Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
A Council of Dolls by Mona Susan Power
Library Book Club March 2025 Choice
Three women’s dolls tell the story of their owners across three generations, bringing light to the damage done to indigenous people throughout history. In LBC, we discussed trauma and how that shapes behaviors and personalities, judgment of others, and forgiveness. Two-thirds of us give A Council of Dolls a thumbs up, but it is a emotionally intense and haunting book.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
Becky Bennett, Library Board Member
Evie Porter has never been this happy. New to town, she meets and falls in love with Ryan, who has everything Evie has ever wanted and is crazy about her. Things are going great until she meets a woman named Lucca Marino at a party. The problem? Evie is really "on a job," and Lucca Marino is her real name. Now Evie has to find out what's going on and who she can really trust. First Lie is a fun, suspenseful, fast read that I finished in three days, staying up way too late at least once.
The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz
Brenda Smith, library volunteer
My favorite author continues to excel by continuing what I call the 3 H's of Dean Koontz: humanity, humor, and horror. And of course, a dog! (There is also a rabbit here.)
An all-around good guy, Benny somehow loses everything he cares about: his job, his fiancée, his favorite chair, and his reputation. One wonders how and why all this is happening to him. To the rescue is a long-lost uncle who sends him a giant crate along with instructions. Inside the huge crate is 7-foot-tall Spike, a new friend (or genie with special abilities?) who is only to be used when difficulties arise and to right all those wrongs. As always, it feels like you are watching a movie in your mind as the imagery is so beautifully written. Goodness reigns over evil (and money and power) with a lot of help from Spike and his willingness to help even in the worst possible situations.
The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir by RuPaul
The trailblazing pop culture icon unpacks the baggage of his childhood, broken family, and adventuresome adulthood in this deeply intimate memoir. RuPaul grew up black, poor, and queer in a broken home before discovering the power of performance, found family, and self-acceptance. This is a light read of how RuPaul gets to where he is today with an overarching theme of kindness. If you need a good pick-me-up, pick up this one!
Out of town trips or busy schedules can make it hard to keep up with your library holds. Don't worry! You can defer your holds without canceling them or losing your place in line.
What does deferring your holds mean?
When you defer a hold, you’re telling the system to skip over you temporarily. You’ll keep moving up the waitlist, but your hold won’t be filled until your deferment period ends. It’s a simple way to make sure your books are ready when you are.
How to Defer Your Holds:
Go to the library catalog
Click "Log In" in the upper right corner (or "Show Login" on your phone). Enter your library card number and password. (If your card is over two years old, your password is your phone number.)
Select "My Account."
Click on "Reserves/Requests."
Locate the link to defer your reserve (usually in the second bullet point) and click it to open the calendar.
Choose your desired end date for the deferment and click "Confirm."
Enjoy your break! Your books will be waiting when you return.
Have you spotted the bright pink cart in the new adult books section? It’s not just bright, it’s home to a fantastic rotating selection of large print fiction, now available at our library!
We're excited to offer this expanded collection through the Partners Library Action Network (PLAN). This collaborative sharing system allows us to provide additional large print books to you. Because large print books are often significantly more expensive than standard editions, this partnership allows us to offer a much wider selection than our budget alone would allow.
Thanks to PLAN, we receive approximately 50 large print books every three months. After this time. they rotate to other libraries in the network. This means you get access to a constantly changing selection of new titles!
Don't miss out! Browse the pink cart and grab a book from this quarter's collection before they're shipped off to the next library. They won’t be here long so find your next enjoyable large print read today!
We’ve had lots of questions about how this order will affect our library, so here’s a little explanation of what’s happening and why it matters.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is a small but important federal agency that supports libraries and museums across the country. Its goal is to advance and strengthen these institutions through grants, research, and national initiatives. One of its biggest programs is called Grants to States, which provides federal funding to each state’s library agency. In Texas, that’s the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC). Last year, TSLAC received $12.5 million from IMLS to help fund services used by communities across Texas, including Bastrop. This support helps provide digital resources, interlibrary loan, and special programs.
In March 2025, a presidential executive order proposed eliminating IMLS funding entirely. While IMLS makes up just 0.0046% of the federal budget, cutting it would have a big impact. Without it, TSLAC—and libraries across Texas—would lose vital support. We’ve already been notified that service changes are eminent.
- Boundless ebooks and eaudiobooks. TSLAC provides your Boundless digital items, but as of April 8, no new titles or additional copies of titles will be added to this collection.
- Interlibrary Loan. TSLAC helps cover shipping costs for mailing books from one library to another and the software for managing book requests. Without this support, Bastrop Public Library will have to pay all postage expenses ourselves, which could mean tightening the library's budget in other areas.
- Texshare databases. TSLAC provides all public, academic, and school libraries in Texas with access to 86 databases, which we can then share with you. These include resources like Learning Express Library for test prep, career assistance, and citizenship guides; Explora for homework help; Udemy for professional learning; and much more. You can expect drastic changes to this service as early as June 1, 2025.
- Talking Book Program. This program provides free audiobooks and Braille materials to Texas who are blind, visually impaired, or have reading disabilities like dyslexia. It serves seniors, students, veterans, and more. Without funding, it could be discontinued.
- History and Digital Preservation TSLAC uses IMLS grant funds to digitize the state’s historical archival collections and to make them available for study. Without this funding, your state’s history will not be available for future study and research.
So, what can you do to help?
- Use the Library! Check out books, access the databases, get on a computer. Nothing shows you care like using your library.
- Attend events and programs! Show up for Storytime, Library Book Club, LEGO Club, Knitting Group, Coffee & Friends, Summer Reading, Dungeons & Dragons, or any other program to boost engagement.
- Talk to people! Share what you love about the library on social media. Tell your friends and family about the library. Encourage folks to get a library card. Send messages to your representatives. Let everyone know that the library matters to you and your community.
- Join the Friends of the Library! The Friends of Bastrop Public Library work diligently to support the library through fundraising and engagement, and they need you!
- Share your library love! Send us your stories, thanks, and encouragement! Whether it’s a quick thank-you email or a Google review, your kind words mean the world to our staff. Drop us a note at info@bastroplibrary.org—we’d love to hear how the library has impacted you.
We know this kind of news isn’t easy, but if you show up, speak out, and stick with us, we can continue to build our community and move forward together.
Sources:
Libby [@libby.app]. (2025, February 20). Let's spread the word! The @americanlibraryassocation just launched a new supporter program to champion libraries and the people who keep [post]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DGTtQ4XuXza/
Limbong, A. (2025, March 20). Federal agency responsible for library and museum funding gets a visit from DOGE. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2025/03/20/nx-s1-5335600/library-museum-funding-doge- sonderling
Texas State Libraries and Archives Commission. (n.d.). Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). https://www.tsl.texas.gov/ld/pubs/lstaplan/5yearplan
Get ready to add a vibrant splash of fun to your summer because our Summer Reading Program, "Color Our World," is officially ON THE BOOKS! We're absolutely bursting with excitement to dive into a kaleidoscope of stories, activities, and adventures that are sure to make your summer reading experience truly hue-tasticly delightful. Get ready to paint your summer with the brightest shades of merriment and join us for a season that's anything but black and white!
Starting May 27th, you can start earning prizes! Come to the library and register during Opening Week, and you’ll gain even more opportunities for goodies! If you can’t make it into the library, that’s okay. Navigate to the library’s website and the summer reading tab to create or log back in to your Beanstack account. In your Beanstack app, use the timer to log your reading.
Anything you read counts! Reading a bedtime story to your toddler? Yes! It counts for BOTH reader and listener! Listening to an audiobook while walking in Fisherman’s Park? Yes! It counts! Reading fanfiction on your phone? Yes! Reading emails? Yes! Reading the back of the cereal box? Yes! It counts!
When you register to read, youth will receive their registration book and adults (18+) will receive a $2 coupon to use at the Friends of the Library Book Nook, located in the library’s lobby.
Once you reach your goal of 500 minutes, youth will earn a prize book to keep AND an entry into one of ten grand prize baskets of your choice. Adults will earn a $2 Book Nook coupon and an entry into the grand prize basket of their choice.
At 1,000 minutes logged, participants get additional books (youth) or Book Nook coupons (adult) and entries into grand prize basket drawings. For every additional 500 minutes read, up to 10,000 minutes, you’ll earn even more entries. There are many opportunities to win prizes, so mark your calendars to start logging minutes in Beanstack on Tuesday, May 27th!
All minutes must be logged in Beanstack, and ticket entries submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, July 25th. we will draw winners at the Readers’ Jubilee on Saturday, July 26th.
Keep reading to get a sneak peak at all the fun and creative opportunities happening at the library this summer!
Mark your calendars for these big dates!
Opening Week: May 27th-31st - Kick off Summer Fun!
Join us each day for a new activity as we launch a summer filled with creativity! Register for Summer Reading in person during Opening Week to get an entry into our special Opening Week prize basket. Plus, each extra entries by participating in our daily activities!
Tuesday: Groovy Collaborative Wall Art (1:00-3:00)
Help us decorate the library with vibrant art to celebrate our summer theme!
Wednesday: Art Trivia (all day)
Test your art and color knowledge with trivia designed for three age groups: pre-readers, elementary kids, and adults!
Thursday: Photo Scavenger Hunt (all day)
Find all the colors of the rainbow (and more!) hidden throughout the library.
Friday: Video Games
3:00-4:00: Free play for kids 8 and under
4:30-5:30: Mario Kart tournament for kids 8-12 years old.
Saturday: Tie-Dye Event
Did you order your Summer Reading shirt? (Order deadline: Thursday, April 17th.) Pick up and tie-dye your shirt during this event. More details coming soon!
Ramazinis Two-Person Circus: Tuesday, June 24, 2:00
Come join us at the Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut Street, and see what all this two-person circus has to offer! You'll see juggling, acrobatics, magic, and more!
Chemistry Road Show: Tuesday, July 22, 2:00 p.m.
Come join us at the Bastrop Convention Center, 1408 Chestnut Street, for a fascinating and fun exploration of the world of chemistry. Watch thrilling demonstrations come to life and get involved in the experiments as an active part of the audience!
Escape Room Reservations Open June 24th!
Get ready to test your skills in a groovy 1970s lounge that hums with the soft crackle of a spinning vinyl record and where an air of mystery lingers! Your goal: to recover the Blue Jewel!
Reservations for our summer escape room open on Tuesday, June 24th at 10:00 a.m. Call the library at 512-332-8880 or stop in-person to book your group’s time slot.
The escape room will run from Tuesday, July 8th through Saturday, July 12th with various time slots available. Solve groovy mysteries and far-out challenges! Participants aged 8 and up are welcome.
Readers’ Jubilee: Saturday, July 26th, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Step into a world of color and fun! Join us after hours for a celebration packed with vibrant activities and hands-on fun. All are welcome—activities and games will be geared toward elementary-aged children.
Looking for exciting summer activities for your elementary-aged kids? Join us at the library for our Adventures programs!
Colors Craft Buffet: Monday, June 9
Let's get colorful! Kids will dive into creative challenges using every color of the rainbow. This program is aimed at elementary kids, but younger kids can participate with help from an adult.
STEAM Explorers / Exploradores de STEAM: Monday, June 23
Explore the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math through engaging, hands-on activities! This bilingual program (English & Spanish) is a great way for families to learn and create together. This program is aimed at elementary kids, but younger kids can participate with help from an adult.
Minute to Win It: Monday, July 7
Come and join us for some fast-paced games, fun, and prizes! This program is aimed at elementary kids, but younger kids can participate with help from an adult. You won't want to miss it!
Rock, Paper, Scissors Crafts: Monday, July 21
Let's get crafty! We'll be using rocks, paper, and scissors to create fun projects and tackle puzzles. This program is aimed at elementary kids, but younger kids can participate with help from an adult.
Adventures programs are every other Monday from 2:00-4:00 p.m. On opposite Mondays, join us for Movie Mondays.
Get ready to "get messy" with us, just like Ms. Frizzle! Mark your calendars!
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
What Is Color?: The Global and Sometimes Gross Story of Pigments, Paint, and the Wondrous World of Art by Steven Weinberg
In this zany, inclusive, and vibrantly illustrated guide to all things color, the origins of today's pigments come alive across continents and history, with oodles of art, tons of science--and extensive interactive backmatter!
Color Lab for Mixed-Media Artists: 52 Exercises for Exploring Color Concepts Through Paint, Collage, Paper, and More by Deborah Forman
Explore Color through multiple lenses as you work through 52 exciting and approachable projects that explore the infinite potential of the chromatic experience. Great for novices and experts!
Dr. Color Monster and the Emotions Toolkit by Anna Llenas
In this picture book for kids, we visit Dr. Color Monster, an emotions doctor who can help us learn to name what we feel and strategies for soothing our strongest emotions. We all need calm and centered hearts and minds, and Dr. Color Monster helps us achieve them!
The Little Artists’ Big Book of Activities: 60 Fun and Creative Projects to Explore Color, Patterns, Shapes, Art History, and More by Shannon Wong-Nizic
Grab your art supplies and start making messy and fun masterpieces with your little one! Talk through the art process and learn about famous artists as your kiddo collages, paints, writes, colors, and more. Projects are great for kids ages 3 to 10. Have fun... and let’s get messy!
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
Birnam Wood by Eleanor Catton
Library Book Club choice – February 2025
Five years ago, Mira Bunting founded a guerrilla gardening group: Birnam Wood. For years, the group has struggled to break even. Then Mira stumbles on an answer, a way to finally set the group up for the long term: a landslide has closed the Korowai Pass, cutting off the town of Thorndike. Natural disaster has created an opportunity, a sizable farm seemingly abandoned. But Mira is not the only one interested in Thorndike in this witty and thought-provoking psychological suspense. The characters in Birnam are the pièce de resistance of this book. They aren’t very likeable (minus one—maybe), but their motivations, flaws, and errors make the book compelling. We recommend this book to readers who enjoy a story with conflict and multidimensional characters but who does not require a happy ending.
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
Brenda Smith, library volunteer
Retired police officer Steve and his daughter-in-law Amy are a reluctant crime-solving duo. There seems to be an ordered "hit" on Amy, a private bodyguard. Steve only wants to play trivia at his local bar yet travels all the over the world to help his son's wife. These two main characters are charming and clever and fun to watch figure out who is going to do what! This book had me laughing and sometimes tearing up a little. It is a super clever and witty mystery with other hilarious, lovable characters. There was never a dull moment, and I was sad when it ended.
Listen For the Lie by Amy Tintera
Melissa Ashcraft, library patron
Her best friend was murdered and most people suspect she did it. She can't remember anything about that night and wonders if they're right. Five years later, there's a podcast and the truth finally comes out. A good mystery that will keep you turning the pages!
Oath and Honor by Liz Cheney
Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library
I watched the insurrection on January 6th, as well as the subsequent hearings. If you did the same, there really isn't anything new in Republican Liz Cheney’s richly detailed memoir. However, the one-on-one conversations Liz had with different representatives and her constituents are interesting and enlightening and make this a useful document as we continue to sort through the aftermath of January 6, 2021—no matter which way you lean politically.
Are you a fan of James Patterson, Kristin Hannah, Deanna Raybourn, or Sarah J. Maas? Wish you could get their newest books without constantly checking the catalog? With Reserve Express, you'll be automatically added to the reserve list for all new books by your selected authors - no more manual holds, just effortless reading!
How it works.
Whenever a new book by an author you love is added to our collection, Reserve Express will place you on the reserve list automatically. Your position on the list rotates with each title, ensuring fair access for all readers.
How to Sign up.
Enrolling is quick and easy! All you need is your library card number and PIN (if you registered before 2021, your PIN is your phone number). Need assistance? Give us a call at 512-332-8880.
Follow these simple steps:
- Log in to your online library account.
- Click the "My Account" button in the top right corner.
- Select "Reserves/Requests" under the "My Library Account" section.
- Scroll past your current holds and find "Reserve Express." Click the blue "Receive New Items" link.
- Click "See All Available" to browse the list of authors.
- Check the box next to your favorite author(s) and choose your preferred format (book, large print, audiobook, etc.).
Pro Tips for Getting Your Books Faster!
- Love bestsellers like James Patterson, David Baldacci, or J.A. Jance? Check both "book" and "large type" formats to improve your chance of getting a copy sooner.
- Can't find your favorite author on the list? Email us at infor@bastroplibrary.org, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request!
Happy Reading!
This is a question we get often at the Information Desk, and actually the question makes a lot of sense. An eBook is not a physical book but a digital one that doesn't tangibly exist. Why, then, do I have to wait for it?
It’s all Napster’s fault. Do you remember Napster from the early 2000’s? It was a website that allowed music to be shared without paying for it. When book publishers started looking at providing digitized versions of books several years later, they saw the piracy that Napster facilitated and decided that wouldn’t happen with digital books.
Publishers' biggest fear was libraries sharing eBooks without paying fairly. The publishers' thought process was that libraries have to A) purchase multiple copies for popular titles and B) replace physical copies when they get worn out or damaged. Therefore, the publishers reasoned, libraries should have to do the same for eBooks.
Thus, metered eBooks for libraries were born. A metered eBooks is sold to libraries as licenses of a digital copy of a book that can either be checked out for x number of months or checked out x number of times before a new set of licenses has to be purchased.
The most common meter is 12 checkouts or 12 months, whichever is reached first.
For example, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, a very popular mystery this year, has a metered amount of 12 months or 12 checkouts. So far, nine patrons have borrowed the eBook since July. At that rate, we are more likely to have 12 checkouts before July 2025, so we will have to purchase another set of 12/12 licenses for more readers.
As a member library in the Central Texas Digital Consortium, we have the advantage of sharing financial resources for eBooks. However, that also means that we share access to the titles. As such, it is so important that you go ahead and put a hold on the eBooks you want to read. If you wait for it to become available, all the licenses may be used up before you get a chance to check it out.
When we see that there are several additional patrons waiting to read a book via a holds report, we know how important it is to order more licenses when the current meter runs out.
Whether you prefer eBooks or eaudiobooks and Libby or Boundless for your digital books, put the titles you want to read on hold!
If you are an avid Christian Fiction reader, you've probably noticed we've moved some things around. You're also probably asking. "Why did you do this?" The answer is a little complex.
As a library, per guidelines from the American Library Association, we should strive to be viewpoint neutral, meaning we share information while not persuading a person to a particular point of view. This includes avoiding labels that try to persuade or establish an institutional preference for something.
As such, having a Christian fiction section--but not a Buddhist fiction or Jewish fiction or other religious designations--communicates a message of preference for Christianity.
This new-to-us information was quite a surprise! Having a Christian fiction section seemed pretty normal. After all, we are in Texas and most people are Christian, right? Actually, according to the U.S. Religion Census in 2020, 56% of Bastrop county does not identify an affiliation with a Protestant, Mormon, or Catholic congregation.
All this information helped us realize it was time to make a change.
We looked at the 400+ titles in the CHR section and identified them as a mystery (MYS), romance (ROM), science fiction/fantasy (SFF), Western (WES), or none of the above (NOV). We re-printed spine labels and shifted the books around on the shelves.
None of the CHR books were removed from the shelves, and we have kept books by the same author together in the same genre. So, if you're looking for Karen Kingsbury or Beverly Lewis, they are now in ROM and NOV respectively.
Additionally, we kept the blue Christian spine label stickers that typically rest above the call number label to help you find these books. We won't be adding them to new books, but we wanted you to find your favorite Christian fiction authors during this transition.
If you need help locating your favorite Christian fiction author, the library staff are always willing to assist you and the catalog is available wherever you have access to the internet as well.
Thanks for being patient and understanding as we all learn new things and work to be a better library for everyone in out community.
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Library Book Club choice – January 2025
When her volatile, former POW father impulsively moves the family to mid-1970s Alaska to live off the land, young Leni and her mother are forced to confront the dangers of their lack of preparedness in the wake of a dangerous winter season. Alaska, especially in a prepper environment, is daunting; the cold and the dark are harrowing. We discussed the psychology of battered women and how the law and the culture still fail to protect them. Trauma, too, was a great discussion point. We all gave Hannah’s book a thumbs up.
Find it: NOV Han + Libby eBook + Boundless eBook
The Perfect Son by Freida Mc Fadden
Brenda Smith, library volunteer
Have a favorite child? Or a son you just know is a kidnapper and possible murderer? Outwardly, Liam is a perfect teenage boy. Granted, he had some psychopathic tendencies as a child, but now he is a top student and member of debate and track teams. Teachers and girls love him! But now that his new girlfriend is missing, everyone in town, including his mother Erika thinks that Liam is responsible for this terrifying crime. I raced through this suspenseful thriller to the disturbing end. I truly was not expecting the ending: who? why? where? McFadden is quickly becoming one of my favorite mystery writers!
Find it: MYS McC
Building Material by Stephen Bruno
Dianne Trip, Friend of the Library
A doorman for the rich and famous in a high-end Park Avenue building presents an often-humorous account of the antics he witnessed and stories he overheard among Manhattan's elite residents in this amusing and richly detailed memoir while he, a Bronx-raised Latino, works to achieve his goal of a master’s in writing and publishing his book. Candid and always animated, his memoir offers a unique perspective on achieving the American dream that is as timely as it is refreshing. I thoroughly enjoyed this insightful story.
Find it: BIO BRU (New)
I’m Sorry You Got Mad by Kyle Lukoff
Bethany Williams, staff
Are you teaching your little one about apologizing? This humorous picture book can help you! After he hurts his friend Zoe's feelings, Jack discovers there's more to an apology than just saying "I'm sorry" in this engaging exploration of how an apology goes deeper than just words. This picture book made me smile as we see all of Jack’s emotions as he reworks his apology note. Highly recommend even if you don’t have kids—we all need a reminder on the intricacies of apologies!
Find it: E LUK (New)
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Library Book Club pick of 2024
In 1789 Maine, midwife and healer Martha, who is good at keeping secrets, investigates a shocking murder linked to an alleged rape that has shaken her small town, especially when her diary lands at the center of the scandal, threatening to tear both her family and her community apart. In 200+ years, many things haven’t changed: women’s opinions are often discounted, the rich are powerful and treated differently by the justice system, and there is still too little justice for rape survivors. This is a harrowing book, but it is so good. We all gave it a thumbs up.
Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore
Library Book Club choice – December 2024
In the early hours of the morning after?Valentine's Day, fourteen-year-old Gloria Ramirez appears on the front porch of Mary Rose Whitehead's ranch house, broken and barely alive. The teenager had been viciously attacked in a nearby oil field--an act of brutality that is tried in the churches and barrooms of Odessa before it can reach a court of law. When justice is evasive, one of the town's women decides to take matters into her own hands, setting the stage for a showdown with potentially devastating consequences. This bleak yet hopeful book garnered great discussion of symbolism, imagery, characterization, and theme. It’s a dark and difficult book to read in some parts, but there are also beautiful parts and a satisfying ending.
The Singularity Is Nearer by Ray Kurzweil
Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library
In this impassioned and thought-provoking science writing, Kurzweil explores the forthcoming (--and present!--) revolution in knowledge and the expansion of human potential. He touches on nanobots, life extension beyond the age of 120, declines in poverty and violence, and more. This is a fascinating and eye-opening read—and even a little scary, too. The more you learn about AI, the more fantastic and sci-fi it seems. This book is for anyone who is interested in the wild ride AI will provide.
She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
Brenda Smith, library volunteer
The Queen of Plot Twists has done it again! Megan is an ICU nurse and single mom to a teenage daughter. An excellent caregiver, she doesn't usually get involved emotionally with her patients...until Caitlyn arrives. Comatose from jumping (or being pushed?) from a bridge, everyone around Caitlyn is suspicious. Oh...and there is a serial killer on the loose as well. Is Megan involved in any of these terrible events? A quick read that you can't put down, pick Kubica’s newest up and be thoroughly entertained and surprised.
AARP will be providing no-charge tax filing assistance anyone needing help. They will be at the library every Saturday from February 9th to April 12th from 9:00 a.m. through 2:00 p.m.
A limited number of clients will be served on a first-come, first-served basis and an official sign-up sheet will be available at 9:00 a.m. each Saturday for the day's clients.
Anyone arriving before the library opens at 10:00 a.m. should enter by using the side door located to the left of the main entrance.
Skip the Big Easy and do Mardi Gras the easy way in Bastrop!
Celebrate the “Courir de Mardi Gras” folklife of Evangeline Parish, Louisiana here in Bastrop with the Mardi Gras Ball on Friday, January 31st and free music and festivities downtown on Saturday, February 1st.
Of special note is the Musical Instrument Petting Zoo that will be hosted here at the library on Saturday from noon until 3:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to try out Cajun and Zydeco instruments—for both kids and adults!
Get tickets for the Mardi Gras Ball and find out more details online.
Bastrop has a rich history, and one of our goals as your local library is to preserve and provide you with access to that history. This sounds like a simple task, but it can be quite challenging.
Challenge: What is in the Local History Room?
Over time, the knowledge of what was in the room dwindled. So, our first project was to inventory the room. There are five unique collections in the history room: the Genealogy Collection, Texas Reference, the Vertical Files, the Wildfire Collection, and the Microfilm Collection. We went through everything, and we learned a lot.
Challenge: As a library, what should we include in the Local History Room?
As much as we might want to keep everything, our responsibility is to curate a collection about Bastrop County’s history. We examined what other libraries collect and looked for professional guidance to keep materials that support our local history researchers.
Challenge: How do we make the collections more user-friendly?
The collections’ organization system was not working. The information was difficult to access and not always detailed or complete.
First, we wanted to develop a call number system for the Genealogy and Texas Reference Collections that make them more user-friendly and move like items together. The Genealogy Collection now starts with local information and progresses to national/international resources. The Texas Reference Collection is still a work in progress.
Second, we established a digital archive to preserve and provide access to our history. The library chose the Preservica platform to serve as a database, a digital storage server, and a digital preservation system for our records. As of January 2025, we have 174 items digitized, fully catalogued, and available to view on the Preservica portal. This will be an ongoing project.
Third, as we look at each item to assign a new call number or digitize the materials, we are adding more details, if possible, to the records. This project could take years to complete.
Challenge: How do we generate interest in the collections and promote Bastrop’s history to the public?
We started Quarterly History Talks. We host speakers knowledgeable about local history and then highlight materials from our collection. We invite you to help us bring history alive on the first Saturdays of March, June, September, and December for these events. Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org to sign-up for History Talk announcements.
There are many more challenges for the Local History Collections in the future, but we wanted to share what we’ve been doing to make local history more accessible to you. If you are interested in helping, we are always looking for volunteers. Just reach out: info@bastroplibrary.org, and we’ll match you with a project that sparks your interest.
Are you a veteran, a senior, or individual with a disability? Starting January 2025, you qualify for a non-resident membership discount when you renew or get a new library card!
Seniors (aged 55+), veterans, and individuals with a disability will receive a 20% discount on their annual membership. With this discount, annual membership is $20 per year or roughly $1.67 a month!
Families, we didn’t forget you! An annual non-resident family membership is $40. With a family membership, you will receive 3 library cards for your account. With this account, you can check out up to 40 items at a time. It does not affect how many digital items you can check out at a time.
These discounts are designed to make library membership more affordable for individuals and families living outside the Bastrop City limits. City residents’ memberships are supported by City property taxes and will not change.
Be sure to ask about our new discounts when you are ready to renew your library card!
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
The Lifeguards by Amanda Eyre Ward
Library Book Club choice – November 2024
The bonds between three picture-perfect, viciously protective mothers are tested when their sons uncover a horrible crime in Austin’s Zilker Park. While this wasn’t our favorite book, we loved the strong sense of place—especially since it’s right down the road from us! Once you read it, let us know who your favorite character(s) were. I bet it’s not the protagonist!
The Hunter by Tana French
Becky Bennett, library board member
Retired Chicago detective Cal Hooper has lived in a tiny community in western Ireland for just over two years. He has a girlfriend, Lena, and a young apprentice, Trey, whom he considers a daughter. When Trey's worthless father Johnny blows back into town with a scheme to swindle a visiting Englishman and he recruits most of the town's men into the scam, Cal follows along in order to protect Trey. It is soon apparent that the Englishman is not the one getting swindled. When Trey happens on a body near her family's home, Cal and Lena have to think and act quickly to keep Trey safe. I love the Irish voices in French's writing and her beautiful descriptions of rural Ireland. The story's suspense will keep you turning pages right up to the hair-raising end.
The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial by Dave Lipsky
Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library
In this serious yet witty and accessible nonfiction book, New York Times-bestselling author Lipsky explores how “anti-science” became so vitriolic in American life. As he explains it, it started with climate denial, and there have been serious consequences. This is an unusual book, but highly enlightening.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
Amie Cuvelier, library staff
A lush cottagecore tale is full of stolen spellbooks, unexpected friendships, sweet jams, and even sweeter love. This upbeat and whimsical cozy fantasy is perfect if you need something lighthearted and diverting. A little rebellion, a little romance, and a lot of fun.
The Library’s Annual Holiday Open House is nearly here! Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 14 from 10:00-4:00 because you won’t want to miss any of the holly jolly fun!
Mingle with Library Board Members, Friends of the Library, library staff, volunteers, and neighbors and community members to celebrate the holiday season.
Our traditional Graham Cracker House Decorating activity, a community favorite, will be a sure-fire family hit! We will have 300 houses to decorate throughout the day. Each hour from 10:30-2:30, we will seat 75 people in the Meeting Room and also have a limited number of Graham Cracker House take-home kits available as an alternative to decorating a house at the library. Sessions will begin at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. We will have frosting, candy, and other goodies for your child to create a masterpiece. You won’t want to miss it!
A variety of musicians will perform including the Honor Choir; last year’s crowd favorite Mary Smith, accordionist; singer Terry Moore; singer-songwriter and guitarist Ben Zuniga; and Max Butler, who plays the saw. Your favorite holiday song is bound to be performed at least once from these awesome musicians!
The fifth annual Great City Decorating Contest (GCDC) challenges City departments to decorate a graham cracker house, and you get to decide which department did the most spectacular job. The competition is fierce, so be ready to make the hard decision! Winners receive Facebook fame, a fabulous trophy, and bragging rights for the entire year!
In between shopping downtown on Saturday, December 14th, stop by the library to celebrate the season!
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
Dreams of Arcadia by Brian Porter
Library Book Club choice – October 2024
Written by an Austin-area author, and the speaker at the Friends of the Library October event, Dreams of Arcadia is about veterinarian Nate Holub, as he takes a job in his father's Texas hometown. We really enjoyed this homegrown book and had a fantastic discussion! We talked quite a bit how places can evoke vivid memories of childhood, and we talked about our own memories of important places. If you like books where the setting is as good as a character, we recommend Dreams of Arcadia.
Simply Korean by Aaron Huh
Cary Kittrell, library staff
If you’ve always wanted to make your favorite Korean dishes at home, Simply Korean is for you. With streamlined techniques, minimal ingredients, and clear instructions, you'll learn the easiest methods to make fried rice, bulgogi, kimchi, and more without sacrificing taste. I enjoyed this cookbook! The best part was that I could make my favorite dishes at home with ingredients from my pantry. If you enjoy takeout, I highly recommend this book.
An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library
This dramatic and reflective nonfiction title reexamines the decade of the tumultuous and exceptional 1960s: the politics, the morals, and the long-lasting effects. Having been a teenager during that time, I found Goodwin’s insider accounts of JFK, LBJ, and Bobby Kennedy fascinating. Read it yourself and see if you agree with two of my take-aways: (1) I wouldn’t like these leaders or their staff/aides as individuals, yet (2) I was impressed by their insight on serving their country and the citizens.
A Talent for Murder by Peter Swanson
Brenda Smith, library volunteer
Martha is a quiet librarian recently married to a traveling salesman, Alan. When she finds a blood streak on one of his shirts shortly after he returns home from a conference, she begins an investigation into all of Alan's past visited cities. Martha finds an alarming pattern of unsolved murder cases in each locale her new hubby has traveled to for business. Is her sweet, kind husband a serial killer? Enlisting the aid of an old friend, they become enmeshed in a journey that leads to heartbreak --and the identity of a very talented murderer. Thoroughly entertaining and fast paced, I read this mystery in less than 24 hours. Of course, I will read anything by this author. You should try his mysteries as well!
Is your garden getting ready to harvest? Please save some of your seeds and donate them to our seed library! With your donation, please fill out the donation form available online
Not sure how to save your seeds? We’ve got two new books in our collection that will tell you how!
The Seed Garden: The Art and Practice of Seed Saving by Micaela Colley
Find it: 635 Col (New)
Seed to Seed: Seed Saving and Growing Techniques for Vegetable Gardeners by Suzanne Ashworth
Find it: 635.042 ASH (New)
Local Bastropian and jazz musician Hannibal Lokumbe will present excerpts from his new book Spiritual Soundscapes of Music, Life, and Liberation on Saturday, November 16th at 6:00 p.m. in the Tough Cookie Bakery location on Main Street. This event will include a performance, an opportunity for questions, and a book signing.
Hannibal Lokumbe: Spiritual Soundscapes of Music, Life, and Liberation by Lauren Coyble Rosen and Hannibal Lokumbe is a captivating, vital portrait and spiritual biography of Lokumbe. For Lokumbe, music is a profound source of spiritual liberation.
A pathbreaking orchestral composer and visionary jazz musician, he composes resonant works that give voice to the freedom struggle of the African diaspora, the broader African American experience, Indigenous histories, and humanity.
Many of his works address historical traumas, such as the Middle Passage, the Vietnam War, global environmental disharmony, and targeted racial violence, and focus on major figures, including Medgar Evers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Dr. Kim Phúc Phan Th?, and Anne Frank.
This innovative book demonstrates that Lokumbe’s musical compositions, created in collaboration with his ancestors, are multisensorial spiritual soundscapes that aspire to chronicle, heal, and liberate.
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Finney Boylan
Library Book Club choice – September
Olivia knows what it feels like to start over. Her life in Boston when her husband revealed a darker side. She never imagined she would end up back in her New Hampshire hometown, taking over her father's beekeeping business. Lily is familiar with do-overs, too. When she and her mom relocate to New Hampshire, for her final year of high school, they both hope it will be a fresh start. And for just a short while, these new beginnings are exactly what Olivia and Lily need. Most of us who attended LBC this month really enjoyed Mad Honey! We had a great discussion on gender roles and issues and how people should get to know others as individuals instead of judging them on superficial characteristics. If you’re a Jodi Picoult fan, you won’t want to miss her newest title!
Brenda Smith, library volunteer
Our hero Justine is a female private security agent, or bodyguard, protecting very rich L.A. celebrities. When she saves the lives of two elderly clients, she is lauded as a hero in the press. But wait!... A crime lord who ordered the hit on these people has now put a price on Justine's head to compensate for his botched assassinations! I loved this highly intense game of "cat and mouse" as this smart lady proves she can fend off everyone and everything in her path. I’m now author Thomas Perry’s newest fan, and I plan to pick up more of his books asap!
The Women by Kristin Hannah
Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library
In 1965, nursing student Frankie impulsively joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows her brother to Vietnam where she is overwhelmed by the destruction of war, as well as the unexpected trauma of coming home to a changed and politically divided America. I was in high school and college during the Vietnam War, and I could not put this book down—despite the tears. This war damaged the troops’ minds, bodies, and souls, and, as always, Hannah writes a moving and compelling story to illustrate this harrowing history.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Melissa Ashcraft, library patron
We all have regrets. I should have done this... I should have done that... If you had the chance to undo your regrets, would you? That would fix everything! Right? In The Midnight Library, Nora has the opportunity to change her life for a new one. An amazing, thought-provoking novel.
Have you ever wished you could chat with locals in Paris, order food in Rome, or impress your friends with your knowledge of Japanese? Well, Mango Languages is here to make your dreams a reality!
This awesome app is like having a language tutor in your pocket. It's fun, easy to use, and packed with interactive lessons that'll have you speaking a new language in no time. Plus, you'll get a glimpse into the culture and customs of the countries where the language is spoken.
Mango Languages offers a wide variety of language courses, from Spanish and French to Mandarin Chinese and Arabic. With interactive lessons, real-world conversations, and cultural insights, Mango Languages makes learning a new language enjoyable and effective.
Here's what you can expect from Mango Languages:
- Personalized learning: Adapt your lessons to your pace and interests.
- Immersive experiences: Practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a variety of real-world scenarios.
- Cultural insights: Learn about the customs, traditions, and history of the countries where the language is spoken.
To get started with Mango Languages, download the app and create your profile. Start your language learning journey today!
Can’t get enough ebooks or eaudio books? We have another option for your reading enjoyment: Boundless! (Don’t worry—Libby isn’t going away.)
Access Boundless on a device:
- Download the Boundless app from the Google Playstore or App Store.
- Log-in with your library card number and PIN (it’s probably your phone number).
- Select the general profile.
- Search for your title, author, or keyword.
- Click the blue Checkout button to borrow the title.
- Read the book on your device.
Access Boundless on a desktop:
- Navigate to http://bastrop.boundless.baker-taylor.com/.
- Log-in with your library card number and PIN (it’s probably your phone number).
- Select the general profile.
- Search for your title, author, or keyword.
- When you checkout an item, it will send it automatically to the app on your device.
If you need assistance, please bring your device to the Information Desk, and we will gladly help you! Happy reading!
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
Library Book Club choice – August 2024
When a skeleton is unearthed in the small, close-knit community of Chicken Hill, Pennsylvania in 1972, an unforgettable cast of characters, living on the margins of white, Christian America, closely guard a secret, especially when the truth is revealed about what happened and the part the town's white establishment played in it. This is very much a character-driven novel, and the cast of characters made for a great discussion! About half of us gave it a thumbs up and the other half split between a thumbs down and a thumbs sideways, so they recommend only picking up this bestseller if you enjoy slower, character-driven stories.
Find it: NOV McB + CD Book F McB + Libby ebooks + Libby eaudio
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library
This issues-oriented book lays out the facts about the epidemic of teen mental illness that has emerged as the “play-based childhood” of the 1980’s declined into today’s “phone-based childhood.” And while I can hear youngsters and their parents thinking, “Okay, Boomer!” as they skim this review, I still suggest that they read this treatise on mental health. Hopefully, with books like this one, we can help turn the tide away from the depression, anxiety, loneliness, and bullying that has become so prevalent today, especially for Generations Z and Alpha.
Find it: 305.23 HAI (New) + Libby ebooks + Libby eaudio
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Melissa Ashcraft, library patron
It may seem like an ordinary premise - retirement, new neighbors - but Backman has a way of making the ordinary extraordinary. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will love Ove just as much as I do!
Find it: NOV Bac + CD Book F Bac + Libby ebooks + Libby eaudio
Long Island by Colm Toibin
Becky Bennett, library board member
Irish-born Eilis returns to her hometown after learning that her husband has impregnated another woman and the woman's husband intends to drop the child off with her when it is born. Eilis informs her husband that if the child enters their home, she will never return to it. This intense, spare, character study is the follow up to Toibin's Brooklyn. However, it is not necessary to read the earlier novel first to enjoy this one. Toibin's style and voice kept me turning pages for hours at a time.
Find it: NOV Toi (New) + Libby ebooks + Libby eaudio
The Friends of the Bastrop Library welcome you to attend an author visit with Brian Porter to discuss his new book Dreams of Arcadia on Wednesday, October 16th from 5pm-6pm in the Pressley Room at the Bastrop Public Library. Guests are welcome to bring copies of the novel to the event for signing by the author.
Brian Porter lives in College Station, Texas, where he works as a veterinary pathologist. He previously worked in private veterinary practice and once taught high school chemistry. Dreams of Arcadia is his first novel.
Dreams of Arcadia is also the Library Book Club title for October! Read the book and join us on Saturday, October 19th at 11:00 am to discuss.
DREAMS OF ARCADIA:
Veterinarian Nate Holub takes a job in his father’s Texas hometown, wondering if a city boy has what it takes to be a country vet. As he struggles to adapt, Nate reconnects with his family and discovers that his father’s accidental death thirty years earlier was much more complicated than he realized.
Nate delves into the past, afraid of what he might find. He encounters a resentful cousin, a wary town patriarch, a reclusive uncle, a beguiling hidden garden, and a mysterious illness. Nate is drawn to the Holub family farm, where he seeks refuge in nature and tries desperately to reach Viola, his inscrutable grandmother. The farm is a place that haunts his memory, a place where dark secrets dwell.
Dreams of Arcadia is a touching portrait of rural America. It explores the enduring ties that hold a family together and bind a family to the land.
I had a young person ask me, “Is it hard to be a librarian?” and wow, what a great question! The easy answer is no, being a librarian is fun, exciting, rewarding, fulfilling, and challenging; but also, yes, being a librarian can be difficult, frustrating, stressful, and sometimes hard. So, what is hard about being a librarian?
People don’t know what we do : Did you know there are people in our community who believe you need a library card just to walk into the building? Some people think we only lend books, and others don’t know Bastrop has a library at all. We do good work every day by helping with computer tasks and printing; answering questions and providing research help; creating a welcoming space for people to gather; work and relax; offering programs for kids and adults; and lending hotspots, eBooks, and other materials. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone knew about the opportunities and possibilities that awaited them at their library?
There is so much we want to do: The list of things we do at the library is fairly long. But every day, we hear from our community, our colleagues, social media, blogs, and magazines about interesting programs, collaboration ideas, new technologies, and useful services we could offer. It is tempting to follow the trends and try new things, but time, money, and staffing are our limitations. We must make choices and prioritize our resources. We can’t do everything, so we do the best we can. Most days this doesn’t feel like enough.
Attacks on the library profession: According to the American Library Association, 2023 had the highest number of book challenges ever recorded, and 46% of challenges targeted public libraries. While material challenges are not new to libraries, the attempt to suppress voices of marginalized groups and the hostility toward these groups and librarians is alarming! Texas librarians, my colleagues and friends, have faced verbal abuse at work and in their personal lives, have been physically threatened, experienced vandalism of personal property, and told they are a disgrace to the community. It is hard to hear these stories, but even harder to hear that some librarians have lost their jobs for standing up for the library values we believe in and promote. Libraries should be for everyone, not just for a certain group, and their beliefs and values. Some days these challenges can feel very personal, and it’s a struggle to keep doing the work you love.
These are just three things that make being a librarian hard some days. However, the burden of these issues can be lessened with the help of people just like you! Talk to others about the library and tell them about your favorite program/service/book. Let us know if we are doing a good job and provide suggestions for programs or services that will enhance our unique community. Help us connect with groups that will multiply our impact. Take a stand to support the library and the principle that the library is for everyone, even those who are not like you. Remind people that you can choose what to do and what to access at the library and that each individual has that right too. And lastly, remember librarians are human. Passionate, dedicated, caring individuals who serve as librarians for many different reasons but each with a genuine desire to help others and make our communities better.
So long answer short, yes, some days being a librarian is hard. But most days, I think it’s the best job ever!
Bonnie Pierson,
Library Director
Do you know your history? Was your grandfather part of the Purple Gang in Detroit who smuggled alcohol to Al Capone? Did a woman in your past kill a deputy and flee the country, leaving her husband and children behind? Are you related to a sheriff who is memorialized in newspapers for quelling riots and arresting wrongdoers? These histories are all from people who were at the Bastrop County Genealogical Society meeting on Saturday, August 10th.
Are you ready to delve into your history, but unsure where to start? Here are some tips from the Society. “Talk to relatives” (which was accompanied by emphatic nodding around the table). Don’t wait until it is too late. Write it all down, not just the facts, but record your sources, and verify the information at multiple points. There are a ton of online resources to help with research and the society keeps a binder full of resources in the library’s Local History Room for everyone to use.
The society shared that there are many challenges when researching genealogy. Discrepancies in name spelling and inconsistent record keeping were identified as two major issues, but they are not insurmountable obstacles. The members all agreed the true joy to genealogy research is when you overcome the challenges, and nail down that illusive piece of information. The “AH-HA!” moment makes it all worth it.
Maybe your final question is, why should you go to a genealogical society meeting if you can do the research on your own? The answer is very easy: the greatest resource at a Bastrop County Genealogical Society meeting is its members. At the meeting, there was a first-time attendee who talked of her struggles with finding information surrounding her grandfather. Everyone listened intently, and then the group expertly picked out specific information by asking informed questions and were able to point the researcher to more resources. It was brilliant to see this sharing of information in action.
The Bastrop County Genealogical Society meets the 2nd Saturday of every month, 1:00-4:00 p.m., in the Maynard Conference Room and is open to everyone. The meeting is divided into three sections, open research and genealogy 101, skills development, and open discussion. We hope to see you at the next meeting!
Our history talk on July 27th was a success! Dock Jackson, chairperson of the Kerr Community Center Board of Directors, talked to us about the history of the Kerr Center and the integral role it served in Bastrop’s history as the community center for African Americans.
The Kerr Center is currently hosting “Harriet Tubman: The Journey to Freedom” by Wesley Wexford. Clint Howard, owner of Pyrology Foundry & Studio, explained the creation process of the statue and how the statue not only represents the role Harriet Tubman is known for in the Underground Railroad, but also, how in doing the work to help others, Harriet reclaimed her power and freed herself.
The statue is on exhibit through August 31st at the Kerr Center (1308 Walnut St). The Kerr Center would like to invite everyone to join them on August 31st in celebration of the 110th anniversary as Harriet is sent on to her next stop in what was fondly referred to as “Harriet’s Chariot.”
The Bastrop Public Library would like to thank Dock Jackson, Clint Howard, Jamie Howard, and Sheila Lowe for the time they took to put together the presentation, and we would like to invite everyone to join us, Saturday October 26th at 1:30 pm in the Pressley Meeting Room, for our next History Talk, “Bastrop History with Ken Kesselus.” Ken will be taking questions from the audience about the rich history of Bastrop. So, save up your questions, and join us.
If you are interested in receiving updates or reminders about history talks, please email us at info@bastroplibrary.org.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
Library Book Club pick – July 2024
In 1789 Maine, midwife and healer Martha, who is good at keeping secrets, investigates a shocking murder linked to an alleged rape that has shaken her small town, especially when her diary lands at the center of the scandal, threatening to tear both her family and her community apart. In 200+ years, many things haven’t changed: women’s opinions are often discounted, the rich are powerful and treated differently by the justice system, and there is still too little justice for rape survivors. This is a harrowing book, but it is so good. We all gave it a thumbs up.
Find it: NOV Law + Libby ebooks + Libby eAudio
Long Lost by Harlan Coben
Margaret K., summer reader
Contacted by a woman with whom he had an affair years earlier, Myron Bolitar learns how she has been wrongfully accused of murdering her ex-husband, a situation that is further complicated by a long-hidden family secret. There are so many turns in this plot! It kept me reading with a hunger!
Find it: MYS Cob + Libby ebooks
El barrilito magico de papa by Jesus Trejo
Papá's Magical Water-Jug Clock by Jesus Trejo
Jacob S., summer reader
In this humorous picture book, a little boy makes a big, funny mistake and learns the value of resources like time and water--both of which have a magic all their own. ¡Me gusto mucho!
Find it: SPA E Tre + E Tre (2x2 Books)
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Claire C., summer reader
Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why -- or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch -- and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive. I love books with connections, and this one was good. Super amazing and awesome ending!! Perfect for readers who like mysteries with puzzles rather than dead bodies.
Find it: YA F Bar + Libby ebooks + Libby eAudio
Have you seen that meme—or maybe you remember it when it happened live—of Oprah giving everyone a car: “You get a car! You get a car! You all get cars!”
That’s what it’s like with our seed library!
A seed library collects and stores seeds and shares them with members of the community without charge—you don’t even need a library card. We receive donated seeds; repackage them for small-scale planting; you take them home to grow; and when you harvest them, you bring us back some of the seeds for other gardeners.
Our seed library started thanks to an initial donation of seeds from Central Texas Seed Savers in Austin. Since then, we’ve had various donations from local gardeners. As of writing this article, we have sunflower seeds, scallions, cilantro, several species of carrots and lettuce, and more. Stop by and pick up a couple packages today.
And with fall planting around the corner, we hope you’ll stop by and grab some seeds—and share any seeds you can with us!
Bastrop County Master Gardeners is also on the calendar with some great gardening content to support your sprouts!
Join the Bastrop County Master Gardeners to learn how to compost to benefit your garden.
With their information, we know your garden will be blooming in no time!
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
Library Book Club choice – June 2024
This character-driven and haunting story features a southeastern Nigerian mother's discovery of her son's body on her doorstep, leading to family’s struggles to understand the enigmatic nature of a youth shaped by disorienting blackouts, diverse friendships, and a cousin's worldly influence. While not a favorite story of anyone who attended, there was a lively discussion and everyone enjoyed learning about another culture and other lifestyles. In all, a thumbs up!
Find it: NOV Eme + Libby ebooks + Libby eAudio
Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner
Joan A., library patron
An interesting, plot-twisting story! Daphne, a plus-size influencer, confronts the dynamics of friendship and forgiveness while visiting home to attend an old (sometimes) friend’s wedding. This amusing and authentic story made me think twice about the social media scene, internet trails, and the amount of information you can get about people when you start searching online –as wells as the whole concept of mean girls and the struggle between the classes of people. This is a book that makes you think twice after you delve beneath the surface.
Find it: NOV Wei + CD Book F Wei + Libby eAudio
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Zaylee, J., library patron
This book needs to be talked about more!! I absolutely loved this fast-paced dark fantasy story set in a magical Africa. If you like epic YA fantasy by authors such as Leigh Bardugo, Maggie Stiefvater, Garth Nix, Holly Black, Jonathan Stroud, Libby Bray, Sarah J. Maas, Namina Forna, amongst others, I highly recommend Children of Blood and Bone. I can’t wait to start the second one!
Find it: YA F Ade + Libby ebooks + eAudio
Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones by Susan Lendroth
Nayelli R. (and her daughter), library patrons
Set to the tune of "Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush," Here We Go Digging for Dinosaur Bones invites budding paleontologists and dinosaur fans on an exciting fossil dig. And my daughter loves singing along to it! Get it for your little one to enjoy, too!
Find it: E 567.9 Len
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
M. Farley, library patron
Blacklisted from her top choice Ivy League college, prestigious Edgewater Academy scholarship student Adina participates in the Finish, a high-stakes competition whose prize of wealth and power can open any door, only to find that she's playing for her life. This is a chilling thriller full of deadly games, surprising twists, morally questionable characters, and all that with a satisfying ending. Overall, great read!
Find it: YA F Wel + Libby ebooks + Libby eaudio
The River by Peter Heller
M. Strong, library patron
Two college students on a wilderness canoe trip find their survival skills and longtime best friendship tested by a wildfire, white-water hazards, and two mysterious strangers in this fast-paced and suspenseful survival story. I loved it! And couldn’t put it down. Nature, adventure, suspense. It pulls you in from the first page, and it doesn’t let go!
Find it: MYS Hel
The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
Cynthia Camacho, library patron
When his 100-million-dollar inheritance comes with a catch--he must be happily married for five years, Liam Weston, the uptight heir of a grocery chain, turns to his secret not-so-ex-wife Anna, a feisty, foul-mouthed artist, to fake their relationship and convince his one-percenter parents they're in love. This is cute, witty, and funny, and I loved the storyline! It’s a must-read for the summer for romance fans.
Find it: ROM Lau (New)
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Leslie Enriquez, library patron
This gentle, heartwarming, and whimsical story explores a widow's unlikely friendship with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus who reluctantly resides at the local aquarium. With Marcellus’s helpthe truths she finally uncovers about her son's disappearance 30 years ago. Great story, lots of interesting characters and of course the amazing octopus!
Find it: NOV Van + CD Book F Van + Libby ebooks + Libby eaudio
Have you loved a book and want to shout it to the world? Email us at info@bastroplibrary.org and tell us about it! We’d love to include it in an upcoming newsletter!
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
Library Book Club choice – April 2024
In this darkly humorous and character-driven story, Tookie, an Objibwe woman, works in an independent bookstore in Minneapolis. However, it is far from restful as a recently deceased customer begins to haunt the bookstore. On top of that, the world shuts down during COVID and Minneapolis and Tookie are hit hard by George Floyd’s murder. Library Book Club members had a fantastic conversation covering topics from believing in ghosts to how books can be transformative as they show us perspectives we had not known before.
Find it: NOV Erd + Libby ebooks + Libby eAudio
The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson
Melissa Ashcraft, library patron
This character-driven and compelling psychological fiction starts with a horrific crash. As the unnamed man recovers in the hospital, he is visited by a mysterious woman who insists they are soulmates and begins to tell him the stories of all the lives they have previously lived. Stories within the story, each one more beautiful than the last, make this one of the most interesting books you will ever read.
Find it: Libby ebooks
Owning Up by George Pelecanos
Dianne Tripp, Friend of the Library
Drawn together by themes of strife, violence and humanity, this searing collection of four stories introduces characters who defy the mold of heroes and villains, victims and perpetrators, good and evil as they grapple with consequence, random chance and the many paths a life can take. The characters in author/writer Pelecanos’s short stories come in all shapes and sizes—and ethics. I’m looking forward to more of his books and tv shows!
Find it: MYS Pel (New)
No One Can Know by Kate Alice Marshall
Brenda Smith, library volunteer
Three sisters return to their family home 14 years after their parents were murdered there. The mystery of their death was never solved. Is one sister --or all of them-- responsible for the deaths? None of the girls is honest with her siblings about what they know. This terrifying mystery is a must-read if you like to stay up all night to finally discover what really happened that horrifying evening. I read this book very quickly as I just had to get to the truth!
Find it: MYS Mar (New) + Libby eAudio
