Blog

Locked-Room Mysteries

Locked-room mysteries are part of the classic "whodunit and how" stories made popular by authors such as Agatha Christie and John Dickson Carr. You might also think of the 2019 movie, "Knives Out." In a locked-room mystery, a crime has been committed, but the perpetrator could not have gotten in or ...

Collection Connection: Family Read Aloud Chapter Books

February 2 was Read Aloud Day, inaugurated by Scholastic Books about a decade ago. But why limit it to one day? Reading aloud either to or with your children is a wonderfully intimate experience for all. Reading with your children doesn’t have to end when the children can read independently. We get requests for longer books, especially fiction, that families can share. Here are some favorites.

Michelle's Real Reads

Stop by the Children's Library and check out some new nonfiction books! EJ Nonfiction Just a Thought by Jason Gruhl, illustrated by Ignasi Font Through playful rhyming text and vivid, fun illustrations, Just a Thought introduces kids 4-8 to the way our lives are shaped...

Kathy's Korner - January New Fiction for Grades 3-8

A clickable list of recent chapter books and graphic novels for elementary and middle school readers.

Lit Lorie Loves – Kindness and Mindfulness

This month I selected a variety of board books, picture books, and readers on kindness and mindfulness. Each book should engage thoughtful conversations as we navigate this big, beautiful world.

Guides to Retirement at Lake Forest Library

Saving for retirement is a lifelong process. The Lake Forest Library is here to help with all your lifelong learning goals, including personal finance and preparing for retirement. Read on for six book recommendations and three upcoming events at the library that may be of use to your retirement planning journey in 2022.

Michelle's Real Reads: Children's Nonfiction Book Recommendations

New Children's Nonfiction Brains! Not Just a Zombie Snack by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Matthew Rivera Brains. 78% water, 100% delicious. A zombie chef who has sworn off eating brains salivates over this super powerful organ in this funny and fact-filled picture book. From learning a...

8 New Titles from the 800s: Works of Literature and Works about Literature

Robust and diverse additions to the 800s collection include a literary globe-trotting volume, a study on the novel in the age of Amazon, and a handful of collected essays from eccentric, witty and sharp authors on issues of race, education, epidemics, climate change and gender. H...

Kathy's Korner - December New Fiction for Grades 3-8

A clickable list of recent chapter books and graphic novels for elementary and middle school readers.

Lit Lorie Loves – Picture Books About Food with Recipes

A baker’s dozen of picture books to read aloud with your kiddos and delicious-sounding recipes to make together. I included picture books with recipes from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Michelle's Real Reads

New Children's Nonfiction Book Recommendations African Icons: 10 People Who Shaped History by Tracey Baptiste, illustrated by Hillary D. Wilson Every year, American schoolchildren celebrate Black History Month. They study almost exclusively American stories, which are not only ...

To Read & to Give: Your Librarians' Top Books of 2021

Add to your to-be-read list and maybe your holiday gift list with your librarians' favorite books of the year. From literary fiction to memoir, there's a book for everyone! All titles are linked to the Lake Forest Library catalog.

Top Business Books of 2021

Find 12 of the top business books published in 2021, including titles to help manage your headspace, follow the growth of companies and executives, and books that write about hot topics from a business perspective. Titles are linked to the Lake Forest Library catalog.

Kathy's Korner - November New Fiction for Grades 3-8

A clickable list of recent chapter books and graphic novels for elementary and middle school readers.

Crafty Books for Holiday Gift Making and Ideas

Calling all crafters and non-crafters! Find 27 books of inspiration for what to make or get your friends, neighbors, and family this holiday season. Read on for at-home kids activities, ideas for gifts, and titles for specialized crafters interested in fabric arts, beauty products, beading, knitting, paper arts, and more. Most hands-on crafting making titles in the Lake Forest Library can be found around the 745 and 746 area of the Arts Room, with select titles on this list that are found elsewhere.