Director of Programs and Education, Martha Williams, recommends The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s been at least ten years since I last read The Great Gatsby. Like many, I first read the novel in high school, where some of my peers adored the story while others adamantly hated it. I remember being mesmerized by Fitzgerald’s language, impressed by narrator Nick Carraway’s observations of humanity, and appalled by the rich and “careless” Buchanans and the wreckage left in their … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Great Gatsby
Library Blog
Major Hong King Wash House
Mary Tyson, Director of the Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History In the late 1800s, Idaho was home to a substantial Chinese community, drawn by the allure of gold and opportunities in railroad construction. While the written history of mining companies and early prospectors is well-documented in the Wood River Valley, details about the Chinese community remain scarce because anti-Chinese sentiment eventually drove them out. A poignant glimpse into this history comes from this … [Read more...] about Major Hong King Wash House
A Little Book of BIG Stories 2024
... a story of Idaho, as lived through its well-loved libraries ... Like the Armed Services Editions, millions of which were distributed to U.S. soldiers serving in WWII, this small book celebrates the right to read freely and the power of stories to expand our humanity, even in, especially in, trying times. The testimonials in this book provide a glimpse into the big work of libraries across Idaho: More than 150 local libraries serve the people of this state, from Sandpoint to Twin Falls, … [Read more...] about A Little Book of BIG Stories 2024
The Community Library’s Best of 2023
Curated by our librarians, this ‘Best of 2023’ list includes some of the worthiest books published this past year. Included are well-known favorites, yet we also strived to include some surprises, both locally and internationally. We considered a variety of factors, including our staff’s favorite books of the year as well as titles that have met with critical acclaim and literary awards. We also looked to bookstores, book clubs, podcasts and magazines for recommendations. Our … [Read more...] about The Community Library’s Best of 2023
Review: Sherman Alexie
Maintenance Manager Jerry McDonald recommends works by author Sherman Alexie. When I first heard of Sherman Alexie, I was telling a friend and his wife that I had just received a letter from the Department of Indian Affairs. My mother had passed away about four years ago and the Department was notifying me of an upcoming hearing in Spokane about her estate. My friend's wife asked if I’ve ever heard of Sherman Alexie. She went on to tell me that Alexie is a writer and a poet, and made a … [Read more...] about Review: Sherman Alexie
Book Review: The Woman in Me
Gold Mine Consign Associate Spencer Kaufman recommends The Woman in Me by Britney Spears The Woman in Me is a memoir by American pop icon Britney Spears. It tells the incredible story of one of the greatest performers in music history and the battles that she faced through her faith ... and faith alone at times.I participated in a book club discussing Britney Spears’s memoir and I’m so glad I did. I decided to listen to the audiobook since Michelle Williams narrates it. I grew up listening … [Read more...] about Book Review: The Woman in Me
