Library Corner: Goodall

by Goodall Library Staff

Latest News

Pawsitive Connections: Recently, the library hosted a family event where children could paint dog and cat ornaments – one to keep and one to donate to “decorate” a local animal shelter. We printed out pictures of dogs and cats that are up for adoption at the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk and at Safe Haven Humane Society in Wells. We were blown away by how many kids just wanted to paint ornaments for the animals, rather than themselves – and who made sure they looked just like those animals to help promote their adoption! Our Youth Services Librarian Miss Nicole dropped off the ornament donations, along with some food and toy donations, to these shelters and the response was so exceptionally positive it warmed all of our hearts. We even were able to start some conversations about potential future programs these organizations may be able to help us out with at the library later this year, so keep an eye out for those! Thank you to all who participated. If you are thinking about adding another furry friend to your family, we encourage you to check out some of our library books on caring for particular pets, and then to reach out to these incredible organizations to learn more about what they do and what animals they have available.

Minerva Success: Since our official switch to the online Minerva library catalog in December, Goodall Library’s circulation has seen a huge increase. We are connected to over 70 other libraries across the state of Maine, and we encourage patrons to continue to take advantage of the plethora of new book, DVD, and audiobook titles we now have easy access to. Visit searchminerva.maine.edu to browse all the amazing materials that are available, and of course be sure to give us a call or drop by if you need help placing holds.

Policy Update: In accordance with CDC guidelines, face masks are now optional inside Goodall Library. Specific programs, particularly from outside groups, may still require them.

Upcoming Programs / Events

Story Time has officially returned in-person at Goodall Library. Join us on Thursdays in the Community Room – Baby/Toddler Rhyme Time is at 10:30am and Pre-K Story Time is at 11:00am.

Lego Club continues for ages 5-12 on Wednesdays from 2:30pm – 4:30pm. Drop in to build Lego creations with peers to put on display in the Children’s Room. 

Movie at the Library: “The Princess Bride” – Saturday March 26th at 1:00pm to celebrate the 35th anniversary of this classic film. All ages welcome. Popcorn and candy provided; please bring your own (covered) drinks.

New Books

Adult Fiction: The Horsewoman by James Patterson & Mike Lupica: This page-turning new novel follows Maggie and Becky, mother and daughter champion riders who vowed never to go up against each other. That is, until the tense moments and surprises leading up to the Paris Olympics make that vow impossible to keep.

Adult Nonfiction: Chasing History: A Kid in the Newsroom by Carl Bernstein: A New York Times bestseller, this exceptional memoir focuses on the early days of Carl Bernstein, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of All the President’s Men and a notable investigative journalist. Bernstein recalls the beginnings of his journalism career, spanning from the Kennedy era and the civil rights movement to a collection of grisly crimes. 

Young Adult: The Chariot at Dusk by Swati Teerdhala: This gripping final installment in the “Tiger at Midnight” trilogy provides the perfect mixture of fantasy, action, and emotional upheaval as Esha fights to save her kingdom and track down her former flame Kunal to punish him for his betrayal. Attacks at every turn lead every character to change course and attempt to track down magical artifacts that could decide the fate of the land, once and for all. 

Young Children: Donut Worry by Christianne Jones: This charming picture book chronicles the woes of Donut, who is feeling anxious about returning to school. She is tired of her friends and family saying “Don’t worry!” because it is unhelpful. But then she meets a new friend, Cookie, who just might have the tools she needs to manage her anxiety and have a great time at school again. Recommended for ages 4-8.

Older Children: Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom by Josh Allen: Fans of “Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” and “Short & Shivery” will gravitate to this new collection of spooky, creepy, and downright haunting stories. Eerie illustrations accompany the masterfully told stories, creating memorable experiences for struggling readers to devour and build confidence, provided this is a genre they already love. Recommended for ages 9-12.

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