Introducing Me

July 25, 2026

The feeling of meeting someone and finding out you share the same interest in books is one of my favorites, and one of the reasons I love working in libraries. My favorite books are ones that are more character-based and deal with emotional issues like navigating complex relationships or dealing with grief. The best of them have a humorous (sometimes dark) narrator leading the way, allowing for laughs. I recently started in my role as a librarian here in New Ulm, focusing on adult programs and technology assistance, including our Memory Lab. As a way to get to know me, here are some ...

More Best Books of 2026

July 18, 2026

There are countless “best books” lists. I use them not only to guide library purchases, but also to shape my own reading list. I enjoy discovering why readers find certain books intriguing or meaningful, and different perspectives can add depth to any text. The following books, with descriptions from their publishers, may not appear on every “Best Books of 2026” list and based on circulation statistics, remain somewhat undiscovered at the New Ulm Public Library: “Whidbey” by T Kira Madden. "Birdie Chang didn't know anything about Whidbey Island when she chose it, only that ...

Take a Break

July 11, 2026

I know we are well into summer, but if you are still looking for travel destinations in the coming months, I have some ideas for you. I’ll start with Fodor’s Bucket List USA: 500+ Ultimate Experiences, From the Epic to the Eccentric (917.3 Fodors 2026). It is loaded with interesting locations from every state. I opened the book to Iowa and found out they hold the University of Okoboji Winter Games in the town of Arnold’s Park. Have you ever entered an ice auger race? Head down to Arnold’s Park and join in. Here is another ultimate list: 50 States: The Ultimate Travel List: The ...

Thrilling Summer Reads

July 3, 2026

In the summer I gravitate toward fast-paced, frothy, and fun thrillers and mysteries. Oh, who am I kidding? That’s what I prefer most of the time! Here are a few I’ve enjoyed lately that would pair well with a patio and a cold refreshment. Author Emily is recovering from a long illness and going through a rough divorce. She’s also trying desperately to meet the deadline for her next cozy mystery while facing a nasty case of writer’s block. So, when her lifelong best friend Chess invites her to spend six weeks in Italy, all expenses paid, Emily immediately books a plane ticket. ...

The Dog Days of Summer

June 27, 2026

Did you know the term “Dog Days” refers to the heat and humidity of the mid-summer months of July and August here in the Northern Hemisphere? Most sources agree that Dog Days occur in mid-to-late summer, but the exact dates can vary from source to source because Exact Dates are tied to the dawn rising of the star Sirius, also known as the Dog star, and they change over time. The Old Farmer’s Almanac considers the Dog Days to begin on July 3 and end on August 11, which is typically the worst of the summer’s heat. I always picture a dog lying out on the front porch or on cold tiles ...

Recent reads

June 20, 2026

Here are few of my favorite recent reads. Library staff would be happy to help you place requests on these or any other titles. If you’d like to place your own request, visit www.newulmlibrary.org and choose Library Catalog. Cassandra is experiencing one of the worst days of her life: first her boyfriend breaks up with her, then she is fired from her PR job, then protesters throw paint on her faux fur coat. It’s overwhelming, and Cassandra passes out from a panic attack in the doorway of a bar. When she wakes up, she finds that the protesters have disappeared, and her boss is ...