Sure, you can spend May toiling in the yard and battling voles, and that’s certainly worthy of your efforts. But you know what we’re going to do with these five weekends of the month? Read a book for each one!
If you are not familiar with the Hampton Bays Library, you ought to be. Their outstanding kids-to-grown-ups programming knows few bounds, and is often “sold out” (in quotes because really, it’s free, making it all the more awesome) — from homework help and early literacy learning, to professional development and tech help, to civics and ESL classes, to genealogy research, creative writing, yoga — and their frequent support of local authors and musicians, it all just makes our little Southforker hearts go pitter-pat.
The library has been around in myriad locations since 1922, with the New York Telephone Co. donating their old building on Ponquogue Avenue to the library in 1962, where it’s been ever since. In 2003, they expanded and renovated, increasing their size to 20,000 square feet. Which quite frankly, doesn’t event seem like enough for all the things they do for the community and 82,500 books, magazines, DVDs, audio books, and myriad forms of music-listening accoutrements they house.
We were stoked when Hampton Bays Library head of circulation Carole Lingg and her eager staff agreed to give us their five must-reads for the month of May — from grown-up page-turners to a couple of kids’ books that lay the foundation for a lifetime of loving reading, here’s what these brilliant bookworms have to say:
Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis — “Centered around a glamorous NYC landmark, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the fashion industry icon, Diana Vreeland, this historical fiction novel is full of action-packed mystery set in Manhattan and Cairo. The dual timeline is seamless and raises the ethical question of ownership of culturally significant artifacts. Another win for Fiona Davis!” — Stephanie McEvoy, library director
Quint by Robert Lautner — “‘JAWS’ turns 50 this year. Why not check-out “Quint” by Robert Lautner, because before Jaws there was… Quint and you already know the end of his story so nowfind out where it began as Robert Lautner reimagines the life of this truly iconic character.” — Debbie Yeager, technical services clerk
Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa — “Most Ardently is the latest installment in the Classics Remix series, where authors from marginalized backgrounds reinterpret classic works through their cultural lens. This book is a remix of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and focuses on a trans boy named Oliver Bennet and his complicated, swoon-worthy romance with Darcy. What I loved most about it was the support Oliver received from his family, especially at the end. It’s fun, heartwarming, and perfect for all Jane Austen fans.” — Alex Giresi, head of teen services
The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier — “Collaboration is the theme of this new graphic novel from Raina Telgemeier (Guts, Sisters, Smile and more) and best-selling cartoonist Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art). Four friends discover their talents as they create a comic to sell at a convention. Anyone who has worked on a group project will relate to the fun. Perfect for tweens and young teens interested in how cartoons are made.” — Sheila Kaplowitz, children’s & parent services librarian
Little Freddie Two Pants by Drew Daywalt. “This book is adorable and hilarious. It is perfect as a read aloud book for preschoolers as it has very appealing, clear illustrations. Kids who enjoy silly stories will love this book.” — Barbara Acard, children’s & parent services librarian
