meets Daniel at their new school. Daniel is a photography fan, kind, in-tune with his emotions, scared his parents are going to get a divorce, and mourning the loss of his dog.
Animals, Bullying, Coming of Age, Diversity, Fiction, Inclusiveness, LGBTQ+, Read, Realistic, Staff Picks
July 25, 2022
Livy is starting at a new school and that's just the tip of the iceberg for her! She's growing anxious about making friends and fitting in when she feels different because of her culture as well as family expectations for her to achieve great things. Then there's Viola. The little voice in her head that tells her she's not good enough and that no one likes her. Sometimes Viola's voice is so loud that Livy has trouble expressing her own. She has to find some way to live with Viola.
July 11, 2022