Working at the library is a lot of fun  – and if you’re a reader, there’s no better place to be.

Being surrounded by books every day means we’re never short on inspiration for our next great read.

We get a first look at new arrivals, stay in the loop on trending titles (yes, we see what’s hot on #BookTok), and are lucky to work alongside fellow book lovers who are always ready to chat about the latest page-turner.

As we head into the heart of summer, our staff has been diving into all kinds of great reads.

We thought we’d share a few of our current favourites – just in case you’re looking for your next book to fall in love with.

Elsemieke recommends Abigail and “Alexa Save the Wedding” by Lian Dolan. She loved this charming story, told through the eyes of the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom, as they navigate their differences to pull off the big day. Elsemieke calls it “a perfect summer read that will make you want to visit Montecito, California – a heartwarming tale of two families coming together to celebrate love and laughter.”

Sally, from Maple Ridge library, is a fan of horror and all things creepy. This month, she’s reading “The Staircase in the Woods” by Chuck Wendig. According to Sally, “This is a hair-raising, immersive, creepy story. It’s basically a haunted house story – but also not? If you like weird, creepy things like I do, you’ll enjoy this book.”

Desiree recommends “No One Returns from the Enchanted Forest” by Robin Robinson for middle-grade readers on summer vacation.

“It’s a story about a young goblin’s journey to rescue her little sister from an enchanted forest. This graphic novel has a cute, simple art style, with interesting characters and designs. The author explores compelling themes, especially around navigating tricky sibling relationships.”

Afton, from Pitt Meadows Public Library, and Katie, from Maple Ridge Public Library, both recommend “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir, author of the wildly popular “The Martian.”

Although Katie isn’t quite finished yet, she says, “The first half of this novel is brilliant. What’s not to like about a junior high school science teacher on a solo space mission to save the world!?”

Afton loved Weir’s storytelling style and his super-approachable take on sci-fi. Even readers who don’t usually go for science fiction will find something to enjoy here.

Curtis, from Pitt Meadows Public Library, is a big fan of Sohla El-Waylly and her new book “Start Here: Instructions for Becoming a Better Cook.” Curtis says, “While it may look like a cookbook, pay heed to the title – because it’s so much more.

These really are instructions for becoming a better cook. Her debut ‘cookbook’ includes 12 chapters, each focused on a different technique, with recipes to help you master them. It’s split evenly between savoury styles and baking and pastries. Sohla is clear: when learning a new recipe or technique, you’ll make mistakes – and that’s okay. It takes time to learn your tools, your kitchen, and your ingredients. But even if you mess up the eggs, you’ll probably end up with a delicious breakfast anyway!”

You can find all of these titles on our website and request copies to be sent to any of our library branches.

Looking for more recommendations? Check out the “Suggested Reads” section on our site, where you’ll find loads of staff picks and curated booklists.

You’ll also find My Reading Advisor, a free service where we help you discover great books, movies, TV shows, music, and more! Just tell us what you like to read, watch, or listen to, and a trained FVRL staff member will respond with personalized recommendations – chosen just for you.

There’s lots more going on, so check out our website for more programs and services that might interest you at fvrl.bc.ca.

– Sarah Jost is a librarian at the Maple Ridge Public Library