Month: June 2025

Take a Listen: June 2025

Welcome to our monthly series, where we explore the music tastes of our staff.

Prince has been my go-to lately. You can’t go wrong with Prince, no matter your mood.

~Shelia

I’ve been listening to the ‘90s Rock Essentials playlist on Apple Music. It’s also a great hype song to get ready for a busy summer reading day at the library.

Did you know that thunder is said 34 times in the 4:52 song runtime?

~Hannah

This song is so healing. No matter what you believe spiritually, you can find some kind of peace and connection in this song. The lyrics are poetic and the soft melody is like a gentle lullaby from the universe. The gospel choir in the end just gives me chills. 

~Alyssa

This song has always been very moving and this version really amps up the emotion of the song. I also saw this version performed live before the recording came out, so the song has a special place in my memory.

~Shane

I’ve been really attached to this song recently. It touches on growing up and the passage of time, something bittersweet to listen to as I get older and discover myself. 

~Emily B.

I’m working through some stuff so that is why I like it.

~Dawn S.

I’ve been vibing with 90s/early 2000s country recently, and this song really hit.

~Megan

I’ve been on a Les Mis kick lately. It’s a musical that never gets old for me, it’s so beautiful and powerful and… it’s just a masterpiece if we’re being honest.

~Maycie

Happy listening!

Last, Current, Next: Jessie’s June Reading Shelf

“Last, Current, Next” is where Jessie shares what she’s been reading and what’s next on her reading list. If you’re looking for something different to read or if you’re just curious, check out this month’s three selections.

Last: The Night Guest by Hildur Knútsdóttir 

Format: Audiobook via Libby 

Genre: Fiction, Horror, Thriller, Novella 

In three hours, you follow the main character as she seeks medical treatment for her symptoms only to be told there’s nothing wrong with her because her blood work has come back fine. But now there’s strange things being noticed when she wakes up, like injuries she didn’t have the day before. Each day brings something a little bit stranger than the last. I normally don’t like thrillers as audiobooks, I prefer them in a physical or digital format, but the narration kept me on my toes the entire time. The ending left me wanting more, and I would have loved having this as a full novel. 

Current: Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Márquez 

 Format: Physical via Interlibrary Loan 

Genre: Classics, Spanish Literature, Fiction, Magical Realism 

I first read Gabriel Garcia Márquez’s “Of Love and Other Demons” in a college history class and it’s been one of my favorite books since. I decided I wanted to try working through all Márquez’s backlist of books and landed on this one first. In this work, a man returns to town to find the truth about a murder that happened nearly three decades ago. Everyone knew it was going to happen, but no one stopped it. The whole town is being questioned. I’m about halfway through and I’m enjoying piecing together the truth from various rumors from past and present time. 

Did you know? A book like “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” that is not in our library consortium can still be checked out from Derby Public Library by utilizing our Interlibrary Loan service. Check out our website page for more information! 

Next: M is for Monster by Talia Dutton 

Format: Physical 

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Science Fiction, LGBTQ 

A quick glance through looking at the artwork of this graphic novel is what initially caught my attention. But also, I really love a Frankenstein-esque moment! A scientist sister brings her sister back to life, or at least she thought she did. When M starts pushing back on expectations of not only the scientist but themself, a challenge arises – whose expectations are we trying to meet? I’m looking forward to reading this as I think it hits on some great conversation and reflection points such as self-discovery, individuality and grief.   

What’s Ashley Reading?: With a Vengeance

With a Vengeance by Riley Sager

First line: The train isn’t empty, although it certainly feels that way.

Summary: Anna Matheson’s life was destroyed by a train disaster in 1942. For years she has ruminated on the people who ruined her life and now she has uncovered the truth behind their deeds from over a decade before. In a master plan to take down all of them she lures them onto a train from Philadelphia to Chicago which will end in their arrest for their crimes. However, someone on board the train has another plan for the conspirators. Anna must hunt a killer amongst them in order to get the justice she has been waiting years for which means protecting the people she hates the most.

My Thoughts: Once again Riley Sager has changed course from his usual format, not that it’s a bad thing but different than what he has written before. He has returned to a female main character but rather than only one narrator we get the perspective of all the passengers of the train. Early on you get the feel of Murder on the Orient Express and I was in for it.

I did really enjoy this book. I love closed door because it makes you pay attention to every little detail because these are the parts that may give you a clue to the killer’s identity. Everyone is a suspect and there are only so many places to hide. I think the addition of giving us other perspectives helped enhance the mystery but we still cannot trust anyone.

I had a lot of fun reading this but my one critique is near the end where there was cliché scene that felt silly. When you read it you will understand. It seems to be added because it is almost expected but I could have done without it. Even with this scene I found the mystery intriguing and entertaining. If you love Agatha Christie and a good closed door mystery, then I’d highly recommend Sager’s newest novel.

The Blog Wants to Know: June 2025

Despite the current deluge of rain and the humid temperatures, we are technically in the middle of summertime and maybe some warmer weather so this month’s blog question is all about summer activities! 

What are some of your favorite summer activities? Do you like to go somewhere special in town during the summer months or do you get to enjoy certain hobbies now that it’s a little warmer?

Shane, Public Support Services: I grew up camping in the summer months and I still do when I can. El Dorado Lake is a fun one close by to go to for one night or just a day to go swimming. My favorite summertime activity is evening bonfires with plentiful s’mores with friends and family.

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: My boys and I enjoy going to the Y for swimming and the movie theater for air conditioning. 

Eric, Director: Just in case you didn’t know, my primary favorite summer activity is cycling!  I definitely ride a lot more in the summer months!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: One of our favorite summer activities is going to Starlite Drive-In in Wichita. We love the atmosphere and of course, the concessions. Oh and if your car battery dies, they have jumper cables for you to borrow! “Starlite Drive-In gives you more, call 524-2424“

Maycie, Public Support Services: I am not by any means a hot weather kind of gal so my favorite summer activity is hanging out the air conditioning and waiting for winter to return! 

Emily B., Public Support Services: Some of my favorite summer activities are driving with my windows down and the music up! If you happen to catch me driving around, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll be able to hear my music- even if the windows are rolled up. I also love going on evening walks and getting to watch the sunset, since it’s warm enough to be out, and having small bonfires with friends.

I try to spend as much time as I can down at a small lake just across the border of Kansas into Oklahoma. My family has been going there as long as I can remember, so it has a very special place in my heart. 

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: I love sitting on my porch outside in the summer mornings or evenings just reading a book either with a cup of coffee or a glass of white wine. I’m also a big fan of evening summer walks. I adore the ocean so summertime means visiting family in North Carolina and hitting the waves in our favorite coastal town, Wrightsville Beach. My godchildren and I love to board surf, and we’re hoping to take pro surf lessons this summer!

Hannah, Assistant Director: Early morning summer walks and runs are the best. I can watch the sun come up, and I’m not running in the pitch black like the rest of the year.

Kristy H., Public Support Services: My favorite summer activity was always going to  Worlds of Fun In Kansas City. It was the best of times, all the walking and the old fashioned cars that were on rails that we got to drive at 6 years old , And the big paper flowers. Those are the best memories!


Bookworm Buffet: A Feast for your Reading Senses

Bookworm Buffet: June 2025

Welcome to Bookworm Buffet! Get ready to feast on three literary delights, each served up in a different format: physical, digital ebook, and audiobook.

June’s Spread –

Physical: We Met Like This by Kasie West

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Adult Fiction

Summary:
When Margot gets fired from her job on the same day she meets Oliver again, her life becomes a veritable mess. Her dream career is dying right before her eyes, and Oliver thinks she’s interested in only one thing: a repeat of the hot make out session they had three years ago so she can get him out of her system. And maybe that is all she wants from him, because she and Oliver are definitely not compatible—he doesn’t hit the snooze button, he runs five miles every morning, he reads nonfiction, and worst of all, she didn’t meet him in cute way!
But in her scramble to keep her dream career alive, by opening her own agency, Oliver is there with his golden retriever energy, more steady and helpful than any man she’s ever dated. Just when she thinks she’s overcome her app bias, she realizes that maybe it’s not her who’s holding back, but him. And his reasons are more than she bargained for.

Publication: September 16, 2025

My Rating:

eBook: The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Time Travel

Summary:
Tess Bright just scored her dream role starring in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. It’s not just the role of a lifetime, but it’s also her last chance to prove herself as a serious actress (no easy feat after being fired from her last TV gig) and more importantly, it’s her opportunity to honor her mom, who was the biggest fan of Jane Austen ever.
Hugh is a type-A, no-nonsense, Royal Academy prodigy, whereas Tess is big-hearted, a little reckless, and admittedly, kind of a mess. But the film needs chemistry—and Tess’s career depends on it.

Sparks fly, but not in the way Tess hoped, when an electrical accident sends the two feuding co-stars back in time to Jane Austen’s era. 200 years in the past with only each other to rely on, Tess and Hugh need to ad-lib their way through the Regency period in order to make it back home, and hopefully not screw up history along the way.

Publication: September 16, 2025

My Rating:

Audio: The Spells We Cast by Jason June

Genre: Fantasy, Magic, Young Adult, Romance
Narrated by: Jason June

Summary:
Nigel Barrett has spent his whole life preparing for the Culling, a spell-casting competition that determines which of the world’s teenage magicians will be stripped of their powers to preserve magical balance. But nothing could have prepared him to face Ori Olson, a broody rival whose caustic wit cloaks a painful past. From the moment Nigel and Ori meet, sparks fly. Their powers are stronger, more thrilling, the closer they get—not that they can risk getting attached. Because as the field narrows and the Culling grows more dangerous, Nigel and Ori realize there’s more at stake than just their powers. The greatest threat to magic, their future, and all of humanity might be the connection growing between them. . . .

Publication: October 03, 2023

My Rating:

The Lineup : Ashley

Ashley’s Lineup

TV show/streaming: Community

On my recent trip to Seattle my cousin had Community playing and I became immediately obsessed with it. It is a group of misfits who form a study group at a community college and it centers around their antics and interactions with each other. It first aired back in 2009 so I am way behind the times on this one but it also means I can binge all the seasons right now! It is quirky and laugh out loud funny with a stellar cast.

Shopping: Old Town Farmers Market

It’s farmers market season! I love wandering around the Old Town Farmers Market in Wichita. There are all sorts of things available including baked goods, arts & crafts, dog treats and a few vegetables (it is a bit early for much). I have been taking my dog, Dudley, who gets very excited to try all the treats on offer. He gets all the admiring oohs and aahs. I have loved trying some of the foods on offer such as Polka Pierogi who has a weekly offering and usually sells out quickly. I am hoping to try one of the other food vendors this weekend and continue exploring all the market has to offer. If you get a chance visit the market in Old Town and find some goodies to take home with you!

Podcast: After Dark : Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal

I absolutely love this podcast! The two hosts, Maddy Pelling and Anthony Delaney, are both historians of the eighteenth century but the expand their research for the show to all time periods. Their chemistry and banter on the show is perfect. They do such a great job of telling the stories or talking with experts about the topic of the episode. They have covered everything from hauntings, UFOs, the last days of historic figures and serial killers. I have learned so much from them which has led me to read or learn more. I currently have Maddy’s book from interlibrary loan and cannot wait to start it this weekend!

Genre: True crime

In the last several months I have been in my true crime era. I watch all the new documentaries on Netflix. I place holds on the upcoming historical true crime books. I don’t know what it is about the genre that has recently pulled me in and completely engrosses my attention. My most recent read was The Peepshow : The Murders at Rillington Place by Kate Summerscale. It details the crimes, trial and aftermath of the serial killings of Reg Christie in 1950s London. The book was a fascinating look into a sensational case of a serial killer who had possibly slipped under the radar for years. If you love true crime then I’d highly recommend this one. I am now anxiously awaiting my ILL of the mini-series based on the Rillington murders to arrive.

Hobby: Cross stitching

For years I have been working on a cross stitch of Beauty and the Beast in the style of Thomas Kinkade. I am getting near the end of it and excited to see it completed and framed. This is the most intricate project I have worked on and it will be very rewarding to finally finish it. Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney movie and this will be a perfect addition to my home library decor. I have several other kits or projects lined up after this one which I cannot wait to get started on.

Resource of the Month: NoveList Plus

Most bibliophiles have long TBR (to-be-read) lists. Stacks of books on the bedside table and over-full bookshelves. And yet, we still often ask the age-old question: what should I read next?

At the library, we call the service that answers this question “readers advisory.” Our staff is ready to help you find your next read. Most of the library staff are prolific readers and can make recommendations from our personal reading history, but we are also knowledge in searching the KanShare catalog and utilizes other resources to help patrons find the right book to fit their reading preferences.

One of those resources in called NoveList Plus, and patrons can access it through our website and use it on their own!

On NoveList, patrons can browse curated lists of trending titles, popular genres, and award winners. A favorite feature is the read-alike search for both individual titles and series. If you liked Hunger Games, NoveList will give you a list of other dystopian series you might enjoy.

If you find a book you are interested in, read reviews from Library Journal and click the “Check the Library Catalog” link to put the book on hold with your library card.

NoveList Plus will receive an update on June 16th with even more features and ways to search for titles. Check out NoveList Plus today and find your next read!

What’s Ashley Reading?: Kill Your Darlings

Kill Your Darlings by Peter Swanson

First line: The first attempt at killing her husband was the night of the dinner party.

Summary: Thom and Wendy have been married for years and the whole time they have had a secret that has bound them together. But now Wendy is sure that she is ready to make sure that Thom will never reveal this secret, which means she needs to kill him. Everything leading the Wendy’s decision is evident from their past. Told in reverse the story hits on major life events going all the way back to their secret and the childhood that brought them together. Sometimes only two people can keep a secret if one of them is dead.

My Thoughts: Of all the Peter Swanson books, this was probably my least favorite. I loved the premise which several authors have used recently. Sometimes it works and other times not as much. At the beginning I was really interested in how it would work out. However, I felt that much of it dragged on and on. I did not like any of the characters. They all had major flaws and we see where it came from as the story progressed. Even the ending felt rather blah. There was a bit of information that ties back to the beginning and shows what consequences may be coming for our characters. This slow burn was interesting but Swanson’s other books have been much more engaging for me.

FYI: Release date is June 10, 2025.