Six new albums are now available on QC Beats!
Bontempi by Centaur Noir,
Music for the Next Scene by Chrash,
REVELATIONS by Connor Lyle,
Fish Out Water by Lewy Canoe,
Light of the Dark by Molly Conrad, and
and Shapes and Colors by The Textures.
QCBeats is an online streaming audio collection of original music featuring Quad Cities musicians and artists. QC Beats is a collaboration between Davenport Public Library, Bettendorf Public Library, and St. Ambrose University.
In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our January 2025 episode! If you have not listened to this episode yet, you can listen to Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast online or wherever you get your podcasts!
Online Reading Challenge
Stephanie has a new amazing theme this year for our annual Online Reading Challenge (ORC). For those new to ORC, this is a low stakes, high fun reading challenge that allows members to participate from the comfort of their own home and consume whatever they would like just as long as it fits the monthly prompt. This challenge originated in this blog and has since grown to also be available through beanstack!
This year, the theme is GENRES. Below are the themes for each month as well as a reading suggestion! Make sure to tell us what you are reading each month! We want to know!
January: Literary fiction – On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
February: Mystery – The Lamplighters by Emma Stonex
March: Biographical Fiction – The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris
April: Coming of Age/Bildungsroman – The Topeka School by Ben Lerner
May: Graphic Novel – Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
June: Queer Fiction – Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
July: Domestic Fiction – All This Could Be Yours by Jami Attenberg
August: Classic – Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin
September: Young Adult Literature – The Cousins by Karen McManus
October: Fantasy – She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker Chan
November: Detective/Crime Fiction – The Beekeeper’s Apprentice by Laurie R King
December: Historical Fiction – Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Cold Weather Reads
As we cozy up inside and outside begins (allegedly) to cool down, we compiled a list of titles that will chill you to the bone!
Beth’s Books:
The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger
The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
Blankets by Craig Thompson
Brittany’s Books:
Goodbye Autumn, Hello Winter by Kenard Pak
Wilfred by Ryan T. Higgins
Snow Falls by Kate Gardner
Stephanie’s Books:
Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes
A Haunting in the Arctic by C.J. Cooke
Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon
The Gathering by Anne Enright
The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
The Prospectors by Ariel Djanikian
2025 Rock Island Arsenal Series
Join us for a monthly lecture series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the creation of the United States Army in 1775. All talks in this series are presented by a member of Army Sustainment Command’s Office of the Historian, based on the Arsenal
This program is jointly hosted by the Davenport Public Library and the Rock Island Public Library. If you are unable to attend the Davenport Public Library’s session, another session will be offered earlier in the day at 2:00 PM at Rock Island Public Library.
Below are the themes and dates for this year!
January 8th, 2025: Foundations of the Nation and the Revolutionary War
February 12th, 2025: 1784 – 1860: A New Nation, A New Army
March 12th, 2025: 1861 – 1865: The Army and the Civil War
April 9th, 2025: 1866 – 1917: The Army as an Expeditionary Force
May 14th, 2025: The Army and a World at War
June 11th, 2025: The Interwar: Downsizing & Celebration of the Army
August 13th, 2025: World War II, Reorganization, and the Dawn of the Atomic Age
September 10th, 2025: 1949 – 1975: The Army in East Asia
October 8th, 2025: DESERT SHIELD & DESERT STORM
November 12th, 2025: Building the Army of the Future
2025 New Releases and Favorite Reads from 2024!
A new year brings new books to get excited about! Brittany, Beth, and Stephanie discussed titles that they are excited for that are publishing this year and reminisced over some of their favorite reads of the past year!
Beth’s Favorite Read from 2024:
Last Entry Point: Stories of Danger and Death in the Boundary Waters by Joe Friedriches
Brittany’s Favorite Reads from 2024:
The Long Game by Elena Armas
Summertime Punchline by Betty Corello
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Don’t Forget to Write by Sara Goodman Confino
Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot
Brittany’s 2025 Excitement:
Ride with Me by Simone Saltani (second book in the Lights Out Series)
32 Days in May by Betty Corrello
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
Stephanie’s Favorite Reads from 2024:
Weyward by Emilia Hart
Heartstopper (all volumes) by Alice Osman
Assistant to the Villain Series by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard (5 star nonfiction read! If you follow our discussions, this is a big deal!)
Stephanie’s 2025 Excitement:
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano (fifth book in the Finlay Donovan Series)
Accomplice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (third book in the Assistant to the Villain Series)
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (.5 in The Hunger Games Series)
Board Game and Puzzle Collection!
As it gets cold, people are finding themselves indoors more often. We are here to help beat the cabin fever and winter boredom with our robust board game and puzzle collection at each Davenport Public Library branch! In this episode, Beth, Brittany, and Stephanie each selected a board game and talked about why each sounded appealing!
Stephanie’s Suggestion:
Hues and Cues
Beth’s Suggestion:
The Floor is Lava
Brittany’s Suggestion:
The Settlers of Catan
2024 Goodreads Choice Award Winners:
Below are the winning titles of 2024! Have you read any??
Fiction – The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Historical Fiction – The Women by Kristin Hannah
Mystery & Thriller – The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Romance – Funny Story by Emily Henry (AND Audiobook – Funny Story by Emily Henry)
Romantasy – House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas
Fantasy – Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune
Science Fiction – The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley
Horror – You Like It Darker: Stories by Stephen King
Debut Novel – How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
Young Adult Fantasy – Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
Young Adult Fiction – Heartstopper: Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
Nonfiction – The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
Memoir – The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop
History & Biography – The Bookshop: The History of the American Bookstore by Evan Friss
What Our Hosts Read In November
Beth’s Reads:
Navigate Your Stars by Jesmyn Ward
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Hey Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction by Jarrett Krosoczka
What is a Girl Worth?: My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth About Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics by Rachel Denhollander
The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity by Axton Betz-Hamilton
Stephanie’s Reads:
The Undermining of Twyla and Frank by Megan Bannen, narrated by Nicol Zanzarella (second book in the Hart and Mercy Series)
Polar Vortex: A Family Memoir by Denise Dorrance
Games Untold by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, narrated by Christie Moreau, Maxwell Hamilton, and Juliette Goglia (4.5 in The Inheritance Games Series)
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klune, narrated by Daniel Henning (second book in the Cerulean Chronicles)
Dinner for Vampires: Life on a Cult TV Show (While Also in an Actual Cult) by Bethany Joy Lenz, narrated by Bethany Joy Lenz
The Queen of Poisons by Robert Thorogood, narrated by Nicolette McKenzie (third book in Marlow Murder Club Series)
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
The Singer Sisters by Sarah Seltzer, narrated by Barrie Kreinik, Helen Laser, and Stephanie Németh-Parker
Brittany’s Reads:
The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica, narrated by Piper Goodeve and Jeremy Arthur
The Girls in Navy Blue by Alix Rickloff, narrated by Dylan Moore and Carlotta Brentan
The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas (second book in the Long Game Series)
Bad Publicity by Bianca Gillam (releases in 2025)
Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler, narrated by Jenna Lamia
If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!
We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.
Watching videos doesn’t automatically make you a couch potato. If your New Year’s resolution is to work on your health and fitness, the Davenport Public Library has some options that may inspire you to start a new routine in your living room, off of your couch.
On DVD, an Afro-Caribbean Step routine is available on Debra Bono Dance Explosion! From the publisher: As a dancer, Debra kept the Afro-Caribbean choreography in mind and you’ll feel at home on the floor or on the step. Enjoy! Contains an 8-minute warm-up, a full 46-minute step workout, a 5-minute conditioning segment, and a 5-minute cool down.
If high-intensity interval training is more your style, try 30 Minutes to Fitness on DVD. From the publisher: This is an interval workout that is designed to burn fat, increase muscle definition and improve overall fitness level. The four different workout principals include low impact cardio, boxing, bodyweight exercises, and compound moves.
Our video streaming service Kanopy is packed with fitness crazes of yore. Richard Simmons passed away in July of 2024, but his enthusiasm for fitness can be seen in Richard Simmons: Sweatin’ to the Oldies, Vol. 1-4.
Another classic on Kanopy is 1982’s Jane Fonda’s Original Workout. From the publisher: This is the program that started it all and became the top VHS tape of all time. This program will give you total body aerobic, strength, and flexibility workout, while building and maintaining cardiovascular health. Three more remastered workouts round out Joan Fonda’s offerings on Kanopy.
All three Davenport Public Library locations are closed today and tomorrow in observance of Christmas, but that doesn’t mean that we’re not here for you! In addition to using our online digital resources while we’re closed, you can listen to Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast online. In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our December episode!
Celebrate Humbug Day on December 21st
Humbug Day is a day to vent stress before Christmas by channeling your inner Ebenezer Scrooge. The hosts compiled a list of some of their favorite curmudgeons!
Beth’s Favorites:
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Brittany’s Favorites:
The Long Game by Elena Armas
Bruce Series by Ryan T. Higgins
Crankenstein Series by Samantha Berger and Dan Santat
Goodnight Already by Jory John
Stephanie’s Favorites:
Assistant to the Villain & Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
The Library is a FamilySearch Affiliate Library, which means The Library has access to more genealogy resources to help make more family discoveries. There are only a few hundred affiliate libraries in the country. This designation means our community has greater and more convenient access to the wealth of genealogical resources through FamilySearch. This popular web service has over 6 billion searchable names and 2 billion images of historical genealogical records, plus the helpful assistance of knowledgeable employees.
Festivus: An Airing of Grievances – 2024 Reads Edition
In honor of Festivus on December 23rd, Beth, Brittany, and Stephanie aired their grievances book style for a second year! Below are titles that frustrated them the most! Feel free to hate read with them in the coming year! Or, simply love them! We won’t judge!
Beth’s Grievances:
The Black Belt Librarian by Warren Graham
Just My Type: A Book About Fonts by Simon Garfield
So Much for That by Lionel Shriver
Brittany’s Grievances:
One Hundred Moments of Us by Jon Rance
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok
The Other Mrs. by Mary Kubica
Stephanie’s Grievances:
The Aurora Teagarden Series by Charlaine Harris
Ancestry Library has over 1.2 billion records in over 3,000 databases. Ancestry Library is a must-have resource for anyone doing genealogical research. Ancestry Library is an in-house only resource, so you do need to be in one of our buildings to access the databases and records. Another thing to keep in mind is that Ancestry Library does not let you build your own family tree and save it. If you find a record that is important to you, you can email it to yourself.
The Gift of a Reading Recommendation!
To celebrate the holidays, your Checked In hosts exchanged the gift of a reading recommendation. We’ve gotten to know each other pretty well while working together here at The Library, so we’re going to make personalized recommendations to each other! The titles are below!
Beth’s Recommendations:
To Stephanie: Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster
To Brittany: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
Brittany’s Recommendations:
To Beth: The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg
To Stephanie: The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
Stephanie’s Recommendations:
To Brittany: The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood
To Beth: The Less People Know About Us by Axton Beth-Hamilton
Library patrons can get reading recommendations from library staff any time of the year! There are options for everyone to help discover your next great read!
Wintry Romances
Beth and Stephanie welcomed our amazing editor, Claire onto the pod to talk about favorite wintry romances! Below are the titles discussed in the segment.
Stephanie’s List:
In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey
The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox
A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams
Beth’s List:
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
Brittany’s List:
Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot
Claire’s List:
Dash and Lily’s Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan
Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun
A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
A Jingle Bell Mingle by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
A December to Remember by Jenny Bayliss
Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake
Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
What Our Hosts Read In November
Beth’s Reads:
Every Exquisite Thing by Matthew Quick
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Stephanie’s Reads:
All the Little Liars by Charlaine Harris, narrated by Therese Plummer
Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree
Under the Oak Tree: The Comic adapted by namu, illustrated by P., and original story by Suji Kim
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee, narrated by Allison Hirato
Cover Story by Susan Rigetti, narrated by Carlotta Brentan
Sleep Like a Baby by Charlaine Harris, narrated by Therese Plummer
The Last to Pie by Misha Popp
The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer
Hometown Betrayal: A Tragic Story of Secrecy and Sexual Abuse in Mormon Country by Emily Benedek
I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, narrated by Emilia Fox
Brittany’s Reads:
The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen
Bet on It by Jodie Slaughter, narrated by Angel Pean
Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot
If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!
We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.
In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our November episode!
National Game and Puzzle Week November 20th – 26th
We are hosting a Game and Puzzle Swap! Here’s how it works. Drop off a game or puzzle at any of the Davenport Public Library locations from November 1 – November 14th. For each game or puzzle that you donate, you’ll receive a ticket. Come back to the Davenport library Eastern branch on Saturday, November 16th between 3-5p with your ticket and you will get to pick out a new-to-you game or puzzle. It’s that easy! Questions? Visit this link to learn more!
DINOVEMBER!
Dinosaurs are taking over the LIBRARY!!! It’s DINOVEMBER and dinosaurs are taking over the Libraries! It is that time again for the beloved program where dino toys and stuffies will spend a couple of weeks hanging out with Library staff as we process books, answer phones, lead storytimes, and more! Dinos will even write postcards to their loved ones letting them know about all the fun stuff they are doing (and how many books they have devoured). To learn more about this program, visit this link!
Did you miss the deadline or don’t have a dino to contribute? No worries, follow the fun on our social media!
Business Program
Brittany and Stephanie sat down with Rachel, an Information Services Librarian to discuss the Library Business Assistance service that was rolled out in 2024. The Library Business Assistance program connects people with local and regional economic development agencies to learn new skills and create a business network; provides business resources to help people start a business or expand an existing business; and partners with regional economic development agencies to help them fulfill their missions.
To learn about services discussed in this episode and about how to gain more momentum in your career, visit this link to learn more!
Outreach Website
Davenport Public Library delivers services and materials to organizations and groups out in our community! If your facility is interested in these or other library services, there is now a dedicated page on our website showcasing current offerings. Those interested in current offerings or starting something new are encouraged to fill out an outreach request form. The Community Outreach team is excited to discuss your organization’s needs and how The Library can help support your initiatives. Learn more about our services by visiting this link!
National Author’s Day
National Author’s Day takes place on November 1st every year. This special day is dedicated to recognizing the talented authors who bring stories, knowledge and imagination to life. This month, the “Checked In” hosts discussed some of their favorite authors, those that have never let them down, authors that they are eager for their next release.
Beth’s Favorites:
Jodi Picoult
Jon Krakauer
Brittany’s Favorites:
Janet Evanovich
Emily Henry (also on Stephanie’s list)
Mary Kubica (also on Stephanie’s list)
Shari Lapena (also on Stephanie’s list)
Jojo Moyes
Stephanie’s Favorites:
Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Vivien Chien
Elle Cosimano
Amanda Flower
Liane Moriarty (also on Brittany’s list)
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a FREE self-paced program for babies, toddlers, and children. Celebrate milestones as your child develops early literacy skills to position them for school and lifelong success! To learn more and to sign up, visit this link!
Young Readers Day
Young Readers Day on November 12th was celebrated by Beth, Brittany, and Stephanie as they recounted some of their favorite reads of the year for young audiences. Below are the titles that they shared!
Stephanie:
The Abrams Block Book series (some of my favorites are: Farm Block, Dino Block, Love Block, Alpha Block, Shark Block)
Poke a Dot: Who’s in the Ocean by Melissa & Doug
The Seven Silly Eaters by Mary Ann Hoberman
Piggies by Audrey Wood
Beth:
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
Attack of the Black Rectangle by Amy Sarig King
Brittany:
In Every Life by Marla Frazee
Iggy Peck Architect by Andrea Beatty
Flora and the Peacocks by Molly Idle
Mustache! by Mac Barnett
Sometimes I Kaploom by Rachel Vail
You’ll Find Me by Amanda Rawson Hill
Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion by Stephen W. Martin
Mercy Watson is Missing by Kate DiCamillo
Penelope Rex and the Problem with Pets by Ryan T. Higgins
Truck Full of Ducks by Ross Burach
Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty
On Account of the Gum by Adam Rex
Thor and Loki by Jeffrey Brown
What Our Hosts Read In August
Beth’s Reads:
Cover Story by Susan Rigetti
Going Zero by Anthony McCarten
Stephanie’s Reads:
She’s Not Sorry by Mary Kubica, Narrated by Andi Arndt
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth, Narrated by Jessica Clarke
The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe, Narrated by Tess Sharpe
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibanez, Narrated by Ahmed Hamad and Ana Osorio
Dark Corners by Megan Goldin, Narrated by Samantha Desz, January LaVoy, and André Santana
Obitchuary: The Big Book of Death by Spencer Henry and Madison Reyes
Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth, Narrated by Jessica Douglas-Henry and Barrie Kreinik
Prom Mom by Laura Lippman, Narrated by Andi Arndt
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, Narrated by Sara Siu
The Love of My Afterlife by Kristy Greenwood
The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld
Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman, Narrated by Nicola Walker
Brittany’s Reads:
My Plain Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows, Narrated by Fiona Hardingham
Scent of a Garden by Namrata Patel
Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian, Narrated by Grace Experience and guest cameos
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, Narrated by Tom Hanks
If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!
We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.
Have you ever thought about writing a book? Perhaps you’ve imagined yourself putting pen to paper for a short story or maybe a memoir? Well, now is the perfect time to take that first step toward your goal! November has become known as National Novel Writing Month or (NaNoWriMo for short). The nonprofit organization by the same name (nanowrimo.org) issues a write-a-thon type challenge each year to aspiring writers all around the world. You can join this creative writing community and find the inspiration you need to make great progress. There’s even a non-fiction writer’s counterpart through the Literacy Archive (literacyhive.org). This year’s theme is Why Don’t You… The Literacy Archive website indicates that this year’s challenge “is designed to stimulate discussion around hobbies and leisure activities and to encourage young people to try something new.”
Want to connect in person? The Quad Cities has its own valuable writer’s resource in The Midwest Writing Center (mwcqc.org), which has it’s own contests and local support network. But, perhaps you don’t want to connect with other would-be writers. You can still find inspiration and fire up your writing muscles this November. Even if you don’t have experience and don’t know where to start, the library has resources for you. Check out some of these titles to help you learn how to build a writing habit, improve your writing skills, and find your voice:
BOOKS ON HOW TO WRITE:
Write your novel in a month : how to complete a first draft in 30 days and what to do next by Jeff Gerke
Refuse to be done : how to write and rewrite a novel in three drafts by Matt Bell
Unleashing your inner author : a step-by-step guide to crafting your own bestseller by Bill Vincent
Write your first novel by Gilbert Morris and Steve Laube
How to write a mystery : a handbook from Mystery Writers of America by Lee Child
Writing That Gets Noticed by Estelle Erasmus
Janet Evanovich’s how I write : secrets of a bestselling author by Janet Evanovich
Write for life : creative tools for every writer : a six-week artist’s way program by Julia Cameron
Write it all down : how to put your life on the page by Cathy Rentzenbrink
In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our October episode!
Interview with Sydney from Family Resources
Beth, Brittany, and Stephanie welcomed Sydney from Family Resources back onto the podcast to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Prevention Month. To learn more about Family Resources, you can visit their website here!
Interview with Christina and Jessica from the Putnam Museum
Beth and Brittany interviewed Christina and Jessica from the Putnam Museum and gained behind the scenes information about some of their favorite exhibits! Visit the Putnam for free by checking out a Community Experience Pass!
New Fiction and Nonfiction Titles Coming to Simply Held Patrons!
Simply Held is a service that automatically places holds on new titles for patrons participating in the program. Never worry about remembering when your favorite author comes out with a new title again! We have you covered! We also have a variety of theme options if you are looking to add a new author to your lineup! New titles coming to Simply Held in October are as follows:
New Fiction Titles:
Diverse Debuts: Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
Graphic Novel: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
Historical Fiction: The Unicorn Woman by Gayl Jones
International Fiction: Aednan by Linnea Axelsson
New Nonfiction Titles:
Biographies: Ben & Me: In Search of a Founder’s Formula for a Long and Useful Life by Eric Weiner
Cookbooks: The Feel Good Foodie Cookbook: 125 Recipes Enhanced With Mediterranean Flavors by Ymuna Jawad & Julia Clancy
Social Justice: Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to Be an Ally by Emily Ladau
True Crime: Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story by Max Marshall
New and Upcoming Mystery Titles
An exciting fall of new mystery releases is almost upon us! There are some additions to some series favorites and some debuts as well. Visit our website for a full list of reading recommendations, including the newest titles on our shelves.
What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust by Alan Bradley
The More the Terrier by David Rosenfelt
The Grey Wolf by Louise Penny
Killing Time by M. C. Beaton
A Messy Murder by Simon Brett
Brew Unto Others by Sandra Balzo
Celebrate Techies Day on October 3rd with our TechKnow Collection
The Library has a wide variety of Tech Know items available for check out! These items check out for one week and do not renew. Check out the wide variety of gadgets below that can be found at each location. Visit our LibGuide to learn more about our collection and how to access them!
What Our Hosts Read In September
Brittany’s Reads:
The Housekeeper’s Secret by Iona Grey narrated by Shakira Shute and Raphael Corkhill
Cross the Line by Simone Soltani
A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen and narrated by Carolina Do and VyVy Nguyen
White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson and narrated by Marcella Cox
The Summer Pact by Emily Giffin
The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda and narrated by Rebekkah Ross
Beth’s Reads:
The Office BFFs: Tales of The Office from Two Best Friends Who Were There by Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey
Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Erika Moen and Matthew Nolan
Tumble by Celia C. Perez
Stephanie’s Reads:
Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle, narrated by Julia Whelan
Weyward by Emilia Hart, narrated by Aysha Kala, Helen Keeley, and Nell Barlow
How to Keep House While Drowning by KC Davis
Everyone Here is Lying by Shari Lapena, narrated by January LaVoy
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton, narrated by James Cameron Stewart
The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore
Good Bad Girl by Alice Feeney, narrated by Katherine Press and Stephanie Racine
If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!
We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.
Each month, we release a new episode of Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast. In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our episode!
Nostalgia Reads
We’ve talked a lot about what books we read when we were younger that have stuck with us, but we’re not done with that topic just yet! Below are the titles discussed in the episode!
Stephanie’s Picks:
Amelia’s Notebook by Marissa Moss
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales by Jon Scieszka
Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Stephanie’s Ponytail by Robert Munsch
Brittany’s Picks
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
There was an old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Pam Adams
Giraffes Can’t Dance by Giles Andreae
Beth’s Picks
The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin
Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club
Our resource spotlight shines on Gilda’s Club Quad Cities, newly known as Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club. Since 1998, Gilda’s Club has been a pillar of hope and support for cancer patients and their families. From its beginnings at the Mansion with the Red Door on River Drive to its current locations inside the Genesis Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club Davenport, and the UnityPoint Health – Trinity Cancer Center, Gilda’s Club Moline has continually expanded its services, reaching nearly 4,500 individuals.
Value Line is the most trusted and prestigious name in the investment field. For more than 75 years, Value Line has been synonymous with trust, reliability, objectivity, independence, accurate information, and proven performance for investors. Click on the title to learn more about this free resource!
Retellings!
Are you a fan of retellings? Here we have gathered a list of classic literature retellings, reimaginings, and remixes.
Stephanie’s Favorites:
Jane Eyre retelling
– The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins
King Arthur legend retelling
–Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Pride and Prejudice retellings
–Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin
–Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding
Romeo & Juliet retelling
–A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
Sherlock Holmes retelling
–A Study in Scarlet Women (book 1 in the Lady Sherlock Series) by Sherry Thomas
Trojan War retelling
–A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
The Odyssey retelling
–Circe by Madeline Miller
The Wizard of Oz retelling
–Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Brittany’s Favorites:
Arsenic and Old Lace 1944 comedy with Cary Grant
–Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
Cinderella
–Cinder by Marissa Meyer
–The Cinderella Murder by Mary Higgins Clark
–An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn
Little Red Riding Hood
–Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge
Dr. Moreau inspired reads
–The Madman’s Daughter by Megan Shepherd
Alice and Wonderland
–The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor
Historical Retellings
–My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand
Jane Austen
–Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
–Sense and Second Degree Murder by Tirzah Price
Beth’s Favorites:
Remixes — Classics presented as graphic novels
–The Alchemist – original by Paulo Coelho; graphic novel by Derek Ruiz
–Diary of a Young Girl – original by Anne Frank; “Anne Frank’s diary : the graphic adaptation” by Ari Folman
–The Giver by Lois Lowry ; adapted and illustrated by P. Craig Russell
–The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood; art and adaptation by Renee Nault
Little House on the Prairie
–Caroline by Sarah Miller
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
–The Hours by Michael Cunningham
Bible – Book of Genesis
–The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
August 17th is National Nonprofit Day! Did you know that we have a non-profit group that raises funds and manages an endowment portfolio to support The Library? The FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library is a 501(c)3 organization powered by members and volunteers that advocates, volunteers, and runs used bookstores in all three locations giving money back to the Library for programming and other services! We are so grateful for their support in enriching the lives of our community! To learn more about the FRIENDS of the Davenport Public Library, click on the title of this section!
Emotional Reads
With the recent box office success of Inside Out 2 and after being inspired by another library, we showcased titles that gave us all of the feels (good and bad!).
| Brittany | Beth | Stephanie | |
| Joy | Anything by Emily Henry | Dozens of Doughnuts by Carrie Finison | Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater |
| Sadness | Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate | Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls | Burial Rites by Hannah Kent |
| Anger | Normal People by Sally Rooney | Maus by Art Spegelman | Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by Rebecca Hall, illustrated by Hugo Martinez |
| Disgust | A Simple Favor by Darcey Bell | American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis | Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story by David Alexander Robertson |
| Fear | Room by Emma Donoghue | Devil in the White City by Erik Larson | American Predator by Maureen Callahan |
| Envy | The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren | Anything by Mindy Kaling | Soulmate Equation & The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren |
| Embarrassment | The Shape of Water by Guillermo del Toro | Really Good Actually by Monica Heisey | Hello Stranger by Katherine Center |
| Ennui | Last One Home by Debbie Macomber | Blankets by Craig Thompson | The Princess Bride by William Goldman |
| Anxiety | Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult | Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson | Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter |
| Nostalgia | A Nice Place on the North Side by George F. Will | Landline by Rainbow Rowell | Throwback by Maurene Goo |
What Our Hosts Read In June
Beth’s Reads:
Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba
Stephanie’s Reads:
Lethal Licorice by (Book 2 in Amish Candy Shop Mystery Series) by Amanda Flower
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Solomon
The Antique Hunter’s Guide to Murder by C.L. Miller
The Red Harvest: A Novel of the Terror Famine in Soviet Ukraine by Michael Cherkas
Brittany’s Reads:
Bear with Me Now by Katie Shepard
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan
The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
The Echo of Old Books by Barbara Davis
If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!
We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.
Each month, we release a new episode of Checked In: A Davenport Public Library Podcast. In this blog post, I will give you helpful links to area resources, Library resources, and links to the books discussed in our episode!
Favorite Audiobook Narrators to Celebrate World Listening Day on July 18th
To celebrate World Listening Day, the hosts came up with a list of some of their favorite audiobook narrators!
Stephanie’s Picks:
Julia Whelan
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab
The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Beach Read by Emily Henry
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
The Women by Kristin Hannah
The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Zachary Webber
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
Life’s Too Short by Abby Jimenez
The Happy Ever Playlist by Abby Jimenez
Vikas Adam
Evander Mills Series by Lev AC Rosen
Jim Dale
Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Cassandra Campbell
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Full Cast Narrators
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstren
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Sadie by Courtney Summers
One of Us is Dead by Jeneva Rose
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Brittany’s Picks
Read by the Author
Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton
Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
Zeno Robinson
Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
Beth’s Picks
Full Cast Audiobooks
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff
Run Rose Run by Dolly Parton and James Patterson
The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Megan Mullally and Nick Offerman
Are you struggling to find time to squeeze in a Library visit or to read a physical book? Libby has you covered! Download the Libby App to access thousands of Audiobooks and e-books for free with your Davenport Public Library card! All items will check out for up to 21 days and will automatically return. Place holds on up to 10 titles and check out 5 items at a time to ensure that you are never short on content to read! Download the App today!
National Parks and Recreation Month Interview
During this segment, Brittany and Claire interviewed Becca Niles from Davenport Parks and Recreation about some of their amazing projects. During the interview, they also discussed partnerships between The Library and Parks currently in progress and for those occurring in the future. If you are interested in Parks programming, follow this link to visit their website!
Many Ways to Listen
There are many ways to enrich your life through listening with your Davenport Public Library Card, below are a few of our favorites!
QC Beats
QC Beats is an online streaming audio collection of original music featuring Quad Cities musicians and artists. QC Beats is built in partnership with Davenport Public Library, Bettendorf Public Library, and St. Ambrose University Library.
Freegal
Freegal Music gives you access to millions of songs from over 40,000 labels. Stream 24-hours a day. Download up to 5 songs per week.
Physical Items
The Library has music CD’s, audiobooks on CD, and playaways to check out to listen through your stereo or headphones. By clicking the link above, you can begin searching for your next great listen!
If you are looking for a program to join, consider looking into our Audiophiles Walking Club beginning in August!
What Our Hosts Read In June
Beth’s Reads:
If You Would Have Told Me by John Stamos
The Boys in the Cave: Deep Inside the Impossible Rescue in Thailand by Matt Gutman
Stephanie’s Reads:
Mary Jane by Jessica Anya Blau
Poppy Done to Death (book 8 in the Aurora Teagarden mystery series) by Charlaine Harris
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White
Full of Myself: A Graphic Memoir About Body Image by Siobhan Gallagher
Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
Murder in an Irish Village by Carlene O’Connor (book 1 in Irish Village Mystery series)
The Night in Question by Kathleen Glasgow and Liz Lawson (book 2 in The Agathas Mystery series)
Puzzled: a memoir about growing up with OCD by Pan Cooke
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Brittany’s Reads:
The Celebrants by Steven Rowley
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Searching for Sylvie Lee by Jean Kwok
If you would like to listen to our episode, it can be found wherever you get your podcasts. If you prefer listening on the web, it can be found here!
We love hearing from our listeners, please feel free to comment on this blog post, on our socials, or email us at checked.in@davenportlibrary.com.
Embracing Community and Inclusivity with Clock Inc.
In our ongoing efforts to highlight community resources, we focus on one of the few local organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ population. Resources and services targeting this community are scarce, making the services provided by Clock, Inc. invaluable in promoting inclusivity and acceptance.
Clock, Inc. was established in 2018 with a mission to provide a non-judgmental, secure, and dependable community center for the LGBTQ+ community. The organization is dedicated to reducing feelings of isolation among LGBT+ individuals and creating a community where everyone can feel comfortable being their authentic selves.
Since its inception, Clock Inc. has been a catalyst for change, serving over 2,000 LGBTQ+ individuals in the Quad cities. Its services and reach continue to expand, leaving an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ community, inspiring hope and transformation.
Clock Inc. provides various community-accessible resources. These resources include free chest binders for transitioning individuals, mentoring for youths and adults facing challenges, and ensuring vital transgender clothing is available for those in need. The organization is pivotal in ensuring LGBTQ+ individuals feel supported, safe, and included in their lives and community engagement. In addition, Clock Inc. focuses on raising awareness and enhancing knowledge about LGBTQ+ issues, promoting inclusive language in all settings through partnerships with human services organizations and corporate entities.
Some of the valuable services provided by the Clock Inc. to support and uplift the LGBT+ community include:
Groups: Clock Inc. provides regular meetings that offer peer support and a sense of belonging.
Counseling: Professional mental health services tailored to the needs of LGBT+ individuals.
Training: Educational programs aimed at fostering understanding and inclusivity.
Workshops: Clock Inc. provides skill-building sessions on various topics relevant to the community.
Mentorship: Guidance and support from experienced members of the community.
Safe Space: A welcoming environment where individuals can feel secure and accepted.
Computer Lab: Access to technology for education, job searches, and more.
Binder Program: Providing chest binders for trans and gender-diverse individuals through its partnership with GC2B, the gender-affirming apparel company.
To learn more about Clock Inc. and LGBTQ+ resources in the Quad Cities, please visit their website at www.clockinc.org or call 309-558-0956.
If you or anyone you know needs help, call or text 988.
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