From Us To You- The Library Staff Shares Their Favorite Books

In honor of National Library Week (April 19-15) the librarians of Wickson Library wanted to share some of our all-time favorite books with you! Over the years, we've not only been impacted in some way by the books in these lists, we've also been impacted by the libraries we grew up in, the loved ones who took us there, and the people we met along the way.

Barb

"I love everything about working here 😊. I love working with all our patrons, helping them find books, planning and participating in fun programs for our middle and high school patrons, and I LOVE our TAB group – working with them. The best part is getting to know all of the amazing youth that come in and making sure the library is a welcoming, encouraging, and safe place for them!

I have read so many great books that have made me stop and ponder – a few are Educated, The German Wife, Crazy Love, and most recently, Theo of Golden."

Beth

"To me, the library has always felt a little bit like magic and a lot like home. I still remember visiting with my family when I was young, breathing in that lovely bookish smell and wondering what adventures waited on the shelves. Now it is my joy to help create a children’s space that feels cozy, memorable, and full of wonder for every little patron who visits.

 

4 titles that have had a lasting impact on me:

 

1. The Runaway Bunny by Margaret Wise Brown- this is one my very first "reading in a lap" experiences with my grandma.

2. Anything “Choose Your Own Adventure”- this special subgenre opened up a whole new world of reading for me with the power to decide where the story goes next.

3. The Hiccupatomus by Aaron Zenz- this book is special because I got to know Aaron! I was able to visit the studio of the creator to learn about how he created his books. It made a lasting impact on how I look at children’s books.

4. Peek-a-hoo by Nina Laden- this board book was the first book my oldest daughter, Violet, fell in love with that I read to her over and over and over again. "

Jen

Growing up, the Madison Heights Public Library felt magical to me—the smell of the books, the excitement of the summer reading program, and the calm, quiet space it offered in the middle of a bustling city. It was a place where I felt safe, curious, and endlessly welcomed, and that feeling has stayed with me. I hope that I am able to touch people of all ages in much that same way today. We are never too young or too old to experience the magic of the public library.

1. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren

When I was in kindergarten (or maybe even a little earlier), my mom started reading chapter books with me. This was one of the very first "big books" we sat and read together. We would read one or two chapters every night and I was never ready to set it down.

2. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

This is the first book I read as a child that made me cry. I cried and cried. I can still see the yellow cover of the copy I devoured. I will forever remember the frog and its significance to this story.

3. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

This is my favorite read as an adult. It came to me at a time when I needed it the most, and continues to be at the tip top of my recommendation list. My personal copy lives in my bookcase in my office at the library. It is waterlogged, probably still has sand in its pages and has been shared countless times with others.

Karen

When I was young, my dad stopped at the library after work. The librarians helped him choose books to bring home for me. Their kindness and choices grew my love of reading and expanded my world!

Here are 4 books I always recommend:

1. Tuesdays with Morrie

2. The Measure

3. Remarkably Bright Creatures

4. Theo of Golden

Kirsten

In many ways, it feels as though I've grown up within the walls of Wickson. From attending Story Hour with Donna Jammer as a child, to working here as a Page as soon as I turned 14, bringing my own children in as a new mom, and now returning to work here as Communications Librarian, this big, beautiful building has been a constant throughout every phase of life. And I'm so grateful. What a blessing to be able to spend time in space so rich with resources! My primary objective within my role as Communications Librarian is to engage and invite community members to come in and experience the warm, welcoming, and joy-filled space that's been a pillar in this community since 1974!

These 4 books are some of my all-time favorites. I grew up with Anne. Jaws was my introduction to a lifelong love of thrillers (and yes, it IS a nearly perfect thriller.) Julia reminded me that anything can be achieved with the right mindset, and the Thursday Murder Club allowed me to fall in love with reading for pleasure again, after a few years spent feeling lost in piles of kids' books!

Kristen

What I enjoy most about working at the library is the chance to engage with a broad demographic of people every day, a sense of service to our community, and of course…. the chance to talk about books all day! Growing up, the library was a safe haven for me after school and during the summertime, and I have fond memories of the sweet librarians at the Millington Arbela District Library, who were so kind to us as children…. even when our books were overdue! 😉

 

4 book titles that have had a lasting impact:

1. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

2. Leaving Time by Jodi Piccoult

3. The Measure by Nikki Erlick

4. The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon