Library Staff Directory
Posted Jul 7, 2015
Some people think of summer reading as beach reading. To me, summer reading has always been Shorewood Library reading. Growing up in Shorewood, I remember sitting on the green cushions in the children’s room when going to story time with Miss Hoppe. My siblings and I would sign up for the summer reading program and record all the summer books we read. I remember the wooden card catalogs that held a paper card for each book in the library.
Being old enough to have my own library card was a milestone. I loved the rhythm of the librarian stamping the due dates on the inside front cover of the books I checked out. Open, stamp, close. Open, stamp close. And on really hot, muggy days, my mom sent me to the library so I could enjoy the air conditioning. What a relaxing way to spend the day!
When my own children were born, the library became our number one destination on walks. The green cushions in the children’s room were still there! Gone were the card catalogs, but new discoveries awaited. Computers, videos, books on tape, books with books on tape. One thing I loved was to read children’s folk tales from many countries. Ms. Heide showed us where to find them and let us know there was a great collection of children’s folk tales at the downtown library. On our frequent visits, my children would choose their own books and videos. I would gather my choices and we would walk home in time to read aloud before naps.
With our children grown up, books are still a big part of our family life and we relish an afternoon spent reading. If you are like me, you have a stack (or list) of books you want to read, but are always open to a new suggestion. This love of books is shared by members of the Friends of the Shorewood Library who share some recommendations with you here:
Reconstructing Amelia by Kimberly McCreight
An engaging thriller about a mother who can't accept the official verdict that her daughter committed suicide and searches to unveil details about her final months. (Submitted by Kathy Clark)
The Children Act by Ian McEwan
An exquisitely crafted story about the moral and personal confrontations of a British family court judge - a jewel of a book. (Submitted by Joan Spector)
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
In this magical Southern novel, Claire Waverly weaves potions into the delicious dishes offered by her popular catering business while her sister Sydney empowers women by the way she styles their hair. (Submitted by Jeannee Sacken)
Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury
Warm, glowing, sweet, full of promise, mystery, freedom and self-discovery, this book most evokes summer for me. (Submitted by Jean Gurney)
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
I loved the fine writing, complexly intriguing plot, and timely message of this post-apocalyptic novel about a traveling Shakespearean troupe set in the Upper Great Lakes region. (Submitted by Priscilla Pardini)
Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo
A chilling mystery set in Ohio's Amish country, tells the story of Kate Burkholder who survives a terrifying incident as a teenager, but ultimately leaves her Amish community to become the chief of police in Painters Mill. (Submitted by Jeannee Sacken)
Constance: A Story of Early Plymouth by Patricia Clapp
A book I picked up at the library on a summer day years ago, this story transported me to another time. I remember feeling both connected and different from the main character. (Submitted by Anne O’Meara)
- Contributed by Friends of Shorewood Library board member, Anne O'Meara
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