It's National Library Week! National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. We're so lucky in Andover and the greater Merrimack Valley to have patrons who are passionate about reading, borrowing, and all that libraries offer. To celebrate National Library week, here are some things happening at MHL throughout the week:
April 2024 Book of the Month
Still Life by bestselling author Sarah Winman weaves a poignant tale of people united by love, war, and art, while immersing readers in the backdrop of Italy during World War II. Called poetry by The New York Times, this is our pick for April's Book of the Month.
Artist of the Month: April 2024 – Pixie Yates
Pixie Yates is a NYC an MA based artist, designer, illustrator, and educator. Inspired by urban life, everyday objects, and the natural world particularly her childhood summers in Cape May N.J. Pixie is known for her dreamy, effervescent, color drenched style that invokes a sense of style and delight. Pixie's eponymous late 90's fashion label, featured in Vogue, harper's Bazaar, W, and more was carried in upscale boutiques around the world.
April 2024 Puzzle: 50th Anniversary of Stephen King’s “Carrie”
Carrie, Stephen King's first novel, was first published on April 5, 1974. It launched Stephen King's career as an author, with his novels consistently becoming best sellers. As the headline of a piece by Margaret Atwood in the New York Times puts it, "Stephen King's First Book Is 50 Years Old, and Still Horrifyingly Relevant." We hope you enjoy this Carrie-themed puzzle!
Transgender Day of Visibility
In honor of Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31st, here are some recent novels for teen and adult readers written by transgender and nonbinary authors.
Books for fans of Dune
Since its publication in 1965, Frank Herbert’s Dune has captured the imagination of readers and spawned multiple sequels by the author and his son and various film and TV adaptations. With the second part of Denis Villeneuve’s film adaptation out in theaters, there is renewed interest in the Hugo Award-winning novel. The desert tale of empire versus resistance, and mysticism versus science can be a dense read but we have recommendations if you’re looking for something in the same vein. Check out these books for readers of Dune looking for something similar or for those who are interested in dipping their toes into the space opera pool.
Fiction Set in Ireland
Wishing you could visit the Emerald Isle, but don’t have an international flight in your future? Try some armchair travel in the form of these recent novels set in Ireland. Erin go Bragh!
March 2024 Mid-Month Sudoku
Today’s puzzle drops on March 15th, known in ancient Rome as the ides of March and the date on which Julius Caesar was assassinated by members of the Roman Senate. In William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, a soothsayer warns the titular character, “Beware the ides of March.” It turns out that “Beware the ides of March” is an anagram of “Caesar: few bothered him.” Here are some more examples of where a word or phrase doesn’t quite jive with its anagram:
National Girl Scouts Day
Did you know the first ever Girl Scout meeting held in the USA was on March 12, 1912? That's why March 12 is National Girl Scouts Day. In honor of National Girl Scouts Day, here are some books for the youngest scouts all the way up to troop leaders. All of these books go great with a box of cookies.
Bring your button cell batteries to the library for safe recycling
Button cell batteries are found in all kinds of things: key fobs, computers, hearing aids, watches, and children's toys, to name a few. Many of these contain mercury, which is toxic when inhaled or ingested. So... Don't throw button cell batteries in the trash. Do recycle them responsibly by bringing them to the Reference Desk at the Library. You can also take them to the Health Department's office at Town Hall and the Municipal Services Facility at 5 Campanelli Drive.