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Editor’s Note: Librarians at the J.V. Fletcher Library just released their annual book recommendations for gift-giving. Scroll below.
Holiday Hours: The Library will be open on Tuesday, Dec. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be closed on Wednesday, Dec. 25 and will reopen at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26. The Library will be open on Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 1. and will reopen on Thursday., Jan. 2 at 10 a.m.
Winter Solstice Drop-in Craft: Saturday, Dec. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Winter Solstice is Miss Nancy’s favorite day of the year. It is considered the start of winter, but she thinks since the days are getting longer, it is all downhill to SPRING! Depending on the point of view, patrons can either make a beaded pipe cleaner snowflake or sun to celebrate. This free drop-in program takes place in the Children’s room and is generously funded by the Friends of the J.V. Fletcher Library.
5th Annual 9-Hole Mini Golf in the Library: Monday, Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.And the tradition continues … a nine hole (and a bonus hole) mini-golf course all over the library. Here is something to do with the whole family during the holiday break. This free drop-in program is generously funded by the KDK Memorial Foundation (in honor of Kurt Kelly).
Preschool New Year’s Eve Party: Tuesday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Youth Services librarians cannot possibly stay up until midnight so drop-in for a fun filled New Year’s party with kid friendly crafts, singing, dancing, and a celebratory countdown to noon with noisemakers and confetti! Free drop-in for children 5 and under with their caregivers.
Sunday Hours: Resume on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020 through Sunday, April 28. On Sundays the Library is open from 2 to 5 p.m.
The J. V. Fletcher Library’s Annual Staff Recommendations for holiday gift-giving and/or reading for pleasure:
FICTION:
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, by Kim Michele Richardson. The story of Cussy Mary Carter, one of the last true blue-skinned people of Kentucky who is a member of the Pack Horse Library Project of the 1930’s. This book is about courage, strength and the love of books.
Chances Are, by Richard Russo. Three old friends return for a weekend on Martha’s Vineyard. The years have led them all down different paths since they met back in the 1960’s. Each has secrets that will be revealed during their time together and a mystery from their past will resurface again. Back in 1971, on this same island, the woman each of them loved mysteriously disappeared. After 40 years, will they finally learn what happened to Jacy Calloway?
The Dutch House, by Ann Patchett. Centered around the family home, The Dutch House is the story of a brother and sister that takes place over five decades through poverty, wealth, love, loss and an inability to let go of the past.
The Me I Used to Be, by Jennifer Ryan. Evangeline is a young woman committed to jail for a crime she didn’t commit. When she is finally released she discovers her father has left her in charge of the family ranch, her mother blames her for everything wrong with the family her brother won’t speak to her. Can Evangeline get her family and her life back on track and finally find some happiness?
NONFICTION:
Nothing Fancy: Unfussy Food for Having People Over, by Alison Roman. There is no reason to stress out when having a dinner party. Food should be fun and bring people together. Alison Roman’s delicious recipes show us food can be wonderful and simple at the same time.
The Unwinding of the Miracle : a Memoir of Life, Death, and Everything That Comes After , by Julie Yip-Williams. Julie Yip-Williams was born blind in Vietnam and almost put to death by her own grandmother. Her family escapes Vietnam as refugees to America where a surgeon at UCLA is able to partially restore her life. Julie goes on to become a Harvard educated lawyer until the shocking discovery at age 37 that she has terminal colon cancer. What started out as a journal to her two young daughters evolved into this inspirational memoir that became an instant best seller.
CHILDREN – Picture Books:
Ball & Balloon, by Rob Sanders. Ball wishes he could fly like Balloon, but when a boy arrives and sends Ball rolling, bouncing, and even soaring into the air, Balloon feels deflated. Balloon and Ball learn through friendship and understanding how they both can have high flying- ideas dreams.
One Red Sock , by Jennifer Satler. When a little purple hippo in a polka dot room cannot find the mate for her red sock, she tries everything in her sock drawer in order to be fashionable–or at least to match. Our little purple friend learns there’s a lot more to personal style than just matching.
TWEENS:
New Kid, by Jerry Craft (Graphic Novel – middle school). Alternately hilarious and heartfelt, Jordan Banks navigates 7th grade at a brand new school where he feels like he just doesn’t fit in. Craft perfectly encapsulates the good, bad, and ugly of middle school.
On the Come Up, by Angie Thomas (Contemporary Fiction). Bri wants to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a real rapper but the path to success is full of sharp curves and hard choices. Perfect for any teen trying to find their voice.
The J.V. Fletcher Library is located at 50 Main St., Westford. For more information or to register for a program, visit http://www.westfordlibrary.org or call 978-692-5555.
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