Blog

Gender Diversity in Fiction

By Sam Carpenter, Teen Librarian

It’s April! Along with warmer temperatures and summer growing closer comes Little Apple Pride. This year Pride will take place starting at 11:30 am Saturday, April 12, 2025 in City Park. The public library will be there as well. Be sure to look for our table. We will have stickers, buttons, and smiling faces galore.

This year, I want to bring focus to books in our collection that have diverse gender representation. There are records of gender nonconforming individuals, according to Ianna Urquhart in “Exploring the History of Gender Expression,” an article written for the University of California Gender Pronoun Initiative, going back as early as the Copper Age. Many cultures have words for these people from the Native American two-spirit to the Hindi Hijra. Here are some of my favorites.

 

Adult Fiction

“Gender Queer: A Graphic Novel: A Memoir” written and illustrated by Maia Kobabe.

“Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, ‘Gender Queer’ is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity–what it means and how to think about it–for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.”

“The Pairing” by Casey McQuiston.

“Theo and Kit have been a lot of things: childhood best friends, crushes, in love, and now estranged exes. After a brutal breakup on the transatlantic flight to their dream European food and wine tour, they exited each other’s lives once and for all. All that remains is the unused voucher for the European tour that never happened, good for 48 months after its original date and about to expire. Four years later it’s not until they board the tour bus that they discover they’ve both accidentally had the exact same idea, and now they’re trapped with each other for three weeks of stunning views, luscious flavors, and the most romantic cities of France, Spain, and Italy. It’s fine. There’s nothing left between them. So much nothing that, when Theo suggests a friendly wager to see who can sleep with their hot Italian tour guide first, Kit is totally game. And why stop there? Why not a full-on European hookup competition? But sometimes a taste of everything only makes you crave what you can’t have.”

Young Adult Fiction

“Icarus” by K. Ancrum.

“Icarus Gallagher is a thief. He steals priceless art and replaces it with his father’s impeccable forgeries. For years, one man–the wealthy Mr. Black–has been their target in revenge for his role in the death of Icarus’s mother. To keep their secret, Icarus adheres to his own strict rules to keep people, and feelings, at bay: Don’t let anyone close. Don’t let anyone touch you. And, above all, don’t get caught. Until one night, he does. Not by Mr. Black but by his mysterious son, Helios, now living under house arrest in the Black mansion. Instead of turning Icarus in, Helios bargains for something even more dangerous–a friendship that breaks every single one of Icarus’s rules.”

“Out of the Blue” by Jason June.

“Crest is not excited to be on their Journey: the monthlong sojourn on land all teen merfolk must undergo. The rules are simple: Help a human within one moon cycle and return to Pacifica to become an Elder–or fail and remain stuck on land forever. In Los Angeles with a human body and a new name, Crest meets Sean, a human lifeguard whose boyfriend has recently dumped him. Crest agrees to help Sean make his ex jealous and win him back. But as the two spend more time together and Crest’s perspective on humans begins to change, they’ll soon be torn between two worlds. And fake dating just might lead to real feelings…”

Children’s Fiction

“Dear Mothman” by Robin Gow.

“Halfway through sixth grade, Noah’s best friend and the only other trans boy in his school, Lewis, passed away in a car accident. After his death, lonely and yearning for someone who could understand him like Lewis once did, Noah starts writing letters to Mothman, wondering if he would understand how Noah feels and also looking for evidence of Mothman’s existence in the vast woods surrounding his small Poconos town. But as strange things start to happen and Noah becomes sure of Mothman’s existence, his parents and teachers don’t believe him. Noah decides it’s up to him to risk everything, trek into the woods, and find Mothman himself.”

“Hooray for She, He, Ze, and They! What Are Your Pronouns Today?” written by Lindz Amer and illustrated by Kate Alizadeh.

“A young informational storybook introducing the concept of pronouns and identifying one’s pronouns to kids.”

 

I hope you all enjoy all this lovely weather, and don’t forget: Summer Reading is right around the corner! Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

Spring Gardening

by Ashley Elliott, Public Services Supervisor

The grass is beginning to turn green, the temperature is getting warmer, and the birds are singing. Spring has sprung. As we creep into April, the ground starts to unfreeze and becomes the perfect place to plant your favorite fruits, vegetables, and flowers. With the arrival of spring comes the perfect time to start planting a garden. Are you new to gardening and unsure of where to start, or are you a seasoned gardener looking to learn more for this year’s garden? With over 100 books about gardening, the Manhattan Public Library has plenty of resources to meet your needs this gardening season.

Whether you are new to gardening or just want to brush up on some gardening basics, we have a selection of perfect beginner-friendly gardening books. Consider checking out “Plant Coach: The Beginner’s Guide to Caring for Plants and the Planet” by Nick Cutsumpas. In this book, the basics of plant care are explored. It covers basic watering, sunlight requirements, soil management, and more. It also covers various types of plants. So—whether your dream garden is full of houseplants, vegetables, or flowers—if you’re looking for some foundational knowledge to begin your gardening journey, look no further.

Do you not have a lot of time to maintain your garden? Don’t fear, we have some books just for that. “The 5-Minute Gardener: Year-Round Garden Habits for Busy People” by Nicole Johnsey Burke is perfect for the busy gardener. This book introduces methods to hone your time into a thriving garden. From daily habits to weekly, monthly, and yearly, Burke provides tips on how to build successful garden habits to turn your garden dreams into reality. In this book, Burke focuses on minimal methods to sustain your garden and, through that, cultivate a sense of joy and mindfulness. Whether your goal is to have a lush garden of food to eat, to landscape your yard, or simply to keep your pothos alive on your counter, Burke is sure to have the tips and tricks you need to keep you with your garden in your jam-packed life.

Are you low on space for your garden? In Mel Bartholomew’s book “All New Square Foot Gardening,” he discusses not only how to work with only a little space, but also how to create a vibrant garden in whatever space you have available. In this book, Bartholomew sets out various garden plans to work for you, your family, and the space you have available. Each plan optimizes the space to fit into your needs. This book also contains information on how to combat some of the biggest challenges you may encounter such as extreme weather, insect pests, and animal life. Bartholomew’s book also highlights a multitude of ways to keep your garden low-maintenance and bountiful. Another wonderful feature of this book is that it contains methods for gardening that do not require any tilling or digging in your soil, which removes a common barrier for beginning gardeners.

Our collection also contains a selection of gardening books that focus on the indoor gardener. Two that I want to highlight are “How Not to Kill Your Houseplant: Survival Tips for the Horticulturally Challenged” by Veronica Peerless and “Happy Plants, Happy You: A Plant-Care & Self-Care Guide for the Modern Houseplant Parent” by Kamili Bell Hill. In “How Not to Kill Your Houseplant,” Peerless dives right into advice on how to help those who experience horticultural challenges. If you can’t seem to keep your houseplants alive, this book is for you. In her book she provides suggestions on how to create an oasis for your plants and gives suggestions for plant placement in your home. In her book, she covers the 50 most popular types of houseplants and how to keep each one alive. Peerless provides tips for each plant’s needs such as the light, humidity, and heat they prefer. If you are wanting to connect with your plants to fuel a sense of balance in your life, Hill’s “Happy Plant, Happy You” is a perfect book for you. In her book, Hill provides a beautiful perspective on the ways in which your plants impact your life directly. Her book focuses on the mindfulness and lessons your plants can teach about yourself and your life. She does this through teaching you how to choose the right plants for you as a person, providing you with tools to succeed, and she even describes how to “date” your houseplants to find the right one for you.

The last book I want to touch on is for the young gardener. If you have a little gardener in your life, this one is for them. With “Growing Green: A First Book of Gardening” illustrated by Daniela Sosa, you and your little ones can follow along to create easy gardening projects for young children. This book is perfect for introducing ideas of gardening and food production to young children.

So, whether you are looking to find a new hobby in gardening, make space in your busy schedule for your garden, work with small or indoor spaces, or even introduce gardening to your little ones, the Manhattan Public Library has the perfect gardening book for you.

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

The Women of Art History

By: Kaitlyn Ring, Library Assistant 2, Adult Services

 

Artemisia Gentileschi once said, “My illustrious lordship, I’ll show you what a woman can do.” This bold statement documented in Bridget Quinn’s “Broad Strokes” encapsulates the fierce determination of women artists throughout history. When we think of great artists, names like Michelangelo, Raphael, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Degas often come to mind. If you’re reading this and thinking of Frida Kahlo or Georgia O’Keeffe, then you’re already ahead of the curve. But if I asked you to list 10 iconic female artists, could you? The truth is, while women have been creating remarkable art alongside their male counterparts for centuries, systemic barriers have often kept them from gaining the recognition they deserve. Fortunately, the Manhattan Public Library’s catalog provides a variety of books which can educate us and highlight the women who deserve to have standing places in the history of art.

For those seeking a gentle yet captivating introduction to art history, “Broad Strokes” offers a compelling overview of the many women who have earned their rightful place in the modern zeitgeist. Disappointed by how few female artists were included in H.W. Janson’s “History of Art,” author Bridget Quinn set out to educate and inspire future generations of women in the arts. With her witty, sometimes sardonic narration, Quinn brings the stories of these 16 remarkable artists to life, delving into their personal journeys and the ways in which their lives shaped their work. While her tone is approachable and lighthearted, Quinn doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities these women faced in their pursuit of artistic expression. From the trials of Renaissance artist Artemisia Gentileschi to modern artist Susan O’Malley’s journey through grief, “Broad Strokes” offers a nuanced exploration of what it means to be a female artist across the centuries.

“The Story of Art Without Men” is also inspired by another well-known art bible “The Story of Art” by Ernst Gombrich. Art historian Katy Hessel was shocked to realize that save one woman in the 16th edition, women were not included in this keystone history book of art. Hessel’s response was to make a book covering only female artists, which provides an intriguing and immersive history and includes a wider variation with hundreds of artists from around the world, exploring many different mediums such as textiles and mosaics. If you are looking to eventually jump into a more academic study of women in art history, this is an excellent starting point.

These titles may inspire you to explore certain artists in greater depth. One of my favorites from Hessell’s writings was Grandma Moses. “The Essential Grandma Moses” by Jane Kallir covers the life of American folk artist Anna Mary Robertson Moses, whose journey in the field of art did not begin until her late 70s. Her story shows that gender, formal education, and age have no hold over your success as an artist. If you’re interested in portraiture, Alice Neel’s self-titled book “Alice Neel: Painted truths” is a great option, especially for those more interested in post-modern artists. Neel is quoted as saying, “Being born I looked around the world and its people terrified and fascinated me.” This quote encompasses her work, which pushed the boundaries of the psychological and explored a wide variety of people from different economic and social backgrounds. Rather than painting portraits to the truest likeness, she endeavored to paint people’s “souls.” This book includes her full portfolio for readers to analyze for themselves. The library includes a variety of books that will allow you to expand your knowledge on these captivating artists, and learn more about the women who broke through the barriers that kept many female artists unknown.

Studying women’s art history allows us to discover amazing artists who have until recent times been unrecognized. It helps us acknowledge the systematic barriers that prevented women from pursuing art as a career, such as being excluded from formal training, stigmatization from patronages, and societal expectations. A key thread that ties many of these books, and this article, together is that ultimately the goal is to provide role models and representation to inspire future generations of women to become great artists.

The Manhattan Public Library strives to support artists of all kinds, and we host several craft events for children and adults to explore their creativity. From our craft table in the children’s room to DIY Nights for Adults and Teens, there are many opportunities for everyone to explore their artistic talents.

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

The bridge between the library and your hobbies.

By Victoria Lafean, Adult Programming Librarian

Did you know that January is known as national hobby month? Who better to help you find a new hobby, or extend your knowledge of your favorite hobby, than a librarian? Whether you’re a yarn crafter, sketch artist, or you want to start gardening, the library has your back. All shelf locations and book descriptions can be found in the Manhattan Public Library catalog located at https://catalog.manhattan.lib.ks.us/polaris/default.aspx.

Let’s start with yarn crafting. With knitting and crocheting I notice it helps lower anxiety and stress by stimulating the release of serotonin. Serotonin promotes feelings of happiness and well-being. Both yarn crafts exercise both sides of the brain. Finishing a knitting or crocheting project can boost your mood and self-esteem. Your local library has over three-hundred and seventy-five books on yarn crafting.

Popular knitting books that are available at Manhattan Public Library include “The Principles of Knitting,” by June Hemmons Hiatt. According to the Manhattan Public Library catalog, “Reading the Principles of Knitting is like having a knitting mentor by your side who can answer any knitting question you have in an honest, intelligent, informed manner.” Also available are, “The knitter’s handy book of patterns: basic designs in multiple sizes & gauges,” by Ann Budd, and “No pattern knits: simple modular techniques for making wonderful garments and accessories,” by Pat Ashforth. The publisher’s notes states that, “No pattern knits is a knitting book with a difference, it shows and tells how to leave patterns aside and make beautiful clothing and accessories from simple geometric shapes. You can learn how to create sweaters, bags, hats, cushions, socks, scarves, and ponchos using just a few easy-to-learn stitches.”

From sources across the web, drawing is considered to be one of the top ten hobbies in the United States. Twenty-five percent of hobbyist are sketch artists. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced your library has seventy books on how to draw and sketch. One available is, “Drawing for beginners: simple techniques for learning how to draw,” by David Sanmiguel, Sterling publishers convey, “For anyone who wants to learn how to draw, this colorfully illustrated guide introduces the fundamental techniques necessary to build essential skills. The first section covers the tools – the various types of media and paper you need to get started. Then you’ll learn about the basic methods for creating effective drawings step-by- step, from making basic shapes to enhancing them with highlights and shading. Then you’ll continue studying techniques but apply them to common subjects in artistic drawings – landscapes, still-life, and figure drawing – through exercises using various media. Hone your abilities with practice, enjoy the process, and create your own works of art with confidence.” “Drawing course 101,” by Robert Capitolo & Ken Schwab is another resource that can be checked out by inspiring artists. catalog, Sterling Publishing Company also states that, “This book successfully combines theory and practice, this on- the-page course provides the tools and information necessary for any artist to develop strong observational, organizational, and expressive drawing skills.”

Gardening is another activity in the top ten hobbies in the United States. You can choose from just over one-hundred books at the Manhattan Public Library. If you’re a beginner a, “Beginner’s guide to garden planning and design: 50 simple gardening ideas for adding style & personality to your outdoor space,” by Helen Yoest, could be a good fit for you. Creative Homeowner Press publisher explains that, “In this book Helen has outlined 50 ways to add style to express one’s personal creativity in the garden–when in fact her 50 will inspire at least 50 more ideas. Rather than force her own creative ideas on you, author, gardener, and horticulturalist, Helen Yoest teaches you how to recognize and act on your own creativity.”

It could be possible that your ground isn’t habitable for a garden. “Container gardening: the permaculture way: sustainably grow vegetables and more in your small space,” by Tsimba, Valry, might be a good one for you to check out. According to the Manhattan Public Library catalog, it is, “Based on the author’s own experience growing a lush permaculture garden on her balcony, this book teaches anyone, anywhere to grow fresh, healthy produce in containers, free of chemical fertilizers or insecticides.” What if you want to be creative in your gardening venture? You can ask yourself, why grow the same dull vegetables and herbs that fill every grocery store? If you’re putting in the effort growing your own vegetables, why not make it something spectacular! Mitch McCulloch author of, “The seed hunter: discover the world’s most unusual heirloom plants,” exclaims that, “There’s a thrilling diversity of rare and unusual heirloom plants out there–a riot of beauty, color, and flavor that can only be experienced by growing your own

The most popular hobby or activity that Americans divulge in is self- care. Self-care to me means taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve your live in many different ways. Self-care can help you manage stress, decrease your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care day by day can have a big impact. If your plan of action for self-care agrees with mine, the library has an astonishing fourteen-hundred books on self-care!

Lastly, we cannot leave out antiquing, stamp collecting, fire-arms, or fashion. There are so many hobbies out in the world, go out and find the one that fits you best, and remember your local library is there to help you every step of the way.

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

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Victoria Lafean, Adult Programming Librarian

Chilling reads for chillier days

By Audrey Swartz, Reader’s Advisory Librarian

It’s cold. Like the arctic cold. Bone-deep cold, as my grandfather used to say.

It’s the kind of cold where this Michigan girl breaks out her long, heavy winter coat and tall, furry mukluks. In the almost 9 years I’ve lived in Kansas, this is one of the first winters that has been like this.

There are varying ideas why, but they all end up with the same conclusion: stay inside and stay warm. In my house, there are a few things we do when we are stuck inside. If it’s up to my 7-year-old, we play endless rounds of Uno (yes, you can stack Draw 2s). If it’s up to my 11-year-old, we are hiding in our rooms reading. If it’s up to me…well, there are several options: reading, movie marathon, or LEGO.

As I’ve already written a LEGO article and Uno is a house-rules game, here are some chilling reads sure to make your blood boil.

New in 2025 from our adult horror collection we have the following books:

“Witchcraft for Wayward Girls” by Grady Hendrix: “Set in Florida in the 1970s, Grady Hendrix’s newest novel follows five young women in a home for unwed mothers who find a guide to witchcraft. They call them wayward girls. Loose girls. Girls who grew up too fast. And they’re sent to the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, where unwed mothers are hidden by their families to have their babies in secret, give them up for adoption, and most important of all, to forget any of it ever happened. Fifteen-year-old Fern arrives at the home in the sweltering summer of 1970, pregnant, terrified and alone. There’s Rose, a hippie who insists she’s going to find a way to keep her baby and escape to a commune. And Zinnia, a budding musician who knows she’s going to go home and marry her baby’s father. And Holly, a wisp of a girl, barely fourteen, mute and pregnant by no-one-knows-who. Everything the girls eat, every moment of their waking day, and everything they’re allowed to talk about is strictly controlled by adults who claim they know what’s best for them. Then Fern meets a librarian who gives her an occult book about witchcraft, and power is in the hands of the girls for the first time in their lives. But power can destroy as easily as it creates, and it’s never given freely. There’s always a price to be paid — and it’s usually paid in blood.”

“Wake Up and Open Your Eyes” by Clay McLeod Chapman: “Noah has been losing his polite Southern parents to far-right cable news for years, so when his mother leaves him a voicemail warning him that the ‘Great Reawakening’ is here, he assumes it’s related to one of her many conspiracy theories. But when his phone calls go unanswered, Noah makes the drive from Brooklyn to Richmond, Virginia. There, he discovers his childhood home in shambles and his parents locked in a terrifying trancelike state in front of the TV. Panicked, Noah attempts to snap them out of it. Then Noah’s mother brutally attacks him. But Noah isn’t the only person to be attacked by a loved one. Families across the country are tearing each other apart — literally — as people succumb to a form of possession that gets worse the more time they spend glued to a screen. In Noah’s Richmond-based family, only he and his young nephew Marcus are unaffected. Together, they must race back to the safe haven of Brooklyn — but can they make it before they fall prey to the violent hordes?”

“The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones: “A chilling historical horror novel set in the American west in 1912 following a Lutheran priest who transcribes the life of a vampire who haunts the fields of the Blackfeet reservation looking for justice. A diary, written in 1912 by a Lutheran pastor is discovered within a wall. What it unveils is a slow massacre, a chain of events that go back to 217 Blackfeet dead in the snow. Told in transcribed interviews by a Blackfeet named Good Stab, who shares the narrative of his peculiar life over a series of confessional visits. This is an American Indian revenge story written by one of the new masters of horror, Stephen Graham Jones.”

“But Not Too Bold” by Hache Pueyo: “The old keeper of the keys is dead, and the creature who ate her is the volatile Lady of the Capricious House — Anatema, an enormous humanoid spider with a taste for laudanum and human brides. Dalia, the old keeper’s protegee, must take up her duties, locking and unlocking the little drawers in which Anatema keeps her memories. And if she can unravel the crime that led to her predecessor’s death, Dalia might just be able to survive long enough to grow into her new role. But there’s a gaping hole in Dalia’s plan that she refuses to see: Anatema cannot resist a beautiful woman, and she eventually devours every single bride that crosses her path.”

It is early in the year, but these horror books are sure to keep you warm over the chilly days and nights we have coming. Keep an eye out for more new items by browsing our New Book section located on the first floor.

There is something for everyone, and I am sure you will discover a great read!

Audrey Swartz is the adult services and readers’ advisory librarian at Manhattan Public Library

New Year, New You? Definitely New TBR

By Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

It’s almost 2025; when you read this, it will be. The new year is an encouragement to make change, pick up new habits, new hobbies, be a better version of yourself, and for some to grow through and over trauma. For others, the new year is a reason to celebrate with friends, partake in excess, and perhaps enjoy a kiss at midnight. This librarian sees it as a chance to learn from what has happened and move on. To start planning the January birthday parties and the summer vacation travels, to make realistic goals and snuggle my kiddos a little closer. To be a better version of myself, not a new version, and to fill my to-be -read list (TBR) with new books!

Unsurprisingly, I have two large stacks of books on my desk that encompass every kind of print book we have at the library. I do not tend to discriminate on genre or age range but I have noticed my adult nonfiction stack growing and growing. After this last year, I find the need to connect more with reality, pull myself out of my strictly reading romance for fun, and incorporate more diversity into my favorite pastime. Below you will find my TBR for 2025. All the books are available at Manhattan Public Library and are currently located in the ‘New’ sections of our collection.

Books from our Children’s Collection:
“Spooky lakes: 25 strange and mysterious lakes that dot our planet” written and illustrated by Geo Rutherford.
“The great influenza: the true story of the deadliest pandemic in history” written by Catherine Frank
“The Doomsday Archives: The heart-stealer mask” written by Zack Loran Clark.
“Ghostly, ghastly tales: frights to tell at night” written by Anastasia Garcia and illustrated by Teo Skaffa.
“Gods don’t cry: unsung stories of Ireland’s forgotten immortals” by Ellen Ryan and illustrated by Connor Merriman.
“John the skeleton” written by Triinu Laan, illustrated by Marja-Liisa Plats, and translated by Adam Cullen.
“An animal a day” written by Miranda Smith, illustrated by Kaja Kajfež, Santiago Calle, Mateo Markov, and Max Rambaldi.

Books from our Young Adult Collection:
“Kill the beast: a tale of everyone’s favorite guy” written by Serena Valentino.
“Riot act: act I” written by Sarah Lariviere.
“A witch’s guide to burning” written and illustrated by Aminder Dhaliwal.
“Queer mythology: epic legends from around the world” written by Guido A. Sanchez, illustrated by James Fenner.

Books from our Graphic Novel Collection:
“H.P. Lovecraft’s the call of Cthulhu” adaptated and illustrated by Gou Tanabe.
“Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz’s Indigenous peoples’ history of the United States: a graphic interpretation” adapted and illustrated by Paul Peart-Smith, edited by Paulk Buhle and Dylan Davis.
“Beneath the trees where nobody sees” written and illustrated by Patrick Horvath, lettered by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou.
“Indiginerds: tales from modern indigenous life” edited by Alina Pete; cover artist, Brit Newton; proofreader, Abby Lehrke; publisher, editor-in-chief, C. Spike Trotman; print technician, additional lettering and design, Hye Mardikian.
“Brittle Joints” written and illustrated by Maria Sweeney.
“Something, not nothing: a story of grief and love” written and illustrated by Sarah Leavitt.

Books from our Adult Collection:

Nonfiction:
“How to dungeon master parenting: a guidebook for gamifying the child-rearing quest, leveling up your skills, and raising future adventurers” written by Shelly Mazzanoble.
“Free to be: understanding kids and gender identity” written by Jack L. Turban.
“How would you like your mammoth? 12,000 years of culinary history in 50 bite-size essays” written by Uta Seeburg.
“Raised by a serial killer: discovering the truth about my father” written by April Balascio.
“By the fire we carry: the generations-long fight for justice on native land” written by Rebecca Nagle.
“Men Have Called Her Crazy” written by Anna Marie Tendler.
“How to Date Men When You Hate Men” written by Blythe Roberson.
“It was you all along: what if you’re the one you’ve been waiting for?” written by Russ.
“The great good place: cafes, coffee shops, bookstores, bars, hair salons, and other hangouts at the heart of a community” written by Ray Oldenburg.
“The widow’s guide to dead bastards: a memoir” written by Jessica Waite.
“The 1619 Project: a visual experience” edited by Nikole Hannah-Jones, Caitlin Roper, Ilena Silverman, and Jake Silverstein.

Fiction:
I’ll be honest here, there aren’t any on my list. I default read fiction so in an effort to be more intentional about my reading I’m leaving it off on purpose. My goal is to finish up, well catch up, on one of the many series by author J.R. Ward. I gave the Fallen Angels series a try when the first book came out and wasn’t in the mind-space for it, so I am going to try again.

That’s it! Everything on my list for next year. If you are having a hard time figuring out what you are going to read, please feel free to stop by and chat or fill out a personalized reading list request that can be found on our website at https://mhklibrary.org/personalized-reading-list-2/

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Manhattan Public Library serves more than 75,000 people in the Riley County area through curated book and other media collections, knowledgeable staff, relevant programming for all ages, and meeting space. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

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Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

 

A Message from Our Director

By Eric Norris, Director

I am more surprised every year about how fast the time goes by, it just seems more sped up than the previous year and accelerates more in the later months. And the old cliché once again proves true, time certainly flies when you’re having fun!

2024 was a big year for the Manhattan Public Library: we met goals, exceeded expectations, and started making plans for the year ahead. As we turn the last page of this year, let’s take a quick look back at just a few highlights:

 

Strategic Planning

Early in the year we developed our strategic plan around the mission to enhance quality of life by connecting the community to information and innovation, and to provide a welcoming, safe, and fun place for all. Our values – Community, Intellectual Freedom, Inclusion, Hospitality, Public Service, and Access – helped shape our mission into six goals:

• Supporting lifelong enrichment, literacy, and well-being.
• Connecting people with community resources and one another.
• Building volunteer and partnership opportunities.
• Making library resources and public spaces more accessible.
• Expressing our value.
• Creating a sustainable infrastructure for Manhattan Public Library.

In a three-year cycle, we will review what was accomplished in the current year, prepare for the upcoming year, and plan out projects for the year after that, around the goals identified above. This will help keep our services and projects relevant and timely.

 

Summer Reading: “Adventure Begins at Your Library!”

And what an adventure it was for all of us! A total of 3,339 readers signed up for the reading challenge this year and by age group the breakdown was 559 pre-K, 1,518 elementary age, 289 teens, and 975 adults.

The number of readers was similar to last year, but they were challenged more this year as we tried a new prize structure, ranging from 10 hours of reading up to 200 hours total as the highest prize goal, and those readers certainly rose to the challenge. Readers logged 4,682,396 million minutes read, which is twice as much as 2023! I know I’ve used a lot of exclamation points already in this article, but that stat certainly called for another.

Summer Reading was made possible with the help of $5,800 from the Manhattan Library Association for supplies, prizes, and marketing. The Manhattan Library Foundation provided $9,800 for prize books. We received $3,200 from other donors including Pediatric Associates, Community 1st Bank, and Goblin Games. In-kind donations are an important part of the program, providing free food coupons from Vista, Raising Cane’s, Papa Murphy’s, Varsity Donuts, Baskin Robbins, and Sonic, and free entry passes to the Sunset Zoo and the Flint Hills Discovery Center.

A Summer Reading highlight for the year is Kathy Pauls, the volunteer librarian at Riley County Jail, who administered our Summer Reading program for prisoners at the jail with 40 participants.

 

Community Events

This year we were present at three community events: Manhattan Pride, Juneteeth Celebration, and Everybody Counts. We met neighbors, saw warm familiar faces, and made a lot of new friends. We have toured groups of school children, community organizations, visiting librarians, scouting troops, and the Boys & Girls Club through the library, as well as visiting many classrooms and in-service events in the school district, and KSU students at Hale Library. We also hosted dozens and dozens and dozens of story times, programs, trainings, and community events.

Through the Enjoy & Share program, we have left books to, well, enjoy and share, at various places across town including the Manhattan Airport, Cats Cupboard, Jardine, Islamic Center, Flint Hills Breadbasket, Hale Library, Be Able, Stonecreek Family Physicians, and Shepard’s Crossing. With this program we deliver popular and gently-used books to various locations in the community every month. You can enjoy these books while waiting or take them with you on the go. There’s no need to check the books out, just pass them along to others when you’re finished!

 

The Manhattan Library Association

The Manhattan Library Association (MLA) is the official name for the Friends of the Library. Through used book sales and membership dues, MLA raises money to support library programs and purchases. MLA is a volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and donations to MLA may qualify as tax deductions.

MLA raises money through two ways, one is Rosie’s Corner where donated books and books withdrawn from the collection are sold at very reasonable prices. Rosie’s Corner is located on the west side of the building, outside of the Community Room right by the old entrance. The second way is the annual book sale, which is held every year in the library, usually in late February. Last year was a big, busy one and sales reached $11,800. The sale is held over three days starting on Friday evening which is open only to MLA members. Memberships start as low as $10 for an individual and $15 for a family.

 

Expressing Value

And did you know, a homeowner with a $200K property in Manhattan pays less than $10 per month in taxes for access to the library’s vast wealth of resources, from over 1 million resource items to engaging programs and events for all ages and interests, all free of charge. From skills training to language learning to business development, the library empowers individuals and strengthens our community at its very core.

 

Important Dates to Remember:

• Closed Dec. 24 and 25
• Closing at 6pm Dec. 31 and Closed Jan. 1
• 2025 Book Sale: Feb. 28 – Mar. 2

Don’t miss out on all the library has to offer! Visit mhklibrary.org or follow us on social media for the latest updates, events, and resources.

 

Happy holidays, and we look forward to seeing you in 2025!

Eric Norris, Director

Winter Reading Challenge 2025

By Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

 

The cold weather has me wanting to curl up with a hot beverage and read a book, or ten. While I normally will do this without needing any reward, we at Manhattan Public Library do want to reward you for your winter reading! If you haven’t already, head on over to our reading challenges webpage at Manhattan Public Library’s Beanstack Reading Challenges, and join Manhattan Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge: Light Up the Mind. Record your reading time and complete some fun activities to earn badges.

 

• What are the dates? The challenge runs December 1st through February 28th.
• Is it free? Yes, it’s free and you get prizes for signing up, meeting the halfway goal, and completing the challenge.
• Who can join? Adults, teens, and all children!
• Did you say prizes? Yes! All participants will receive a small prize for signing up, there is a selection of fidgets to pick from or a handy-dandy ice scraper for these frosty mornings for meeting the halfway goal of 1500 reading points, and a free book for completing the challenge by earning 3000 reading points.
• How do I get points? Points can be earned by reading (each minute = 1 point) and completing activities in Beanstack, such as visiting the library or having a hot drink while you read. Log the time you spend reading or listening to books. Get extra points toward the goals with repeatable activity badges. You will get 5-20 points per activity.
• Does it matter what I read? No! You can read anything, not just library books. Magazines, graphic novels, and audiobooks also count for your reading time.

 

Once you have registered, you are free to start reading and recording your minutes. Take some time out and explore the activities, another great way to earn points. Several of the activities are repeatable, like writing a book review, visiting the library, and having a pajama day! There are activities that encourage us to explore nature, our community, and library resources. Did you know that we create personalized reading lists? Or that we have monthly email newsletters, based on subjects, that recommend books?

 

Personalized reading lists (PRL) are a wonderful way to access new books without having to do the legwork, and a great way to earn up to 40 points. These librarian-created lists offer the opportunity to explore new genres, authors, and even new formats. We currently have two ways to fill out your personalized reading list request: you can complete one online or in person. To locate the online form, you will need to first go to our website at mhklibrary.org. Click on “Recommendations,” which is located directly under the catalog search box. This will take you to our “Books & More” page. Click on the “Personalized Reading List” option, MPL Personalized Reading Lists Form, and begin to fill out your form. If you prefer a paper option, you’ll find physical forms located near each service desk. When you complete a physical form, write as neatly as possible and make sure to return it to the Reference Desk, located on the second floor.

 

Our monthly email booklists are another easy way to get reading recommendations based on topics. The sign-up link is located on the same page as PRLs, you will just have to scroll down a little further to select the “E-mail Book Lists” option, MPL E-Mail Book Lists Form, and fill out the sign-up form. There are over 20 topics to choose from including Nature & Science, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and Current Events. There is no paper option for this, but we can assist you in signing up at the second-floor Reference Desk.

 

Still don’t know what to read? Come into the library and check out a book from one of our many displays and also earn points for visiting the library. There will be one display in each department dedicated to winter reading, along with displays located throughout the library. Grab a warm blanket, a hot beverage, and join us this winter in lighting up your mind with a good book!

 

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Manhattan Public Library serves more than 75,000 people in the Riley County area through curated book and other media collections, knowledgeable staff, relevant programming for all ages, and meeting space. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

 

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Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

Cozy Up With Healing Novels 

By Stephanie Wallace, Library Assistant 2, Adult Services

The turkey and pumpkin pie have been consumed, the Black Friday deals stashed away, and the in-laws are returning home. No matter how you spent your Thanksgiving, it’s been a busy week. After swinging between gratitude, greed, and people-pleasing, I know I’ll need a break. And what better way to relax and recuperate than with a cozy book?

“Legends & Lattes” by Travis Baldree introduced me to the cozy fantasy genre, and its prequel, “Bookshops & Bonedust,” only reaffirmed my adoration. Baldree’s books star a beefy orc mercenary named Viv who’s learning how to take life slow. In her first adventure, Viv arrives in a new city with the dream to open a coffee shop. In the prequel, Viv’s between jobs and healing from an injury while she helps restore a local seaside bookshop. Both novels blend the vibes of Dungeons & Dragons with comfy, cute fixer-uppers.

If you prefer leaf juice over bean juice and want a little more intrigue, try Rebecca Thorne’s “Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea.” It’s the first in a trilogy starring a sapphic couple. Reyna, a queensguard who’s abandoned her post, wants nothing more than to open a tea shop in a remote mountain town and leave her bloody past behind. Her girlfriend, Kianthe is the voice and hands of the world’s magic, a heavy responsibility that only Reyna has helped lighten. But the Queen wants her wayward guard to answer for her betrayal, and the magic leaders of the world are clamoring for Kianthe’s attention. It’s a lot for two women to handle, but thankfully they have allies in their new home and each other to get through it.

Love bookshops but want more magic and the found family feeling of a Hallmark movie? Checkout “The Spellshop” by Sarah Durst. Librarian-on-the-run Kiela barely escapes the burning of her city with a boat full of magical library books and her best friend, a talking spider plant named Caz. While they bunker down in Kiela’s childhood home on a beautiful island with flying cats and mermaids, Kiela is confounded again and again by the unexpected troubles of surviving on her own and the kindness of her neighbors. It takes Kiela a while to learn to trust her new friends, but each step is as sweet as her homemade jam.

Much of cozy fantasy revolves around settling down and building up a new home, but if you’re hankering for a road trip, take “The Teller of Small Fortunes” by Julie Leong out for a spin. The eponymous fortune teller, Tao, is an immigrant traveler who goes town to town with her loyal mule, Laohu. Though Tao tries her hardest to avoid trouble, it finds her all the same when a pair of adventurers need her help to find a missing child. Before she knows it, Tao finds herself part of an amazing found family, and she needs to muster every ounce of courage she has to keep them safe.

Want cozy but don’t necessarily want fantasy? Allow me to introduce iyashikei, a Japanese subgenre related to slice-of-life. It loosely translates to “healing,” and they’re about contemplative stories that instill readers with a sense of peace or prompt them to reflect on their lives. If you’re a fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s “My Neighbor Totoro” (which also has a manga adaptation), you’ve already experienced how iyashikei can be a wonderfully quiet and quaint experience.

Miyazaki’s latest movie, “The Boy and the Heron,” includes a reference to “How Do You Live?” by Genzaburo Yoshino. Both the movie and the book star young teen boys who are figuring out how they want to live their lives. Junichi “Copper” Honda, the protagonist of “How Do You Live?” earned his nickname because of his similarity to Copernicus. Like the astronomer who disproved the sun revolved around the Earth, Copper’s acknowledgement at the start of the story that the world does not revolve around himself is a watershed moment the narrative comes back to again and again. The book switches back and forth between Copper’s experiences at school and entries from his uncle’s journal, which he is writing for his nephew in hopes that he’ll remember all of the important life lessons he’s learning. Taken together, it feels like a love letter to my younger self and a message that teens today will appreciate.

Finally, to round off my recommendations for the cold weather ahead of us, take a vacation in the mountains with Afro’s “Laid Back Camp,” a delightful iyashikei manga. Join Rin Shima and Nadeshiko Kagamihara, two high schoolers who love camping, and their friends as they travel around Japan’s beautiful, wild retreats. Each volume focuses on a different real-life campground. As the girls explore and unwind, their friendships blossom and warm my heart like their nightly campfires.

As you settle in with your favorite warm beverage and a fluffy blanket or furry friend draped over your lap, I hope one of these titles will complete your perfect, cozy day.

Manhattan Public Library is a cornerstone of free and equal access to a world of ideas and information for the Manhattan, Kansas, community. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

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Stephanie Wallace, Library Assistant 2, Adult Services