The Lineup: Megan

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

Megan’s Lineup

Books: The Friend Zone series by Abby Jimenez

I started this series on a whim needing something to listen to. I was instantly hooked. I am a big audiobook listener because life is crazy and I need to multitask! What I like about these books are the wit and humor, while underlying a serious topic that the character is going through. The narration is *chef’s kiss*. I am now going down a rabbit hole of reading/listening to every book this author has written, and I’m not one bit sorry about it.

Availabe to check out here or on Libby.

Hobbies: Plants

For the longest time I would buy a plant, and it would be dead within a week. A few years back I made it my goal to learn how to care for them. I started off with a Pothos and Snake plant, both easy plants for beginners. And guess what?! THEY ARE STILL ALIVE! Since then I have accumulated more and now am a proud plant mama of 21! I am most proud of the one pictured, String of Tutles. I got it from Renata’s Plant Bus as a scrap she had. She told me to throw it on some dirt, and it would grow, and it has!

Games: Black Fleet

My husband & I have regular game nights at our best friends house, and have been introduced to many different board games. My current favorite is Black Fleet. It’s a pretty easy game that consists of delivering your merchant ship with goods and trying to get to another port without pirates stealing those goods. Even though the object isn’t to go after each other’s ships per se you can’t help the evil mwahahaha laugh or jokes that comes out when it happens. It makes us laugh every time we play it.

Pets: Tuna & Calvin

I have two pets, a corgi named Tuna, and a cat named Calvin. I’ve had Tuna since he was a wee little pupper, and he’s been my bestest boy for almost 13 years now. I got Calvin in September 2024 from the Wichita Animal Action League. We needed a chill adult cat who would get along with Tuna, and we definitely hit the jackpot with him.

Music: Lady Gaga

I have been a Gaga fan since the beginning, I love how she takes her time with albums and really makes them different and her own. Her newest album “Mayhem” is no exception! I was talking to some friends about it, and it was mentioned that it reminds them of her bold and weird side, which I absolutely love. My current favorite song from Mayhem is “The Beast”. Go take a listen or check out Mayhem here!




Take a Listen: March 2025

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

A new favorite album of mine is “The Stranger” by Billy Joel. It’s so beautiful and relaxing and honestly perfect! 

~Maycie

I love the ocean, and this song reminds me of the soothing waves.

~Alyssa

I like this song because it has funky, melodic bass music and is very unique.

~Tabbitha

Another weird song from a weird band that I can’t get enough of. Vibing with the love them for Valentine’s Day. The music video is especially odd, I warned you.

~Shane

It has a somber and ghostly quality to it that just hits the right way.

~Justin

Just makes me want to dance no matter where I’m at or what I’m doing.

~Megan

Happy listening!

What’s Ashley Reading?: Story of a Murder

Story of a Murder by Hallie Rubenhold

First line: No murderer should ever be the guardian of their victim’s story, and yet this is the role of Hawley Harvey Crippen has always held.

Summary: Belle Elmore, wife of Hawley Harvey Crippen and vaudeville actress, was found buried in the basement of her home in July 1910. In Story of a Murder Rubenhold examines the women involved with the case and details out the events leading up to the arrest of Crippen for the murder of his wife. For years writers have placed the blame on Belle for her own death but Rubenhold gives back her story while breaking down the subjects of class, misogyny and the role of women in Edwardian society.

My Thoughts: As with The Five, Rubenhold gives back the humanity to her subject. Her latest work dives deep into the Edwardian world and the murder case that captivated the masses on both sides of the Atlantic. I had never heard of the Crippen murder which gave me no preconceptions going into the narrative. The story starts out with Crippen’s life, education, work experience and first marriage. As she builds on these points we see the path leading us to the winter of 1910.

I find Rubenhold’s writing to be superb. I easily get drawn into the story as if I was reading fiction. Belle was not perfect and Rubenhold doesn’t try to portray her that way. She had flaws but nothing she did gave Crippen the right to do to her what he did. After Belle’s disappearance I loved how the research showed her friends doing all they could to find answers. The persisted against the male dominated world to try and find justice for their friend. It shows how much this woman meant to those around her.

The other woman the author examines is Crippen’s mistress, Ethel Le Neve. What did she truly know about the events surrounding the death of Belle Elmore? As the evidence is laid out and the narrative given for years is challenged, it leaves the reader questioning Ethel’s role in Belle’s death. We are taken through Ethel’s life and choices on her way to meeting Crippen. This new insight into the case gives a whole new dimension to the woman who was only considered a bystander at the time.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a true crime story and women’s history. After reading it let me know what you think! Are you convinced by Rubenhold’s assessment or do you stand with the courts of Edwardian England?

FYI: This is currently only available on Libby. DNA research has been done on the remains and new eyes on this DNA research has come into the public eye again recently. Read the story here.

The Blog Wants to Know – Mar. 2025

With our Spring Break World Tour programming series coming this month along with the number of passports that we’ve been processing, it’s gotten the library staff thinking about travel.

What other countries would you like to visit some day? Perhaps you’d like to return there again or visit there for the first time. What interests you about traveling there and what things would you like to do? 

Tabbitha, Youth Services:  A country I hope to visit one day is Japan. There are so many reasons I wish to visit this country! It has beautiful architecture and temples as well as delicious cuisine and fascinating culture. There are many Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival during the Spring around Japan, and one day I hope to attend one of these and bask in all the botanical ambiance. 

Miranda, Youth Services: I’ve never been outside the country yet! 🙁 I’d love to start with Cancún, Mexico or a Caribbean island. My family loves the ocean, and the water and beach are so gorgeous there. My dream is to go to Italy someday, probably in a couple decades when my life slows down! 😄Reasons are for the beautiful scenery, architecture, and FOOD! 

Shane, Public Support Services: I would love to go to Iceland. I’ve had my passport for several years but still have never traveled outside of the country (or seen the ocean in person). I find Norse culture super interesting and have heard how beautiful Iceland is. The Northern Lights would be wonderful to see.

Dawn, Youth Services: Getting out of the United States would be nice in general. I’d love to visit France some day since I minored in French in college. I’d really love to go to Italy, go on a gondola ride, see the sights, and enjoy authentic Italian food.  

Kathy, Public Support Services: Japan in spring to see the cherry blossoms and Italy to spend some time in Venice!

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: I’ve always wanted to visit Thailand to explore the incredible temples and stay at the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary. I’d love to get a traditional sak yant tattoo which is done by a Buddhist monk using the tap and poke method. The sak yant is a geometric design created originally for you by the monk after telling him about your life and goals. It’s a pretty gnarly process, but the end result is so beautiful. I’d also love to visit Mexico some day and see Frida Kahlo’s home, Casa Azul!

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan Services: Three years ago, I took my cousin to the UK.  It was her first time and my third trip to London but we both got to experience Edinburgh, Scotland together for the first time.  We only had a few days there which was not enough.  I would love to travel back to Edinburgh and visit other more rural parts of Scotland like the Highlands.  Plus, I’d love to have another plate or two of haggis at Makars Mash.

And even though I’ve been to London multiple times there are still places I have yet to visit.  I would love to do some day trip excursions outside the city to Canterbury, Winchester and York.  These places are filled with architecture and history that spans centuries.

But for a place I’ve never visited and would love to experience would have to be the Low Countries.  I have read and love the idea of hygge (the Danish art of coziness) and want to visit one of the happiest places on earth.  The countries of Denmark and the Netherlands just seem like an idyllic vacation spot with tulips, windmills and pastries.

Now it’s your turn! Tell us where you would love to travel to in the comments below!

What’s Ashley Reading?: Boudicca

Boudicca by P. C. Cast

First line: For the rest of my life, when fog swirled in with the dawn, my stomach would tighten, and the small hairs on my forearms would lift.

Summary: In Roman controlled Britain, the local tribes are struggling to keep their autonomy. The Iceni tribe has a new queen, Boudicca, who is determined to not bend the knee to the occupying forces. After they are attacked and barely escape with their lives, Boudicca and the Iceni tribe gather their allies and plan a counter attack on three major Roman-held cities. As they prove their might through their victories they retreat for the winter and to strategize for the upcoming spring. However, the Druid seer sees that there is destruction in their future. With trust in her patron goddess, Boudicca and the Iceni hope to change their fate as the next battle with the Roman legions approaches.

My Thoughts: My interest in Boudicca and her rebellion are rather recent. Several years ago while visiting London I was able to visit the statue to Boudicca on Westminster Bridge. It is rather impressive as she looms over the bridge and raises her arms in challenge or maybe even triumph.

P.C. Cast brings the history and the woman who led an army against the Romans to life in her book. Boudicca was a fiery haired, powerful and passionate woman. She did what many men of her time would not have dreamed of doing. Through the narrative we see what led Boudicca on her mission to oust the Romans from Britain and the consequences of her actions. The story is not one that is easy to read, including the atrocities that were done to her and her daughters. As with many stories of war it is filled with death and loss but there is love and hope as well.

I found this to be an interesting first dive into Roman Britain and the Iceni rebellion. For anyone else who loves a strong female character and ancient history then I’d highly recommend picking this one up.

The Lineup: Hayden

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

Hayden’s Lineup

TV Show: Friends 

Last month I watched all 10 seasons of Friends. After it being recommended to me for years, I finally decided to watch it. The earliest seasons were my favorite, but I enjoyed having the show playing in the background while completing schoolwork. 

Availabe to check out here or it is currently streaming on Max.

Pet: Harley 

Harley is my two-year-old cat. We found him when he was very little stuck under our grandfather’s truck, and we took him in. He loves sleeping in front of the heater and playing with dog food on the tile floor. During the summer, he will chase wasps and other bugs that get into our house.  Harley is one of my first pets and I absolutely adore him.

Hobby: Board Games 

One of my all-time favorite hobbies is playing many different board games. Currently my favorite game is Settlers of Catan. While playing we all get pretty competitive, but I find that has made the games much more fun. For many games, we have come up with house rules after playing for a while and that has been making each game feel fresh and new.  

School: Accounting 

I have been studying accounting for a few years now. I started taking classes for accounting in high school here in Derby. I liked doing accounting and math and I was pretty good at it, so I decided to start studying accounting in college.  

Books: Caraval Trilogy by Stephanie Garber 

I recently reread the Caraval series. I first read the books in high school, and I really loved the world that Garber built. The books are a little different than what I normally read, but I really enjoyed the magic and mystery throughout the whole of the trilogy.  
You can check out Caraval and other Stephanie Garber novels here on Libby!

Bookworm Buffet: A Feast for your Reading Senses

Bookworm Buffet: March 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.

March’s Spread –

Physical: Love & Friendship by Jane Austen

Genre: Satire, British Literature, Humor

Summary:
From the much-loved Jane Austen comes the satirical short novel, Love and Friendship. Written as a series of letters, Love and Friendship is a satire of the upper-class 18th century society that Austen loved to parody.

Isabel’s daughter, Marianne, is naive, flighty and unaware of the first thing about love. Through apprising letters, her mother’s friend, Laura, warns her of the dangers of sensibility and romance. But when Laura receives an unexpected proposal, it seems as though love might have its advantages after all. That is until the family learn about their hasty marriage and each member begins to reject Laura.

The plot is an amusing combination of unlikely coincidences, dramatic fainting fits and confusing twists and turns. Complete with the young writer’s original spelling quirks, this short novel demonstrates Austen’s natural talent and biting wit.

Publication: 1790

My Rating:

eBook: The Love Haters by Katherine Center

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Summary:
It’s a thin line between love and love-hating.

Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.
The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but fakes it that she can. Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise!

But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.

Publication: May 20, 2025

My Rating:

Audio: The Death of Jane Lawrence by Caitlin Starling

Genre: Horror, Gothic, Historical Fiction
Read for: Hauntingly Good Reads Book Club

Summary:
Practical, unassuming Jane Shoringfield has done the calculations, and decided that the most secure path forward is this: a husband, in a marriage of convenience, who will allow her to remain independent and occupied with meaningful work. Her first choice, the dashing but reclusive doctor Augustine Lawrence, agrees to her proposal with only one condition: that she must never visit Lindridge Hall, his crumbling family manor outside of town. Yet on their wedding night, an accident strands her at his door in a pitch-black rainstorm, and she finds him changed. Gone is the bold, courageous surgeon, and in his place is a terrified, paranoid man—one who cannot tell reality from nightmare, and fears Jane is an apparition, come to haunt him.
By morning, Augustine is himself again, but Jane knows something is deeply wrong at Lindridge Hall, and with the man she has so hastily bound her safety to. Set in a dark-mirror version of post-war England, Starling crafts a new kind of gothic horror from the bones of the beloved canon. This Crimson Peak-inspired story assembles, then upends, every expectation set in place by Shirley Jackson and Rebecca, and will leave readers shaken, desperate to begin again as soon as they are finished.

Narrated by: Mandy Weston
Publication: October 5, 2021

My Rating:

What’s Ashley Reading?: I’ll Be Gone In The Dark

I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

First line: After processing the house, the police said to Drew Witthuhn, “It’s yours.”

Summary: For a decade someone was terrorizing Northern California. The perpetrator was responsible for over fifty rapes and assaults before moving south where the incidents escalated to murder. But suddenly the crime spree stopped.

Thirty years later, true crime author Michelle McNamara started looking into the case for her website, TrueCrimeDiary.com. As she interviewed victims, poured over police records and talked with other true crime sleuths she started piecing together the story and the culprits that the police had yet to catch.

Through her work she was able to bring more exposure to the case than had been seen since the time of the actual crimes. McNamara was not able to finish her work due to her untimely death but her devotion to finding the killer paid off when an arrest was made in the case. One woman’s obsession lead to the capture of the person she called, “The Golden State Killer”.

My Thoughts: I remember the hype of this book when it originally came out. It was huge! But for some reason I never read it until recently. It could be because I’m going through my true crime era and I’m watching all the documentaries Hulu and Netflix have to offer. So it felt like a good time to listen to McNamara’s book.

I enjoyed how it featured her own obsession with the crime, how the research affected her life and the details of the case she uncovered. Years of her life were spent piecing together the events of the decade long rampage of the Golden State Killer. She looked at all the original suspects and tried to link them to the patterns that were emerging. It was truly fascinating to see how diligent she was in her research. It is unfortunate that she was not able to see the culmination of the case before her death.

This truly deserved the attention it was given. The content is very dark and definitely not for everyone. But I am happy that her friends and family made sure that her work was completed and presented to the world. If you love true crime and haven’t picked this one up yet, I’d highly recommend it!

The Blog Wants to Know: Feb. 2025

It’s February with Valentine’s Day approaching so whether you’ve got a special someone or just want to treat yourself, you might be heading about the town to a new spot. Our library staff have some excellent suggestions!

What are some of your favorite restaurants that you’d recommend in the surrounding areas of town? Do you have a favorite item that you order from this restaurant or a dish you’d suggest for a first-timer? 

Shane, Public Support Services: “I would recommend Wichita Brewing Company for a relaxing night out with delicious pizza and craft beer.

You absolutely have to try the Itis Pizza if you haven’t been before. It is decadent with cream cheese and other toppings sandwiched between two doughs. It’s definitely not for the gluten or dairy intolerant though! They also do a pizza of the month every month that is always worth a try.

Hannah, Assistant Director: I have to recommend Pizza John’s! It’s iconic to Derby. Their thin cracker crust is so good, and the seasoning blend that they sprinkle on top of every pizza is magic. But don’t miss out on trying their sandwiches!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: We recently discovered Shindigs Bar & Grill in Winfield. It’s a railroad freight station turned into a bar and grill. They have a fun food and drink menu and take reservations.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: “I’m a huge breakfast food person so I have two recommendations for you.

If you’re looking for a luxurious brunch spot, try HomeGrown in Wichita. They have a seasonal menu with well-executed, decadent options. It’s on the pricier side, but for a special treat, the “farm to table” vibes are unbeatable. If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend the Pop’d Hearts. They’re homemade pop tarts made with flaky pastry, and it’s like something straight out of the Great British Baking Show!

For a down-home diner vibe, check out Jimmie’s Diner. The ever-flowing diner coffee is charming, the waitresses have on poodle skirts, and the prices are super reasonable. My favorite item (and one of my favorite meals in Wichita) is the Breakfast Sandwich on an Everything Bagel. It’s divine!

Eric, Library Director: We really enjoy Mediterranean Grill (by Town East) in Wichita.  We love the dolma, fattoush salad, honey biscuits and the lamb gyros.

The kids also like Wichita Brewing Company and are having fun trying all the different pizzas.

My wife, Kara, and I enjoy Sabor and would recommend the plantain chips as a starter. 

Justin, Technology Coordinator: You know what, I’m basic. I love the Totally Tuna sandwich at Jimmy Johns, the classic chicken sandwich at Buffalo Wild Wings and the Whiskey River BBQ chicken wrap at Red Robin.  If I’m feeling naughty, I’ll get the Royal Red Robin burger.

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: “Ty’s Diner is delicious! I love the frings and the mushroom swiss burger.”

Tabbitha, Youth Services: “One of my favorite restaurants is located here in Derby. Las Vaquitas is a family-owned business that serves the most delicious Mexican food and great hospitality! They recently expanded their storefront to accommodate their customers. They have a lunch and dinner menu, along with kids meals too! My family enjoys going to this establishment for a nice meal close to home. They are located at 128 E Madison, on the other side of Kansasland Tire.

      Another favorite of mine that is close to home, is Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant. This is a convenient take-out meal for my family usually on busy evenings or for a special movie night treat. They are right on Baltimore in one of the shopping centers. Usually, we order sweet and sour chicken (for the kids), egg rolls, and dumplings.  I enjoy their seafood and grilled chicken options for my food sensitivities. They also have a small lunch buffet that many people have told me they enjoy.”

Now it’s your turn! Tell us what some of your favorite restaurants are in town!

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Blonde Identity

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter

First line: Here’s the thing about waking up with no memory in the middle of the night, in the middle of the street, in the middle of Paris: at least you’re waking up in Paris.

Summary: Waking up in the middle of Paris with a splitting headache and no memory of how she got there or who she even is, a young woman is being told to run because people are trying to kill her. As she and the handsome stranger race across Europe to escape the assassins they realize that she is the identical sister of the spy who is the actual target. In hopes of discovering why she is being chased and finding her sister the two pose as newlyweds. But as they learn more about the reason she is being hunted, the woman cannot decide who to trust, the man who rescued her or the sister she cannot remember.

My Thoughts: Having recently read Ally Carter’s newest book, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, and really enjoying it I decided to try another of her adult rom-com mysteries. This one I listened to rather than read which I feel like sometimes affects my reception to a story. I did enjoy this and plan to read book two this fall but it didn’t hit with me as much as the other one.

This is a fast paced romantic spy comedy. When I started I got The Spy Who Dumped Me vibes. I liked the banter between the characters but I struggled a little with the instalove. It all happened really quickly. But this could be because the plot had to move fast. It was a quick spy novel where they are running for their lives. There are several twists which may be a little predictable but all in all it was a fun read and kept my attention throughout. I hope to see the characters developed more in upcoming stories.