Mercury Column

Light Reads for Summer

by Rhonna Hargett, Assistant Director

Summer is a great time to sit back and relax with a cold drink and a good book. I’ve gathered some of my favorite light reads to help you unwind.

I just finished reading “Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love” by Marianne Cronin, and I truly enjoyed it. At 90 years old, Eddie has retired from his career as a university lecturer but has worked for several years sorting through donations at a thrift shop in Birmingham, UK. One day, 24-year-old Bella comes in to donate the belongings of her boyfriend who recently passed away. They form a steadfast if odd friendship. He helps her process her grief and she helps him in his quest to get his first kiss and expand his fashion taste. “Eddie Winston Is Looking for Love” is a beautiful story about friendship, lost love, and looking for the joy in every moment. Available in print and as a digital audiobook or ebook through Libby.

“The Thursday Murder Club” mysteries by Richard Osman is a delightful series about a retirement community in Kent. Retired MI6 agent, Elizabeth, starts a group in the puzzle room to investigate cold crimes. Consisting of a union activist, a therapist, and a widow with a life mission to make everyone around her comfortable, the group enjoys their non-traditional activity without much success until a local developer is murdered. They use their skills to work the case, although their assistance isn’t always appreciated by the local police. Witty and poignant, “The Thursday Murder Club” tells a gripping story of a unique way to stay active in one’s senior years. Available in print and as a digital audiobook or ebook through Libby.

“Not in My Book” is a spicy contemporary romance by Katie Holt. Rosie and Aiden have been in several writing classes together but have nurtured a vindictive rivalry almost since they met. With Aiden’s love for literary fiction and Rosie’s focus on romance, they have contentiously and loudly judged each other, even though they are both known to be fantastic writers. Adding to their conflict, Peruvian American Rosie is working her way through school, not even able to afford to fly home for Christmas, while Aiden is the child of New York wealth. When their combative interactions start to disrupt the class, their instructor gives them an assignment to write a romance novel together. Although this is a classic “enemies to lovers” romance, “Not in My Book” provides surprising twists and introspection along the way. Katie Holt’s novel would likely be a good read for Emily Henry fans. Available in print and as a digital audiobook or ebook through Libby.

I’m a little behind the times, but I finally read “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman. Ove is a widower who is frustrated by the world and the people in it. A new neighboring family starts as an irritant but over time coaxes him into a friendship and helps him to see the good in the world. This Swedish debut novel touches on some dark themes but still manages to be uplifting and heartwarming while finding humor in the struggles of life. Backman has published several titles since “A Man Called Ove,” including many more treasures. Available in print and as a digital audiobook or ebook through Libby. The library also provides access to both movie adaptations “A Man Called Ove” and “A Man Called Otto.”

“Miss Austen” by Gill Hornby came to my attention recently when PBS created a series adaptation of the novel. Hornby tells the story of classic author Jane Austen’s sister, Cassandra, who is viewed with mixed feelings by Austen fans. She was the author’s dearest companion in life, but she was also accused of burning many of Austen’s letters, destroying material that would give insight to a mostly unknown life. “Miss Austen” goes back and forth between Cassandra’s youth and later life, fleshing out the historical information we have about both Austen sisters with an engaging fictionalized idea of what might have led her to destroy the evidence that scholars and fans long for. There’s a bit of romance, but the story is really about love between sisters. Hornby has created an intriguing novel that might help redeem Cassandra Austen for devoted Jane Austen readers.

You can find all of these titles at Manhattan Public Library. If you are enjoying reading this summer, you might as well win prizes for it through our Summer Reading Program. Find out more at MHKLibrary.org.

Booklist: Many Colored Pages

by Savannah Winkler, Adult Services Librarian and Homebound Coordinator

This summer is shaping up to be a colorful one, especially at your local library. This year’s Summer Reading program is under way, and the theme is “Color Our World.” If you stop by the library, you’ll notice an array of color-themed decorations, including rainbow butterflies and giant paintbrushes.

But our decorations aren’t the only thing that’s bringing extra color to the library. If you frequent the library’s “New Books” collection, you may have noticed an interesting trend. Many books—particularly in the fantasy and romance genres—now have colorful sprayed edges, or pages with painted colors and designs on the outer sides of the book’s pages. Although sprayed or stenciled edges are nothing new, they’ve gained popularity amongst book collectors on internet spaces such as “BookTok” (aka, the book community on the app TikTok). For many readers, sprayed edges add an extra touch of aesthetic and personality to their favorite books. Here are a few of these books that you can find at the library.

All information about these books has been taken from our catalog, which you can visit at: https://catalog.manhattan.lib.ks.us/polaris/default.aspx

“Wooing the Witch Queen” by Stephanie Burgis:

“After successfully wrestling the throne from her evil uncle, Queen Saskia only wants one thing: to keep her people safe from the empire next door. She doesn’t have time to bring order to her chaotic library of magic. When a mysterious dark wizard arrives at her castle, Saskia hires him as her new librarian on the spot. “Fabian” is sweet and a little nerdy, and his requests seem a little strange – what in the name of Divine Elva is a fountain pen? – but he’s getting the job done. And if he writes her flirtatious poetry and his innocent touch makes her skin singe, well….”

“His Face is the Sun” by Michelle Jabès Corpora:

“Princess. Priestess. Rebel. Thief. Tensions run as hot as the Khamsin winds in the great kingdom of Khetara. Rumors of the pharaoh’s mysterious illness abound, and with them, murmurs of rebellion grow. Meanwhile, in the quiet desert, a forgotten oracle begins to unfold, setting a dark prophecy into action and drawing together four strangers… Princess SITA lives in the abundance of the palace, and in a moment of passion, she unmasks a betrayal that will put her life—and the entire royal court—in grave danger. A priestess-in-training, NEFF strives to understand her intense visions from the gods, except theirs is not the only magic at play in the grand temple. As a farmer’s daughter, RAE knows how much the pharaoh’s men have taken from her land, her people. Still, who will step forward to confront the king? KARIM was raised among the pyramids of the Red Lands and survives on the wealth of the dead as a tomb robber. But amid the spoils, an ancient evil awakens. Bloodshed is coming. Only together do these four have the potential to save the kingdom from destruction. But when the dust has settled, who will sit on the throne of Khetara?”

“Story of My Life” by Lucy Score:

“Hazel is given a one-two punch when she’s forced to move out of her Upper East Side apartment and is given a final warning from her publisher. If she doesn’t turn in a book by her next deadline, they’re cutting her loose. Hazel rashly decides to leave what’s left of her city life behind and impulse buys a house in rural Pennsylvania sight unseen. How better to entertain the loyal readers she still has and rediscover her writing mojo than immersing herself in small-town life? Too bad this town looks to be on its last legs. At least she’s finding swoon-worthy inspiration from her hot, grumpy contractor Cam and his animal-rescuing, community-involved family. It’s all just research. What could go wrong?”

“Tea You at the Altar” by Rebecca Thorne:

“Kianthe and Reyna are ready to finally walk down the aisle–in just seven days, their wedding of a wifetime will be a reality. There’s loads to do–but like all best laid plans, everything seems to be going awry. Between their baby dragons causing mayhem in Tawney, Kianthe’s uptight parents inviting themselves to the wedding, and Reyna becoming embroiled in a secret plot to overthrow Queen Tilaine, the world seems against them–how are they going to live long enough to say ‘I do’?”

“A Monsoon Rising” by Thea Guanzon:

“After a lifetime of war, Alaric and Talasyn were thrust into an alliance between their homelands that was supposed to end the fighting; however, being married to their sworn foe feels far from peaceful. Now Talasyn must play the part of Alaric’s willing empress while her allies secretly plot to overthrow his reign. But the longer the couple are forced together, the harder it becomes to deny the feelings crackling like lightning between them. When the time comes to act, can she trust him, or must she ignore her heart for the sake of so many others?”

“Legacy of Gods” Series by Rina Kent:

“In this six-book series, a spicy dark romance takes place in rival universities—Kings U and Royal Elite University—where kids from American/Russian mafia families and the English royalty attend, respectively. This college romance series details the intense sexual attraction of brooding and angsty young protagonists who become obsessed in subduing their rivals in power plays and in bed.”

The Summer Reading Program is going on now and lasts through the end of July. Readers of all ages are invited to join the Reading Challenge and earn prizes such as coupons and free books. Learn more at mhklibrary.org/sr.

Will You Be My Neighbor? Community and Unity in Picture Books

By Hannah Atchison, Youth Services Librarian

All are welcome here. People from many ways of life and from all over the world meet at the public library. Libraries were first known as a place to collect and share knowledge, but it has also always been a community space. It is the duty of libraries to adapt to meet their community’s needs. This includes cultivating an environment where communities can blossom and a material collection that reflects that. Here is a selection of children’s picture books about building community and finding unity for everyone to enjoy. See through the eyes of a child again.

“All Are Neighbors” is one of several books we have by Alexandra Penfold. I enjoy all of them. This one includes themes of inclusion, belonging, and diversity. A new family moves into the neighborhood and is welcomed into the community. The pictures are joyful, bright, and inviting.

“The Little Bit Scary People” by Emily Jenkins is one of my favorites to recommend. Empathy is learned by the main character as they encounter both strangers and neighbors who seem scary at first because of their appearance or behavior. They choose to question their assumptions and see the best in those people. They give them grace, making up kind stories about them. Everyone has good days and bad days and that doesn’t make them a bad person.

“Thank You, Neighbor!” is about building community through helping others. Ruth Chan’s book was an excellent storytime book during our summer reading theme, “All Together Now” in 2023. The main character goes for a walk with their dog around the block. They take time to appreciate everyone they meet and how they help one another. The main character says thank you to their neighbors and community helpers and returns home.

“Enemy Pie” by Derek Munson stars a young boy who has made his first enemy – another boy who didn’t invite him to play. He tells his father who starts working on a special enemy pie for him to feed his enemy. His dad tells him to invite the boy over to the house while he makes the pie. While they play, the two kids slowly become friends. It turns out enemy pie is delicious.

“What if Everybody Thought That?” In this book by Ellen Javernick, the author teaches the reader the importance of questioning the way they think and the assumptions they make about others. Sometimes the assumptions we make are wrong and can be hurtful. If we learn to think more positively about each other, we make room for more positivity. There is no reason to limit or simplify one another.

“Finding Kindness”, a book by Deborah Underwood, introduces the idea that opportunities for kindness are everywhere. Each page leads to the next as gentle acts connect to one another. With every kindness given, more is spread. In small, simple ways everyone makes a positive impact.

“Stone Soup” is one of my favorite folktales. This story has been retold so many times. A beautiful feature of folktales. In this version by Jon J. Muth, three monks come across a village that is struggling to survive after the impact of famine, floods, and war. The monks subtly teach the community the importance of sharing with one another as a means of survival and the abundance that comes from seemingly nothing.

“Sweet People Are Everywhere” by Alice Walker is a reminder that there are good people everywhere. They are in every country and every family. No matter where you go, you can find a sweet person.

“They All Saw a Cat” is an important reminder that there are many perspectives in the world and all of them are valuable. Despite everyone in the story seeing the same cat, they all see it differently. Our perspective, literal vision and moral compass, is what affects how we interact with the world. This story, by Brendan Wenzel, uses color and shapes to provide a visual experience for the reader that mirrors the written lesson.

“Because Amelia Smiled,” another favorite of mine by David Ezra Stein, tells a story about how one small, good thing can start a chain of positive events that spread throughout the world. What goes around comes around – in the best way. What effort and emotions we put into the world will return to us.

No matter what is going on in your world, the library has room for you. The books and other materials in our collection are a community resource just like the rest of our facility. Your use of the library gives us the numbers and information that we in turn give to the people who help us provide our resources and services. Thank you for being an important part of your library community. As Fred Rogers of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” once quoted, in times of need, “look for the helpers”. We are here.

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 books and other media collections, knowledgeable staff, relevant programming for all ages, and meeting space. Learn more at mhklibrary.org.

Exploring Art and Colors This Summer

By Jennifer Bergen

It’s time once again for the library’s Summer Reading program to begin! This year’s theme is “Color our World” as we focus on the many ways reading and learning brings vibrance to life. Signing up for summer reading means being connected to the library and your community, earning some fun prizes along the way by keeping track of how much time you spend reading, and joining in on enlightening activities and book discussions.

Summer Reading is for all ages, but it is especially important to involve children, from the youngest ages to the teens, to encourage them to keep their reading skills strong while on break from school. A little motivation for reluctant readers is always helpful, and we’ve got free books to give away, art supplies for prizes, and coupons from lots of local businesses.

Here are some books that will make their way into our programs for kids this summer.

“It’s a Firefly Night” by Dianne Ochiltree will be featured at the Glow-In-the-Dark Dance Parties this coming week. Illustrator Betsy Snyder’s fireflies light up the night sky in this colorful picture book. A girl and her dad are searching all over for fireflies to (temporarily!) catch in a jar. She counts them as she finds them, then later lets them fly free again in a moment that feels magical to children listening and nostalgic to the adults reading to them. At the dance parties, which include both stories and dance music, kids can hold up their glowsticks as pretend fireflies during the story. Then they can groove to favorite songs from musicals in the darkened storytime room with glowing lights and party favors.

“Pezzettino” by Leo Lionni is a classic from the 70’s that will be used at our Art Together Day for kindergarten through 5^th graders. The message of belonging and being yourself is still as relevant today as it was 50 years ago. In the story, a small square-shaped protagonist named Pezzettino feels lonely and confused because all the other creatures he meets are large, complicated, and made up of several squares. After the story, kids can color square pieces of paper that spell out the summer reading theme, “Color Our World,” and then we will connect the squares as a sort of mosaic art piece to display in the children’s room!

At a storytime session for ages 18 months old and up, Tim Miller’s picture book “Izzy Paints” will entertain the youngest in the crowd. This is a colorful story of a small koala who is inspired by what they see in an art museum — “The art speaks to Izzy. And Izzy listens.” In the simplest manner, Miller’s illustrations show the creative process from set up to finish, including experimentation, inspiration, and imagination. Young children can visit the library’s craft table after storytime to make their own creations or attend a special event like Family Art Night on June 24 or the Baby Art Party on July 17.

Each month, the library teams up with Sunset Zoo for a special animal-themed storytime. The July Zoofari Tails storytime features “Sylvie” by Jennifer Sattler, a favorite among the librarians. A little flamingo named Sylvie is so tired of being pink like all her family and every other flamingo she sees. She decides to sample some different colors and patterns on the beach to liven up her feathers, such as nibbling on a swimsuit, beach ball and lollipop! Ultimately, Sylvie realizes that being pink is not so bad, and she finally eats some shrimp to bring her color back to normal. Sunset Zoo generously donated some free zoo passes as Summer Reading prizes, and kids and their grown-ups can visit the zoo this summer to see flamingos and more.

Teens will also participate in the colorful fun with Tuesday and Thursday afternoon activities, including one on synesthesia, the ability to hear colors or see sounds. “The Color of Sound” by Emily Barth Isler explores this phenomenon through Rosie, a teen musical prodigy who decides to take a break from violin for the summer. As she spends time with her grandparents, Rosie is thrust into a glitch in space-time that forces her to examine her family, including herself, in a different light. Teens interested in synesthesia will be drawn to Rosie’s story, and they can join in at the library on July 15 for a synesthesia-inspired art session.

Adults will get to discuss a classic short story, “The Yellow Wallpaper” written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 1892, at the June book club discussion. Written as journal entries by a woman who has decreasing mental abilities, the narration is fascinating and shocking and brings up questions about the treatment of women and mental health then and now. This book group has met its capacity, but there are many other adult programs that have room for more, including “Let’s Talk Art” on June 17 featuring two local artists, and Adult Free Forum nights where you can participate in a variety of activities or bring a craft project from home to work on.

Reading enriches our lives, and the library is your go-to for summer reads, free activities and relaxing down time. Try the Summer Reading challenge with friends or family to bring more color into your world!

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.

Booklist: Mental Health Awareness

by Audrey Swartz, Adult Services and Readers’ Advisory Librarian

 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This week (May 12-18) focuses on our community as a vital source of support. One way Manhattan Public Library provides support is by providing access to resources and materials. We can often put you in touch with people to help, and if we don’t know, we will find out. We are librarians after all. One way I, personally, provide support for those I know is by sharing my struggles, talking about them openly and honestly, whether it is discussing my current mood or a change in medication. I recently began a healing phase of my life in which I promised radical honesty with folks. Here we go: I suffer from general depression & anxiety disorders and insomnia. Throughout my life these have been managed with medications and coping skills. To be completely honest, insomnia is the hardest part. Sleep health is incredibly important to being able to handle what day-to-day life throws at you, and I’m often running on 3-4 hours or less. I see you. Sometimes we just need a little help, like taking an antibiotic when we have a bacterial infection or insulin for diabetes.

This month I and other library staff created a display, on the second floor, that highlights some amazing books about mental illnesses, how they work, and how others have or have not handled them. We have also created a mental health handout of books in our adult and young adult collections, along with local, national, and teen resources. You can find these by circulation and in the community room.

All information about these books has been taken from our catalog, which you can visit at: https://catalog.manhattan.lib.ks.us/polaris/default.aspx

 

Adult Non-Fiction:

“Reclaiming the Black Body: Nourishing the Home Within” by Alishia McCullough.

“African Americans are disproportionately impacted by disordered eating behaviors, yet their experiences are frequently neglected by doctors and mental health experts. As a result, our most vulnerable communities are forced to navigate systems primed to dismiss their needs, leaving them without proper care, or often even the language they need to identify what’s wrong. McCullough’s groundbreaking work radically validates the lived experiences and generational traumas of BIPOC communities.”

 

“You Are Not Alone: For Parents and Caregivers” by Christine M. Crawford.

“Provides a comprehensive, compassionate, and practical resource for anyone concerned about a child’s mental health. Drawing on her own clinical experience and guidance from leading experts, Dr. Crawford provides a lens through which to understand the many complex factors affecting children’s mental health. Parents, caregivers, and young people themselves share personal stories about their paths to recovery, ensuring readers know that they are not alone.”

 

“The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan Haidt.

“After more than a decade of stability or improvement, the mental health of adolescents plunged in the early 2010s. Rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide rose sharply. Why? Haidt shows how the “play-based childhood” began to decline in the 1980s, and how it was finally wiped out by the arrival of the “phone-based childhood” in the early 2010s. He presents more than a dozen mechanisms by which this “great rewiring of childhood” has interfered with children’s social and neurological development, covering everything from sleep deprivation to attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, social comparison, and perfectionism. He explains why social media damages girls more than boys and why boys have been withdrawing from the real world into the virtual world.”

 

Young Adult Non-Fiction:

“The Life Guide for Teens” by Ran D. Anbar.

“Today’s generation of teenagers are living in a world no one could have imagined just a couple decades ago, a world of social media and an endless flow of information (and disinformation). They are also more likely to be lonely, depressed, stressed out, and diagnosed with mental health issues. Dr. Anbar uses clear, empowering terms to take a deep dive into the most prevalent wellness concerns for teens. He guides readers through such topics as anxiety, relationships, sleep, making tough decisions, and communicating effectively.”

 

“Where to Start: A Survival Guide to Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Health Challenges” by Mental Health America.

“It can be extremely hard to figure out what’s going on in our own heads when we are suffering. And it’s even more difficult to know where to go for answers. This book is a perfect first step. Here you’ll find clear, honest, reassuring information about all the most common mental illnesses and what you can do to find help and to practice self-care.”

 

“The Trans & Gender Diverse Teen Resilience Guide” by Jayme L. Peta, Deb Coolhart, Rylan Jay Testa.

“This teen-friendly guide offers empowering skills to build resilience, embrace who you are and create your best life within an enriching community. You’ll also find tons of tips and tools to cultivate the strength and confidence needed to face all of life’s challenges and achieve happiness, safety, and love no matter what. You don’t have to struggle alone.”

 

Children’s:

Our amazing Collection Services Librarian, Corey, has created a new story kit focusing on grief. This kit includes books and activity handouts focused on helping children experiencing loss.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to Pawnee Mental Health at (785) 587-4300. If you or someone you know is contemplating self-harm or suicide, please reach out to the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. If you or someone you know is suffering from an immediate medical emergency, dial 911.

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.

Sourdough Stories at Your Library

By Victoria Lafean, Adult Programming Librarian

National Sourdough Bread Day is recognized on April 1, 2025. It appreciates one of the world’s oldest leavened breads. In the “Encyclopedia of Food Microbiology,” Michael Gaenzle writes: “One of the oldest sourdough breads dates from 3700 BCE and was excavated in Switzerland, but the origin of sourdough fermentation likely relates to the origin of agriculture in Egypt several thousand years earlier.” Sourdough bread has the history of being one of the most ancient forms of bread, and from its origins it seems to be the standard method of breadmaking for most of human history. Let’s celebrate it with baking your own loaf! The Manhattan Public Library has you covered with these bread baking books available for check out.

All shelf locations and book descriptions quoted in this list can be found in the Manhattan Public Library catalog located at https://catalog.manhattan.lib.ks.us/polaris/default.aspx. 

“Bread Baking for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Baking Kneaded Breads, No-Knead Breads, and Enriched Breads”

by Ohara, Bonnie, author.

“Flour, yeast, water, and salt, even with the simplest of ingredients, making homemade bread can be a daunting task if you’ve never done it before. From total scratch to your first batch, ‘Bread Baking for Beginners’ offers simple, user-friendly tutorials and recipes to mix, knead, and enjoy freshly baked loaves at home. Bonnie Ohara, a self-taught baker who runs a micro-bakery out of her own kitchen, preps home cooks with clear explanations of the bread making process and basic techniques.”

 

“Artisan Sourdough Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide to Delicious Handcrafted Bread with Minimal Kneading”

by Raffa, Emilie, author, photographer.

“Many bakers speak of their sourdough starter as if it has a magical life of its own, so it can be intimidating to those new to the sourdough world; fortunately, with ‘Artisan Sourdough Made Simple,’ Emilie Raffa removes the fear and proves that baking with sourdough is easy, and can fit into anyone’s schedule! Any new baker is inevitably hit with question after question. Emilie has the answers. As a professionally trained chef and avid home baker, she uses her experience to guide readers through the science and art of sourdough.”

 

“Baking Bread with Kids: Trusty Recipes for Magical Homemade Bread”

by Latham, Jennifer (Baker), author.

“Making truly excellent bread can be so simple and fun, and any kid can learn the art and science of mixing, folding, proofing, and baking. Each recipe is organized into clear and easy-to-follow instructions and accompanied by beautiful illustrations depicting each step, perfect for school-age readers or younger kids accompanied by an adult in the kitchen. ‘Baking Bread with Kids’ is the definitive bread book for learning to make delicious loaves and treats that everyone will enjoy.”

 

“Living Bread: Tradition and Innovation in Artisan Bread Making”

by Leader, Daniel, author.

“In this groundbreaking book, [Leader] offers a comprehensive picture of bread baking today for the enthusiastic home baker. With inspiration from a community of millers, farmers, bakers, and scientists, ‘Living Bread’ provides a fascinating look into the way artisan bread baking has evolved and continues to change.”

 

“Big Book of Bread: 125+ Recipes for Every Baker”

by Battilana, Jessica, author.

“A bread book with 125 recipes that meet you where you are, whether novice or bread-head.” — From Amazon.com.

 

“Bread on the Table: Recipes for Making and Enjoying Europe’s Most Beloved Breads”

by Norman, David, author.

“Culinary instructor and baker David Norman explores the European breadmaking traditions that inspire him most–from the rye breads of France to the saltless ciabattas of Italy to the traditional Christmas loaves of Scandinavia. Norman also offers recipes for traditional foods to accompany these regional specialties, so home bakers can showcase their freshly made breads.”

 

“Everyday Bread: 100 Recipes for Baking Bread on Your Schedule”

by America’s Test Kitchens.

“The cooks at America’s Test Kitchens help home cooks simplify the process of making bread through seven core dough recipes to use and remix, three-ingredient quick breads to put on the table in an hour, and reinvented Rustic No-Knead Bread.”

 

“Classic Sourdoughs: A Home Baker’s Handbook”

by Wood, Ed, author.

“This authoritative sourdough baking classic is updated with new recipes and the authors’ recent discovery of a technique that allows the baker to control sourness while ensuring consistently leavened loaves. Wood builds on this technique with 100 recipes featuring rustic grains and modern flavors, including Herb Spelt Bread, No-Knead Kamut Bread, and Malt Beer Bread, along with recipes for pancakes, bagels, English muffins, breadsticks, and more.”

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

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.

###

Victoria Lafean, Adult Programming Librarian