This blog was an idea from last year that I had the best intentions for, but I completely failed to update! Well, a couple of months and a pandemic later, I feel that a blog is more important than ever as a way to communicate with all of you. Therefore, this space will be used to update our Chelsea community and library patrons on new materials that you can borrow, as well as share some books that I have recently read and recommend. Books are a great means of comfort and escape, so I know I have been spending a lot of time with my books lately! I hope you are able to utilize some of our library items during this time, please let me know if I can help in any way. We are hoping to start a pickup window soon! Looking forward to seeing  some of your familiar faces!

Anyway, these are a couple of books that I recently read while quarantining and enjoyed: Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates, Untamed by Glennon Doyle, The Paris Hours by Alex George, Happy & You Know It by Laura Hankin, Beach Read by Emily Henry, Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid, The Guest List by Lucy Foley, and Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo. I am currently reading the newest book by The Hunger Games author, Suzanne Collins, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. I highly recommend reading The Paris Hours if you are longing for a trip overseas; the descriptions of Paris life in the 1920's inspired me to do a ton of research on some of the real life characters, bake croissants for the first time, and I even ordered a book from Shakespeare and Company Bookstore in Paris... hopefully coming soon *fingers crossed*. The croissants turned out better than I expected if you were curious, but I'm not changing careers anytime soon.

Between the World and Me was our Book Group's choice before the library closed in March, so we have yet to discuss it. I was holding off on reading it until we could meet again, but I felt the need to read it after George Floyd's death. I couldn't put it down, it is a must-read. I am hoping to read more recommended anti-racist books, such as White Fragility by Robin Diangelo and Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi as soon as I get a copy. I am going to highlight some books from our collection that you can check out once we start a pickup window. There are many recommended reading lists available for various reading levels, let me know if you would like assistance locating any of those lists or books. 

Finally, new books! I was unable to purchase any new books the last couple of months, but just put an order in for June! Use this link to view our newest titles. Our new movies aren't on the list, but  they include Jumanji: The Next Level, Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker, Little Women, 1917, and Dolittle. You can use our catalog to view whether or not these titles are available and put a hold on anything that is currently checked out. Contact the library if you need any help logging in (you don't need to log in to view items available, just to place a hold). 

I miss seeing everyone and hope that you have all been safe, happy, and healthy. I hope that I can see you all again soon, but in the meantime let me know if I can help get materials to you or someone who may appreciate it. Take care <3

Chelsea Public Library now has a blog! We are excited to use this page as a way to keep you informed of things happening at the library, as well as share our thoughts on books that we recently read. Ashley Jamele and I would also like to include pieces written by the community, so if you have a book review you would like to share, send it our way! You can email your review to [email protected].

The last couple of weeks have been hopping here at Chelsea Library! Rick Winston, a local Vermont author, shared stories from his book, Red Scare in the Green Mountains, with us last Thursday. Rick worked with the Vermont Historical Society on creating a conference about communism in Vermont during the McCarthy era. It was interesting to hear about the research he had conducted and the role that McCarthyism played in Vermont.

The Second Annual Chili Challenge was held on Saturday, April 6th! Approximately 100 people came and tasted 19 delicious chilis. Ryan Morrison, Kana Johnson, and Ashley Jamele won first, second, and third place! Congratulations! We are all looking forward to next year! Thanks to The Friends of Chelsea Public Library, Mascoma Savings Bank, and Will's Store for sponsoring this event!

Ashley and I are currently working on Summer Reading plans. Keep an eye open for future programs! The theme this year is "A Universe of Stories," so get excited! The Black Hole picture is definitely getting me in the spirit for a space-themed summer!

I look forward to keeping in touch with you! I also hope to post a list of recently added items so you have collection updates. Don't forget, you can place holds on items! Let me or Ashley know if you need any assistance.

Enjoy the slightly warmer weather!

~ Elizabeth Morrison, Director