Month: December 2025

What’s Ashley Reading?: Santa Cruise

Santa Cruise by Mary Higgins Clark & Carol Higgins Clark

First line: Randolph Weed, self-styled commodore, stood on the deck of his pride and joy, the Royal Mermaid, an old ship he had bought and paid a fortune to refurbish and on which he intended to spend the rest of his life playing host to both friends and paying guests.

Summary: The maiden voyage of the Royal Mermaid is turning out to be more eventful than the Commodore had hoped for. The Santa Cruise was set to launch with people of all sorts who had done good in their communities and donated to worthy causes. Among these are Alvirah, a lottery winner turned amateur sleuth, Regan Reilly, a private investigator, and two stowaways who are paying a fortune to escape from the law. As weird occurrences continue to happen Alvirah and Regan start putting the pieces together to find out who is sabotaging this holiday cruise.

My Thoughts: As part of my holiday TBR I picked up another Mary Higgins Clark book. This one brings together characters from her books, Alvirah Meehan and Regan Reilly from her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark’s, book series. I have not read either series yet but I met the characters in another holiday mystery last Christmas, Deck the Halls. Even without knowing the backstories I felt that it was easy to enjoy and follow the story.

This book had a cozier vibe to it than others I have read and it had a very complicated and sometimes ridiculous plot but I did have fun reading it, which is all that matters. There was a lot of coincidences that would never happen anywhere else than in fiction but this made it rather funny. There are two criminals hiding on the ship dressed as Santa Claus, a cabin mix-up leading to further complications and several sightings of a “ghost” which are the perfect recipe for a complicated but cozy mystery.

If you want something quick before Christmas than give this or Deck the Halls a chance. Each are short and sweet and will help get you in the holiday mood.

The Blog Wants to Know: Dec. 2025

In this holiday season, you might be working through your shopping list of gifts for loved ones, but it’s okay to share what you might like this season so we asked our library staff what they’re hoping for!

What’s something you’re hoping for in the holidays, whether a gift from others or a gift you might get for yourself? What’s something you’ve had your eye on for a while? Maybe your wish list might inspire some ideas for others! 

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: This holiday, I got myself a little gift.  I moved into a bigger apartment this summer so I was lacking a few items to fill the space.  I really wanted a dining table with chairs for my kitchen.  I finally found one that was reasonably priced and the perfect fit.  Last weekend I went to pick it up and got it set up in my space.  I LOVE it!  I cannot wait to have people over for a little dinner party.  Luckily Christmas is just around the corner!

Kathy, Public Support Services: There is not anything I need anymore, so the thing I want most is to spend time with my family!

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: What I want the most is for life to slow down a bit this holiday season so I can enjoy it. I feel like I’m always running from place to place and exhausting myself. I want to spend the holidays with my family and enjoy my surroundings. 

Tabbitha, Youth Services: Honestly, the best gift I could ask for isn’t something that can be wrapped. I just want time with my family! Just to be present, share some laughs, and intentionally create those beautiful, core memories that we all can share for years to come and that will stick with my daughters for a life time.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: I had the opportunity to take surf lessons with my goddaughter this summer, and I realized pretty quickly how much strength and training it requires. Since Kansas is the most landlocked state ever, I know that I need something to help for the next time I get to hop on a board in the ocean. I found this awesome balance board called the RevBalance Swell, and I really hope to snag that so I can practice my balance for the waves!

Shane, Public Support Services: I always appreciate a gift that makes my life easier in some way. This year I asked for a Happy Planner for next year, a new computer keyboard, and a water distiller. However, I have been eyeing a sale for a Big Blanket Co. Hideout Hoodie. I just can’t justify the full cost to spend on myself!

Now it’s your turn! What are some of your holiday wishes this year? Share them in the comments below, and Happy Holidays!


What’s Ashley Reading?: Vagabond

Vagabond by Tim Curry

First line: “Honey, you’re the third Tim Curry to call today,” she said, and hung up the phone.

Summary: Tim Curry has had a career that has spanned decades with some of the most memorable characters on stage and screen. In his memoir he explores his childhood as the son of a military chaplain, the start of his love for performing, the iconic roles throughout his career and overcoming the challenges following his stroke.

My Thoughts: I absolutely love Tim Curry. I always look forward to watching Rocky Horror Picture Show at Halloween (at times going to the midnight shows at the Orpheum). He stars alongside the Muppets in Muppet Treasure Island which is one of my favorite movies. Then I see him every Christmas as the creepy hotel worker in Home Alone 2. He can do so much and has been a part of my viewing life since I was a kid. When I saw that he was releasing an autobiography this year, which also coincides with the 50th anniversary of Rocky Horror and 40th anniversary of Clue, I immediately added it to my TBR.

Rather than reading it I decided to listen to the audiobook, especially since he reads it himself. It was a fascinating stroll through the ups and downs of his life and career. He makes a point at the start that he will not discuss personal relationships but focus on his work. For an actor who has spent so long in the public eye he has stayed very private about his personal life and he kept it that way here too. But as a reader I never even noticed the exclusion. He had so many stories about his work that he didn’t even need it.

After finishing the book I was just blown away by how much he has done, seen and lived. Listening to him reminisce was fascinating and to hear the behind the scenes stories made me love him and his work even more. If you love Rocky Horror or Clue or any of his other movies then this should be a must read. It will give you a new appreciation for the man who made these characters what they are.

The Lineup: Tabbitha

The lineup of what the DPL staff have been up to lately.

Tabbitha’s Lineup

Hobby: Don’t Wreath Me Hangin’! 

There’s nothing I love more than the holiday season, and jumping into the decorating process is always my favorite part! Creating beautiful, custom wreaths for my family and friends has become my absolute favorite Christmas tradition. It’s such a relaxing and fun DIY activity—I love putting on a cozy movie or show and getting lost in the process of shaping the perfect design. Last year, I had extra fun creating this festive piece specifically for my amazing, gnome-loving best friend! Seeing the finished, personalized product ready for gifting is truly the best part of the holidays. 

Travel:

This year, our family is excited to be heading back home to Illinois for the holidays, eager to visit with family and friends. There’s something truly special about Chicago; it’s one of those places that wraps you in a warm embrace and instantly feels like home, no matter how much time has passed since your last visit. Coupled with the crisp winter weather and the city’s signature, over-the-top holiday decorations, being there makes you feel like you’ve stepped right into the middle of a classic Christmas movie. The whole city sparkles with an almost cinematic, unforgettable festive magic.

Entertainment:

Every holiday season, we make sure to cuddle up and watch all of our favorite Christmas classics, but the real fun lies in discovering a fantastic new addition to the lineup. Last year, we struck gold with a movie called Dashing through the Snow, which delivers a truly fun and unexpected twist on the typical holiday fare.

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Traditions:

One of our absolute favorite ways to bring in the holiday season is by visiting Illuminations at Botanica every year. This tradition provides the perfect opportunity to get out of the house, enjoy the crisp winter air, and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking display of holiday lights. Each year, Botanica manages to outdo themselves; there’s always something brand new—a stunning new installation or a clever lighting design—that captivates us and reminds us of the magic of the season. It truly is a spectacular way to create lasting holiday memories.

Show/Music:

 If you are looking for high-quality children’s programming, look no further! The beloved classic picture book, The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, has been beautifully adapted into an Amazon Prime Original that is an amazing watch with your children. It captures the simple, warm wonder of the book, making it a wonderful way to celebrate the magic of winter. The show also features a stunning, unexpected score “Snowy Day,” performed by the renowned group Boyz II Men. Their signature, flawless harmony, making it a treat for parents and kids alike.

Bookworm Buffet: A Feast for your Reading Senses

Bookworm Buffet: November 2025

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

November’s Spread –

Physical: Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

Genre: Fantasy, Magical Realism

Summary:
Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart. With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles— and if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her.
Publication: October 07, 2025

My Rating:

eBook: We’re a Bad Idea, Right? by K.L. Walther

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance

Summary:
Audrey Barbour has had enough of following the rules. So when her best friend Henry proposes an outrageous fake-dating scheme to win back his ex-girlfriend, it feels like the first step to shaking up her perfect life. And the second? That comes when Audrey’s parents go out of town, sparking a high-risk, high-reward solution to pay for her fellowship—renting out her family’s Connecticut mansion online. With the help of her new fake-boyfriend, it shouldn’t be hard to pull off… right?  
Expected Publication: March 03, 2026

My Rating:

Audio: All Systems Red by Martha Wells

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Novella
Narrated by: Kevin R. Free

Summary:
On a distant planet, a team of scientists is conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid–a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, Murderbot wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is, but when a neighboring mission goes dark, it’s up to the scientists and Murderbot to get to the truth.
Publication: May 02, 20217

My Rating: