Jungle of Ashes

Jungle of Ashes by Brynn Barineau is a compelling work of historical fiction that brings to life the rise and fall of Fordlandia, Henry Fordโ€™s illโ€‘fated rubber plantation in the Brazilian Amazon. Blending meticulously researched history with a characterโ€‘driven narrative, the novel explores ambition, cultural collision, and forbidden romance against the lush and unforgiving backdrop of the rainforest.

This Week: April 12th

News and Updates Weโ€™ve officially reached the midpoint of the month, which always feels like a good moment to check in. How are you doing with Aprilโ€™s reading promptsโ€”have you found a favorite yet, or is there one youโ€™re quietly sidestepping? I love historical fiction, but found myself enthralled with western fiction a few years … Continue reading This Week: April 12th

The History of Traveling Libraries

The history of traveling libraries is one of the most fascinating stories in library outreach. Long before digital collections and online library catalogs, librarians found creative ways to bring books to people in remote and underserved communities. In places where a traditional library building was too far away, traveling libraries helped close the gap. From … Continue reading The History of Traveling Libraries

This Week: April 5th

News and Updates Happy Easter, friends. Iโ€™m offline today celebrating with our familyโ€”plenty of egg hunts and plenty of reading, too. I hope your day is filled with the people you love and a little rest wherever you can find it. This weekโ€™s lineup is taking us on quite a rideโ€”literally. From a library aboard … Continue reading This Week: April 5th

April Theme: Historical Fiction

Historical fiction has always been one of my favorite genres โ€” right alongside romance, itโ€™s what brought me back to reading as an adult. Thereโ€™s something magical about books that transport you not just to another place, but to another moment in time. Iโ€™ve always been especially drawn to World War II novels because they … Continue reading April Theme: Historical Fiction

My Name is Victoria

Victoire Conroy has an interesting life.  An almost identical replica of the Princess Victoria in appearance and age, Victoireโ€™s father brought her to Kensington Palace to be a companion for the young princess.  Sir John Conroy serves the royal family as comptroller and has tried to exert control over the princess in many ways, but … Continue reading My Name is Victoria