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Engaging Methuen Readers


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Author Talk: Eric Jay Dolin

Rocky coast and Left for Dead by Eric Jay Dolin

Author Talk: Eric Jay Dolin

Tuesday, May 28 2024 7:00—8:00 PM

Join us in person as Eric Jay Dolin discusses his new book Left for Dead: Shipwreck, Treachery, and Survival at the Edge of the World, which tells the true story of a wild and fateful encounter between an American sealing vessel, a shipwrecked British brig, and a British warship in the Falkland archipelago during the War of 1812.

Copies of this title will be available for sale at this event.

Eric Jay Dolin is the author of sixteen books, including Leviathan: The History of Whaling in America, which was chosen as one of the best nonfiction books of 2007 by the Los Angeles Times and the Boston Globe, and also won the 2007 John Lyman Award for U.S. Maritime History, His most recent book before Left for Dead is Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution, which was awarded the Fraunces Tavern Museum Book Award and the Samuel Eliot Morison Book Award for Naval Literature. Before Rebels came A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America’s Hurricanes, which was a finalist for the Kirkus Prize, and was chosen as one of the 50 notable books of non-fiction of the year by The Washington Post, and as one of the Best Science & Technology Books of 2020 by the Library Journal and Booklist. Dolin lives in Marblehead, Massachusetts, with his family.

To register for this Eric Jay Dolen author talk, click here.


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Suicide Prevention Workshop

Samaritans Logo

Suicide Prevention Workshop

Thursday May 16, 2024 6:30—8:00 PM

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, per the CDC.  Join us as we meet with a trained facilitator from the Samaritans to learn how to recognize the warning signs for suicide and how to provide support for the person struggling.  We will also talk about self-care and post-vention strategies and skills.

The Samaritans have provided lifesaving suicide prevention services in Massachusetts for 50 years through helpline services, grief support services, and providing community workshops to help educate the public.  Learn more about The Samaritans here: https://samaritanshope.org/ 

Click here to register for this Suicide Prevention Workshop.


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LibraryReads May 2024: top ten books librarians love!

LibraryReads - Top 10 Books Nominated by Library Staff

May 2024 LibraryReads List

The Last Murder at the End of the World

Sourcebooks
ISBN: ‎ 9781728254654

After a deadly fog decimates most of humanity, the small population that’s left lives on an island. As one villager begins investigating a murder, what once seemed like utopia begins to reveal dark secrets that no one could have predicted. Turton raises tantalizing social questions, presents an inventive world structure, and keeps readers intrigued and surprised throughout the novel.”

Sharon Layburn, South Huntington Public Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: Clean Air by Sarah Blake


The Ministry of Time: A Novel

Avid Reader Press
ISBN: 9781668045145

An employee of the Ministry of Time becomes a “bridge,” helping a Arctic explorer adjust to modern life after being rescued from the lost Franklin expedition of 1845. But as she begins to grow closer to him, she finds herself wondering who she can trust, what the real reason for pulling people out of time may be, and whether her life might be in danger. Totally gripping, with great character development.”

Mara Bandy Fass, Champaign Public Library, IL
NoveList read-alike: This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar


Daughters of Shandong

Berkley
ISBN: 9780593640531

“At times both heartbreaking and uplifting, this novel follows the journey of the women of the Ang family from their farm in rural China to Taiwan during the horrific land reforms of 1948-1950. With this story based on Chung’s grandmother’s experience of a turbulent era, readers will be riveted from page one by the mother/daughter bonds and their will to survive.”

Martha DiVittorio, Bellmore Memorial Library, NY
NoveList read-alike: A Woman of Pleasure by Kiyoko Murata


Savor It

by Tarah DeWitt

St. Martin’s Griffin
ISBN: 9781250329424

“This Pacific Northwest rom-com has delicious tension from the first interaction. Add in fake dating and a steamy scene in a library, and who could ask for more? Readers will appreciate how much attention and care DeWitt put into creating fully-formed characters grappling with grief, chasing dreams, and figuring out how to live in the moment.”

Ebby Bowles, Hingham Public Library, MA
NoveList read-alike: Chef’s Choice by TJ Alexander


This Summer Will be Different

by Carley Fortune

Berkley
ISBN: 9780593638897

Filled with emotional moments as well as fun and flirty scenes, this wonderful story set in picturesque Prince Edward Island is about friendships and found family. More than a love story, this novel has a lot that readers will relate to, including friendship and family. A perfect steamy romance book for the summer.”

Karen Troutman, LibraryReads Ambassador
NoveList read-alike: How To Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson


Lies and Weddings: A Novel

by Kevin Kwan

Doubleday
ISBN:  9780385546294

“Arabella Leung is doing everything she can to match her son Rufus to a very wealthy titled woman in this romp around the world with controlling parents, one of whom is desperately matchmaking to save the family estate. Readers who love high entertainment and the bad behavior of the haves and the have-even-mores will devour this wild ride.”

Kimberly McGee, Lake Travis Community Library, TX
NoveList read-alike: Family Trust by Kathy Wang


When Among Crows

Tor Books
ISBN: 9781250855480

“This painful and fascinating (but ultimately hopeful) urban fantasy set in Chicago is a packed novella steeped in Slavic folklore. Dymitr is on a quest to retrieve a guarded plant that might relieve the demon Ala of a deadly curse so he can bargain with her for a hint on how to seek an audience with Baba Yaga herself.”

Jessica Trotter, Capital Area District Libraries, MI
NoveList read-alike: Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott


by Terah Shelton Harris

Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN: 9781464218613

“This moving story follows four siblings trying to hold onto their family property. Secrets and dubious life choices threaten to break the family apart as the siblings experience despair followed by self-discovery and self-determination, seeking what truly matters. An engaging and satisfying read, featuring believable, complex characters.”

Monica McAbee, PGCMLS Surratts-Clinton Branch, MD
NoveList read-alike: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson


The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club

Dial Press
ISBN: 9781984801319

“Constance, companion to an elderly woman, meets Poppy, a young woman trying to start a business for women motorcycle riders. Constance gets drawn into the circle of friendship and independence the motorcycle ladies enjoy. Readers will love the characters, the setting, and the portrayal of life after The Great War.”

Linda Quinn, LibraryReads Ambassador
NoveList read-alike: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer


Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea

Bramble
ISBN: 9781250333292

“This book is so cozy, readers will want to snuggle under a heap of blankets with a delicious cup of tea. Kianthe and Reyna were the perfect opposites-attract couple—determined to make things work no matter the obstacles. Lots of humor with a serious amount of heart. Perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes.”

Laura Eckert, Clermont County Public Library, OH
NoveList read-alike: Notorious Sorcerer by Davinia Evans


Bonus Pick:

Notable Nonfiction:

                                    

Courtesy of LibraryReads.org


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Drop-In Tech Help

Red and Grey Electronic Devices on a grey background

Drop-In Tech Help

THURSDAY, MAY 9 2024 2:30—4:30 PM Garden Room

Need help with your laptop, phone, tablet, e-reader, or have another technology-related question?

Bring your devices and your questions! We’ll do our best to answer them, and if we can’t, we’ll look for answers and learn alongside you. 

 No registration is required.

Troubleshooting computer hardware problems and running virus scans are beyond the scope of the library’s tech help. The library reserves the right to determine whether a patron’s request for tech help is beyond the scope of service.


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Stress Awareness Every Month

April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. Considering how pervasive stress is in our society and how damaging it can be to our mental and physical health, why not consider stress management year-round as part of your regular self-care routine? Here are some books and websites to help you identify the stressors in your life, how they impact you, and some healthy techniques to manage them.

The stress prescription : seven days to more joy and ease by Elissa Epel, PhD

In The Stress Prescription, Dr. Epel distills years of research into a practical seven-day plan to help us fundamentally transform our relationship to stress. Over the course of seven days, you’ll learn simple, science-based techniques that offer immediate action and relief. Stress is inevitable. But it doesn’t have to make us miserable or wear us down.

The art of taking it easy : how to cope with bears, traffic, and the rest of life’s stressors by Dr. Brian King

Explores what stress is, where it comes from, and what it does to our bodies and brains. Includes life-changing tips through a blend of humor, science, and guidance.

Traumatized : identify, understand, and cope with PTSD and emotional stress by Kati Morton, LMFT

An accessible guide to understand what trauma is, how PTSD is diagnosed, being aware that it can have a late onset, what can happen if it goes untreated–and how social media can be triggering our trauma.

What do you say? : how to talk with kids to build motivation, stress tolerance, and a happy home by William Stixrud, PhD, and Ned Johnson

If you’re a parent, you’ve had a moment–maybe many of them–when you’ve thought, “How did that conversation go so badly?.. The good news is that effective communication can be cultivated, learned, and taught. And as you get better at this, so will your kids.

The stress-proof brain : master your emotional response to stress using mindfulness and neuroplasticity by Melanie Greenberg

We can’t avoid the things that stress us out, but we can change how we respond to them. Greenberg, a clinical psychologist and neuroscience expert offers an original and comprehensive approach to help readers harness the power of positive emotions and overcome stress for good.

Stress Screener (Mental Health America)

Coping With Stress Resources (CDC)

Learn to Manage Stress (MedLinePlus)

Stress Management: How to Reduce and Relieve Stress (HelpGuide.org)


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LibraryReads Hall of Fame: April 2024

by Alexandria Bellefleur

Avon

ISBN: 9780063258532

NoveList read-alike: The Ex-Talk by Rachel Lynn Solomon


by Alyssa Cole

William Morrow

ISBN: 9780063297135

NoveList read-alike: Liar, Dreamer, Thief by Maria Dong


by Emily Henry

Berkley

ISBN: 9780593441282

NoveList read-alike: Georgie All Along by Kate Clayborn


by Sally Hepworth

St. Martin’s Press

ISBN: 9781250284525

NoveList read-alike: The Secrets of Us by Lucinda Berry


by Abby Jimenez

Forever

ISBN: 9781538704431

NoveList read-alike: Maya’s Laws of Love by Alina Khawaja


by Mary Kubica

Park Row

ISBN: 9780778308065

NoveList read-alike: Fit to Die by Daniel Kalla


by Chloe Liese

Berkley

ISBN: 9780593642474

NoveList read-alike: Iris Kelly Doesn’t Date by Ashley Herring Blake


by Clare Mackintosh

Sourcebooks Landmark

ISBN: 9781728296500

NoveList read-alike: Small Game by Blair Braverman


by Megan Miranda

S&S/Marysue Rucci Books

ISBN: 9781668010440

NoveList read-alike: The Good Son by Yu-Jong Chong


by Ruth Reichl

Random House

ISBN: 9780812996302

NoveList read-alike: Main Character Energy by Jamie Varon


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Enrich Your Day with Poetry!

Launched by the Academy of American Poets in April 1996, National Poetry Month is a special occasion that celebrates poets’ integral role in our culture and that poetry matters.

Here is a special poem to help us celebrate the art of life and creativity:

Do not trust the eraser

by Rosamond S. King
for Gabrielle Civil & Madhu H. Kaza

Do not trust the eraser. Prefer
crossed out, scribbled over monuments
to something once thought correct
. Instead: colors, transparencies
track changes, versions, iterations
. How else might you return
after discards, attempts
and mis takes, to your
original genius
?

Want to enrich your day? Sign up for poets.org’s free service, Poem-A-Day, the only daily service featuring new work by today’s poets.

Content from Poets.org


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Tech Goes Home for Small Businesses

laptops on a table

Have you always wanted to start a business or nonprofit but didn’t know where to begin? Our 9-week course beginning on April 20th will provide you with all the necessary information and resources to get started.

During the course, you’ll discover how to access local, state, and federal resources and grants. You’ll also learn about effective business strategies, financial planning, online payments, digital marketing, and more. Plus, you’ll receive a free Chromebook and internet hotspot to help you get started on your new venture. The course is offered in both English and Spanish.

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to make your business or nonprofit dream a reality. This course requires an application before approval; to apply, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/yUocwNbmEq8xincJ8. Please note that the course is limited to Massachusetts residents who are actively interested or involved in small business administration. For more information, please email us at hkochar@nevinslibrary.org.

This course is offered in partnership with Tech Goes Home (TGH), a Massachusetts-based nonprofit organization that collaborates with communities to advance digital equity


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Ready, Set, Library!

From ALA.ORG