Summer reads

August 8, 2026

It has been too hot this summer to do much besides relax with a cool drink and a great book. Here are a few that I enjoyed recently. The world is ending: Earth is weeks away from being swallowed by a black hole. After forty years together, husbands Don and Rodney are finally out of time. They depart Maine and head for Washington state with the goal of fulfilling a long-kept promise. We Burned So Bright by T. J. Klune (Fantasy Fiction Klune – New) is a heartfelt novel about the commitments we make to our loved ones, even when they tear our world apart. Lillian Martin was the breakout ...

Summer Reading and Beyond

August 1, 2026

This year’s summer reading program theme was Unearth a Story. I want to take a moment to thank all the parents, caregivers, children, and teens who participated this year. I would also like to thank the library staff. They did an excellent job helping to make the program happen throughout a very busy summer. We recorded over 725 people in attendance at the 36 programs scheduled for this summer. At the end of the program, finishers received a free book, a grand prize ticket, temporary tattoo, and the chance to vote for a new toy to play with in the library. It was wonderful watching our ...

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. ...