June marks the start of summer and, for some of us younger South Forkers, the start of summer vacation! As we move into the last few short weeks of the school year before the sweet, sweet summertime is fully upon us, we’re calling upon our friends at John Jermain Memorial Library (201 Main St., 631-725-0049) in Sag Harbor to give us their top book picks of this month, perfect for both kid and adult bookworms.
If you haven’t been, the John Jermain Library is truly stunning and steeped in history. Originally built in 1910 as a gift to the people of the village from philanthropist and part-time resident Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage, the library was named in honor of her grandfather, Major John Jermain. One of the village’s most recognizable public works, the library underwent a restoration and expansion in 2016, successfully blending beloved, original features with brand-new, modern day amenities.
A permanent hub for learning and community building, the library offers free in-person, off-site and virtual programming for all ages, including ESOL classes, writing workshops, citizenship prep classes, rotating art exhibitions, book clubs and story times, senior services, technology and digital resources and comprehensive special collections archives that celebrate the rich and storied history of Sag Harbor and the East End. To take a peek at what’s going on for this month, click here.
As far as books you should be reading this month, check out these picks from the library’s executive director Kelly A. Harris and her team of bibliophiles.
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn — “A suspenseful historical novel set in 1950s Washington, D.C. It features strong female characters, Cold War intrigue and powerful themes of friendship and resilience. It’s perfect for fans of compelling, character-driven fiction.” — Sue Mullin, head of reference & information services
The Little Italian Hotel by Phaedra Patrick — “A sweet story about a radio personality who gave out advice to people in crisis. She suddenly experiences her own personal crisis and realizes how ‘pat’ her advice had become, and impulsively decides to take four people with her on a trip that she had planned to Italy. They experience transformations as they forge friendships and unexpected connections.” — Wonda Miller, assistant director
The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers — “This Newbery winner is a touching story told from the point of view of Johannes, a dog living in a park. The voice of a dog is perfectly emulated, especially in the audiobook narrated by Ethan Hawke. My favorite part was Johannes’s reaction to discovering art. This story is great not only for children but also for adults.” — Emily Kazanecki, head of youth services
Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert by Bob the Drag Queen — “The greatest heroes from history have unexplainably returned, and Harriet Tubman, along with four of the enslaved people she led to freedom, want to tell their story—with a Hip-Hop Album. Tubman insists on working with Darnell, a hip-hop producer who has struggled professionally since being outed on live TV. In the studio, they confront the horrors of their pasts and hope for a better future. The audiobook features two of the songs produced for the album. An unexpected gem!” — Kelly A. Harris, executive director
In. by Will McPhail — “A visual narrative centered on a character navigating social interactions in a modern setting. The story follows an illustrator who seeks more meaningful exchanges in a world dominated by surface-level conversations. Monochrome illustrations shift to color during moments of emotional clarity, emphasizing shifts in the character’s experience. The book blends observational humor with quiet reflection. Its format and style make it accessible to a broad audience interested in visual storytelling and contemporary themes.” — Anthony Giansante, head of emerging technology
