Once upon a time, way back when, there was a notoriously curious little girl who strolled down a sidewalk holding her mother’s hand. They had just left the library that was within walking distance of their house, and so with her other arm, as though she held a great treasure, that little girl clutched her very first library book to her chest. To this day, she still remembers that book was a Mickey Mouse and Friends picture book. Of course my reading taste has since evolved, as has my love for the wonderful world of libraries.

Just like libraries, history has always been a place where my curiosity is most assuredly welcomed. Many of my favorite stories today actually hail from long ago. Reading a book- say a book published in the mid-1800’s… like that actual book!- is a first hand account on the early years of the everchanging United States of America. I guess the way I see it, with so much information available, from so many different sources, the older a book is, the closer we can get to the truth. As a people of America, to know our history, for good or ill, is to know where we have come from, which can then direct us in where we want to go.

For this month’s, newly renamed, Public Service Dept. Student Workers’ Chronicles, we have asked our student workers for some of their favorite reads, with a short statement why they recommend the books. As an added bonus, you can find their recommendations in one of the display cases at the entrance of the library. To each of the student workers who participated, thank you for sharing a little of yourself with us.

Anonymous: “My ultimate favorite book is definitely Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney. So simple, yet so nostalgic.” (I definitely agree. Many can trace their beginnings for a love of reading to a childhood book.)

Erin Ryan, Junior, Politics Major: The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky; Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney; The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

Kate Wanzenberg, Junior, Psych Major: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey. “A powerful memoir by one of America’s most beloved actors. Reading his experiences growing up makes you think about life, family, and career. A mix of humor and drama, this memoir has something for everybody.”

Lucy Clay, Senior, Psychology Major: Emma by Jane Austen because “Emma is one of my favorite books! It’s a classic and I feel like you can read it any time or year! Even though it was written in the 1800’s, it is a timeless read. Happy reading!”

Lulu Clark, Junior, Critical and Creative Media Major: “I love The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Macksey. It’s a deeply heartwarming and philosophical book with beautiful illustrations. It captures the heart of whoever reads it with its simple yet profound messages about life, friendship, and self-discovery. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for an easy read or something they can pick up or put down whenever they want.”

Cat D’Arcangelis, Senior, Chem Major: The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle. “I love how Beagle explores what it means to lose one’s innocence as one gets older, despite the desire to hold onto childhood happiness. Also, unicorns are awesome!”

Eliana Horowitz, Senior, HES Major with a Chem/Bio Minor: Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton. “An insightful memoir about growing up as a young woman- mental health challenges, boys, and the most important form of love: friendship.”

Isabelle Smith, Senior, Psych Major with a Creative Writing/Human and Health Services Minor:

1. Every Last Word by Tamara Ireland Stone. “Great representation of OCD and mental illness, plus has an awesome plot twist.”

2. The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarrows. “Beautiful story, but it will rip your heart out!”

3. The Schopenhauer Cure by Irvin D. Yalom. “Anyone can find something to take away from this book. It’s informative and interesting! (Also great for CNS class group procedures!)”

4. The Duff by Kody Keplinger. “This is NOT the same story as the movie, not even the same plot. This book is real and honest. A must read!”

5. The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien. “I read for a military psych class and it is such a powerful story for anyone interested in war and the military.”

Julie Murphy is a Senior and Business Enterprise Management Major with a German Minor: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. “This book was a required reading for my high school, but I am so glad it was because I think every person should read it. The story not only teaches the lessons of growing up, but also never being afraid to speak up for what you believe in, no matter how young or old you are. I think I am due for a re-read!”