Library Corner: Goodall

by Goodall Library staff

Recent Successes

At the start of school vacation week, library patrons were treated to a cute and educational program in the Children’s Room: Bunnies at the Library! Miss Nicole brought her two rabbits, Comet and Hubble, in for the day, and over 40 patrons stopped in to visit with them. Some kids practiced their literary skills by reading books aloud to the bunnies, some asked questions to learn more about them, and everyone enjoyed getting to pat and meet them. Every single informational book on rabbits the library has was checked out by the end of the day, and a lot of the fictional stories featuring rabbits went out, too! Every patron, no matter how young, was sweet, gentle, and respectful. We thank them all for approaching these animals so kindly and will certainly be bringing them back later this year.

At the beginning of April we celebrated National Library Week by asking our patrons on social media to share something they loved about the library. Each commenter was entered in a raffle to win a free Goodall Library t-shirt from our merch collection. The person who was randomly chosen was Meghan Ann, who wrote: “All libraries are lovable and amazing for providing the many gifts of reading to everyone and anyone. However, what sets you apart from the library I grew up with comes down to the staff. No other library has ever made me feel so warm and welcomed through many different stages of my life since moving to Sanford. I’m always greeted with a smile and always receive top of the line assistance when I need it. The level of community involvement is also inspiring. You’re a gem within our city!” Needless to say we are touched by this positivity and will continue to do our best to live up to the praise.

Upcoming Programs/Events:

Saturday April 30th @ 10am: Fix-a-Bike Workshop: Ages 10 – adult. Would you like to be your own bike mechanic? Do you own a bike that needs some work? A representative of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine will be here to demonstrate the basics and help you learn to fix and maintain your bike. You must sign up ahead for this program as space is limited (you can sign up individually or in a small family group). Only a couple of spots left. Special thank you to the Masons Lodge next door for graciously donating their parking lot for this event! Call the library at (207) 324-4714 to sign up now.

Friday May 6th & Saturday May 7th: Mothers’ Day Craft Kits: For ages 4 and up, available while supplies last. Pick up a sweet take-home craft kit in the library lobby. Perfect to either make for Mom or work on with her!

New Books:

Adult Fiction: The Houseboat by Dane Bahr. This psychological thriller is set in a small town in Iowa in the 1960s and is one you won’t want to put down. It pits a detective struggling with his own demons against a mysterious recluse who may or may not be a serial killer, with both men pushed past their breaking points by the end. 

Adult Nonfiction: Mommie Dearest: 40th Anniversary Edition by Christina Crawford. When Christina Crawford’s harrowing chronicle of child abuse was first published in 1978, it got global attention that has lasted decades. It also shed light on the guarded world of Hollywood and stripped away the façade of Christina’s relentless, alcoholic abuser: her adoptive mother, movie star Joan Crawford. In this new edition there is an exclusive new introduction by the author that reveals even more insight into the disturbing tale. 

Young Adult: House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas. The second of a new series by this best-selling author, House of Sky and Breath continues the action-packed story begun in Crescent City. Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal. The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing, and choices must be made.

Children’s: Hat Cat by Troy Wilson. This incredibly charming new picture book has a sweet and significant message, along with some beautiful watercolor illustrations and a very cute little kitty. It tells the story of an old man who finds a kitten in his hat, and the two become the best of friends. But then one day, the old man stops coming to visit, and the cat is worried. A little girl comes to take care of the cat instead, who turns out to be the old man’s granddaughter; he has been very sick. The story ends on a positive note with the girl reuniting the cat with the old man when he gets better; parents and children will delight in the adorable conclusion.