What’s new at Jacksonville Public Library:
“A Most Peculiar Providence” by Angela Elwell Hunt: Joshua Donnelly has lived a careful, orderly life in the old house on Church Street, just like his mama taught him. Then, on the coldest night of the year, a newborn baby appears in his care with no explanation and no instructions. Only a prayer answered in the most unexpected way. Heather Thomas arrives in Peculiar carrying her own heartbreak, running from mistakes she cannot undo. When her path crosses Josh’s, the two form a fragile, improbable unit built on kindness, faith and more hope than sense. As gossip swirls, authorities ask questions and the town watches closely, Josh and Heather must decide whether to trust coincidence or believe some gifts are heaven-sent.
“The National Parks Cookbook: The Best Recipes From (and Inspired by) America’s National Parks” by Linda Ly: Since the world’s first national park — Yellowstone — was established, national parks have fed millions of hungry visitors in their historic dining rooms and restaurants. From Acadia’s famous puffy popovers to Zion’s loaded Navajo tacos, guests long have enjoyed a range of unique regional cuisines, meals made from foraged foods, and gourmet menus whipped up by celebrated chefs, even in the middle of nowhere. Who can forget that piping-hot platter of Moose Drool-Braised Bison Short Ribs in Yellowstone, or the massive slab of Mile-High Blackberry Ice Cream Pie in Shenandoah? Maybe you keep dreaming about the Huckleberry Margaritas from Grand Teton (and the spectacular sunset that accompanied them on the deck of Jackson Lake Lodge), or you still order the same boysenberry pie from Yosemite that you remember from your childhood. (Pssst … it’s still made the same way as it was more than 60 years ago.) Now you can recreate and enjoy these legendary recipes at home with “The National Parks Cookbook.”
“David”: In a kingdom ruled by fear, a young shepherd dares to face a giant and the darkness behind him. His courage will awaken a nation and prove that true strength comes from trust, not power. David grows from a humble shepherd into a young man destined for greatness and a special relationship with God. Guided by Samuel and strengthened by his bond with his friend Jonathan, David is able to soothe a troubled king and face a life of sacrifice.
“Mountain: Go on a Grand Tour of the Highest Places on Earth” by Jason Bittel: From the salt flats of the Andes to the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji, discover 10 of the world’s most spectacular mountains, mountain ranges, and the animals and plants that live in them in this beautiful gift book for children.
A big thank-you to everyone who participated in National Library Week at Jacksonville Public Library from April 19 to April 25. We had dress-up days, daily library facts, and daily prizes were given away to participants in our “Who am I?” contest. We love our library patrons, and we are all looking forward to our upcoming Summer Reading Program beginning in June. Be on the lookout for more information soon.
Calling all builders! May’s Lego Club meeting will be from 2:30 to 5 p.m. May 8. Stop in anytime to show off your Lego skills. May’s challenge is to build a dinosaur.