All posts by Deanna Parsi
Read This Next: Winter Reading Challenge
As you may have heard, we here at CPL are hosting a Winter Reading Challenge BINGO game. Expand your reading horizons, get a BINGO, and enter your BINGO card to win some great prizes. There is still plenty of time to read along with us!
While I can’t win any of the prizes, I am still aiming for a BINGO on my card and I can still tell you about what I have been reading lately:
Read a book featuring a character(s) with a disability:
I just finished When We Were Vikings, a debut novel by Andrew David MacDonald. The story is told from the point of view of a young woman named Zelda, who was born on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum. She lives with her brother Gert, and they do their best to get by. Zelda has rules for living, a penchant for using her Word of Today, and she tries to understand the world through her favorite book, Kepple’s Guide to the Vikings. She feels that the Vikings were legendary, and she dreams of living her own life in a legendary way as well.
Over the course of the book, which starts on her twenty-first birthday, Zelda strives for 
adult milestones. She gets a job at a small library, which leads to one of my favorite lines in the book: “A library is a very heroic place to work because librarians help people get stronger brains”. She gets more serious with her boyfriend and learns what heartache feels like. And she tries to help her brother Gert, who is ignoring his college courses and running with a rough crowd, and learns that the world is full of both heroes and villains.
We read this story through the perspective and understanding of Zelda. We see her live her life in a world that views her differently – from those that love her, to those that try to take advantage of her, to those who underestimate her and her abilities. In the end, Zelda teaches everyone that each of us deserves a chance to be legendary.
For a few more suggestions for this BINGO square, click HERE.
Read a science fiction or fantasy title:
I don’t usually read science fiction or fantasy, so I thought this would be a good challenge. I chose Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor, the first in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s series. Now, I may be merely easing into science fiction here, as the main element of sci-fi is time travel, which is a concept that I really enjoy. Think Time Traveler’s Wife, Life After Life, or Oona Out of Order.
St. Mary’s Institute of Historical Research is not your typical academic institution. The historians time travel to “investigate major historical events in contemporary time”. In other words, they might travel back in time to watch a Shakespeare play performed in The Globe Theater, or travel back to a hospital on the front lines in WWI to determine what caused it to burn to the ground. They are not allowed to insert themselves into history or to attempt to change things – history has a way of making sure that they can’t. Madeline Maxwell (Max) is a new recruit at St. Mary’s. She makes it through her training at the top of 
her class, but from the very first, her time jumps are fraught with the unexpected. It turns out that there is a rogue group of history time-travelers who are determined to change history at any cost.
This was such a fun read, written with a light hand, the story full of adventure and humor. The characters, especially Max, are worth rooting for on their adventures; some of the places they go are wild to think about (dinosaurs!); and the premise sets up for an entertaining series. I have already requested the next one!
For a few more suggestions for this BINGO square, click HERE.
Read a biography in graphic novel format:
This last one is probably my favorite of the three, Radioactive: A Tale of Love and Fallout by Lauren Redness. This is a graphic novel biography of Marie and Pierre Curie. First, this book is the perfect example of just how beautiful a graphic novel can be. The colors leap off the page, the art is gorgeous and complements the story, and reading it feels like an experience. Hmmm…this one might also fit under the “Read a book you picked just 
because of the cover” square?
This book is full of information about the Curies. We learn about their early lives, their meeting and marriage, their work together. We see Marie Curie fight the Nobel committee for recognition of her scientific contributions. We see the struggles of their personal lives, and the triumphs of their science. And we see her tragic death because of her own discovery. Lest you think this is a biography-light, it is full of information, as seen through seven pages of citations. And lest you think this is all science, it is full of heart and humanity. If you think heart and science don’t go together, please see page 180, which brought tears to my eyes. I loved this book so much, I bought a copy to keep on my bookshelf.
For a few more suggestions for this BINGO square, click HERE.
For those with a BINGO card, you will see that I need to read “A cookbook featuring a cuisine you have never tried” and “A book in translation” to get a BINGO. I’m on it!
We have plenty more suggestions for our Winter Challenge. You can find them here, or you can feel free to email me at dparsi@chelmsfordlibrary.org. Let’s read bigger, together!
Bookmarked! – Historical Fiction
Here is the latest episode of our reading recommendation show, Bookmarked!
To make it safer for all involved during these uncertain times, we filmed the episode via Zoom rather than in the studio. It was not as glamorous, but we were able to properly socially-distance and you don’t have to try to understand us through our masks!
We decided to focus the first part of the show on historical fiction, something we know a lot of you like to read. Jess talked about two traditional historical fiction titles and Deanna talked about two historical fiction titles that tell the stories of real people. The second part of our show is a lightning round of six books we’re excited to read. A list of all of the books featured in the show is included below the video. Enjoy!
The Real Librarians of Chelmsford
What is the best way to get to know a librarian? By getting them to dish about books, of course! Each month, we will introduce you to one of the librarians of Chelmsford Public Library. This month, we talked to Danny Lykansion, Head of Reference.
Danny started at the Chelmsford Public Library in March of 2016. His very first job was as a library page, which he started two days after his fifteenth birthday. So, it is no surprise that he eventually settled on libraries as a career! Outside of the library, Danny enjoys writing in his spare time. His pursuit of all things nerd is extraordinary, especially games.
We asked Danny…
What was your first library?
Portsmouth Public Library in Portsmouth, NH. Back then, they were in an older building on Islington St. I also worked there as a page through high school.
What is on your nightstand right now?
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
What book do you love to suggest to patrons?
Race the Sands by Sarah Beth Durst
What are your three “desert island books”?
Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
Red Seas Under Red Skies by Scott Lynch
What is your favorite place to read?
On my couch with my hound curled up next to me.
What book should be adapted into a movie, but hasn’t been yet?
Uh…none of them. Make your own stories, film people!
What book would you most like to read again for the first time?
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Last book that made you laugh or cry (or both!)?
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsin Muir.
Why do you love being a librarian?
I love when a really interesting oddball question comes in and gives me the chance to learn something new. Like how to identify a meteorite!
CPL’s 2021 Winter Reading Challenge
It’s the New Year, which is usually a time when we set those dreaded New Year’s Resolutions. You know the ones that I mean – the ones we set because we think we should; the ones we set so that we don’t feel bad about ourselves. I used to do that too, until I read this piece by author Lisa Scottoline, in which she talks about “Unresolutions”. In other words, think about all of the things that you like about yourself, all of the things that you enjoy – and then resolve to keep doing them in the New Year! It’s easy AND you can stop feeling bad about yourself!
We on the Readers Advisory team have made the Unresolution to Keep Reading! With the added challenge of reading books that will broaden our literary horizons.
To make it even more fun, we are inviting you to join us in this Unresolution by participating in CPL’s Winter Reading Challenge Bingo. You only need one BINGO to be entered into the prize drawing, but we encourage you to stretch yourself to read in as many different categories as you can. Simply print the card (front and back) from home, or stop by the library or curb-side to pick up a printed card.
Need help choosing what to read next? We’ve created lists for many of the categories, which you can find in the library or online.
Complete your card and return it to the library by March 7, 2021 for a chance to win some great prizes.
It’s a New Year – let’s read bigger, together!
Read This Next: New Year’s Fiction
What does New Year’s Day mean to you? Perhaps this year, more than other years, we are all looking forward to bidding farewell to the year that was and welcoming the new year with open arms. These fiction titles capture those feelings of nostalgia, hope and celebration – and that singular New Year’s sensation of looking both ahead and behind at the same time.
“The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book, waiting to be written.” – Melody Beattie
Happy Reading! And Happy New Year from the CPL Readers Advisory Team!
CPL’s Most Borrowed 2020
You heard from us about our staff picks of 2020, but how about what YOU were reading this year? Here are Chelmsford Public Library’s most borrowed Fiction, Nonfiction and Biographies of the year. How many did you read?
Staff Picks: Best of 2020
Librarians like to talk about books EVERY day, but it is especially fun to put together our lists of favorite titles at the end of the year. Books, movies, TV shows, music, games – we have included everything we loved from 2020, or should we say all the things that helped us make it through 2020? Use the list to buy the perfect gift for the book-lover in your life, or use it to find your next great read. And if you are in the library, be sure to tell us what some of your favorites were!
The Real Librarians of Chelmsford
What is the best way to get to know a librarian? By getting them to dish about books, of course! Each month, we will introduce you to one of the librarians of Chelmsford Public Library. This month, we talked to Becky Herrmann, Library Director.
Becky has been the Library Director since March of 2001. A native of Massachusetts, she is a Boston Red Sox fan married to a Yankees fan. When she is not at work, Becky enjoys reading, hiking, weeding her vegetable garden, traveling, cooking, and doing yoga. Not all at the same time, she hastens to add!
We asked Becky…
What was your first library?
My first library was the Ritter Memorial Library in Lunenburg MA – I was 17 and the Library Director there showed me how cool being a library director was. He played Frank Zappa records while we were open, ran a movie night, and saved the town a bunch of money by building new library shelves himself. He helped me think out of the box.
What is on your nightstand right now?
Owen Laukkanen’s Lone Jack Trail, the second book in a mystery series that features a marine veteran, an ex-con, and Lucy, a loveable pit bull solving murders together.
What book do you love to suggest to patrons?
In the Woods by Tana French – it will hook you on the Dublin Murder Squad series, and the good news is there is a new one in the series that just came out! Enjoy!
What is your favorite line from a book?
Can I choose a song instead?
“Now, dreams are just prayers without the put-on airs”, from the song Girl from Brownsville Texas by Jim White.
What is your favorite place to read?
On my deck, looking out at the mountains that I can see from my yard.
Who is your favorite character from a book?
Armand Gamache from the Louise Penny books.
What book would you most like to read again for the first time?
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Last book that made you laugh or cry (or both!)….
Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy
Why do you love being a librarian?
Every day is different and there are always new challenges to discover. I have had many incarnations in my career – library page, head of circulation, reference librarian, head of children’s services, and library director – and I have enjoyed them all. (And books! Right!!!)
While You Are Waiting…Classics Book Group
While you are waiting for the next book in your hold queue, how about joining our brand new Classics Book Group?
One day we were talking about the classics – the ones we have read and the ones that we should have read – and realized that we were likely not alone in wanting to expand our literary education. However, it didn’t seem like we needed yet another reason to get on Zoom, so we decided to create an online book group instead. There are some great advantages to this type of group: you can join in from the comfort of your own home; you can attend on your own schedule; and you can check back as little or as often as you would like.
Our first book is To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, a classic of American literature that is 
studied in classrooms around the world. Harper Lee loosely based her story on people and events that occurred in her Alabama hometown in 1936, when she was ten-years-old. However, Lee has often said that To Kill a Mockingbird is not an autobiography, but rather an example of how an author “should write about what he knows and write truthfully”.
We are hosting the Classics Book Group on Goodreads. If you do not have an account, it is free and easy to join. The link to the book group is here: Chelmsford Classics Book Group.
Our official Week One is already underway and Week Two discussions will start on November 16th!
If To Kill a Mockingbird is not already on your bookshelf, the library has the title available in many formats, including Audiobook, Graphic Novel, Book, Large Print and Overdrive.
We are looking forward to a spirited book discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird! We hope to see you there!
The Real Librarians of Chelmsford
What is the best way to get to know a librarian? By getting them to dish about books, of course! Each month, we will introduce you to one of the librarians of Chelmsford Public Library. This month, we talked to Jessica FitzHanso, Head of Reader Services.
As you might imagine, Jessica is an avid reader! She grew up in the Boston area and received her degree in Library Science in Albany, New York, before returning home to Massachusetts to work for the Chelmsford Public Library. She loves to travel and hopes to do so again someday! Closer to home, she enjoys biking, hiking, camping, gardening, and discovering new reasons to love New England.
We asked Jessica…
What was your first library?
“The First library I remember was the Christa McAuliffe branch of the Framingham Public Library. Christa McAuliffe was a teacher in Framingham, and was the first teacher in space on the Challenger, which tragically exploded at liftoff in 1986. They renamed the branch in 1987 in her memory.
I remember my first library card was yellow with a picture of a tree in the corner. When I was a little older, I used to ride my bike there to pick up Choose Your Own Adventure books, Redwall, and later, books by R. L. Stine and the Sweet Valley High series. In 2016, they moved the McAuliffe branch to a new location, and built a beautiful building commemorating space flight with large windowed walls that fill the space with natural light. It is definitely worth a visit for library lovers.”
What is on your nightstand right now?
Tiny Nightmares: Very Short Tales of Horror edited by Lincoln Michel and Nadxieli Nieto
The Silence by Don DeLillo
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
Anxious People by Fredrik Bachman
Vesper Flights by Helen MacDonald
It takes me a while to finish one book but I usually have five or six going at once!
What book do you love to suggest to patrons?
“My recommendation of what to read really depends on the person asking. Everyone’s tastes are different, and I don’t know if there is a one-size-fits-all. But, I do have a couple of favorites that I know are often enough on the shelves. A Visit from the Goon Squad is possibly my favorite recent title. It’s all about technology, time and memory, and the impact of all of these on each other and our individual and shared humanity. I also really love Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradhal as a pick for people looking for a bit more of a straightforward, uplifting story. It follows a young woman on her journey to become a great chef. It includes recipes!
What are your top three “desert island” books?
Ulysses by James Joyce
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Don Quixote by Cervantes
I think that if I were stranded on a desert island, I might have enough time to finish and fully digest each of those. And they are each really fascinating and surprising.
What is your favorite place to read?
“Everywhere!”
Who are your top five favorite authors?
“It’s really hard to choose. Right now: Lauren Groff, Jenny Offill, Rachel Kushner, Valeria Luiselli, and Sigrid Nunez.”
Who is your favorite character from a book?
“Boris in Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch.”
Why do you love being a librarian?
“I know it’s a pretty boring response, but I love to help people. Whether it’s introducing people to a new service, opening them up to a new book, or providing the experience of a great program. And I love working amidst all the books!”