Summer Scares

by Kelly

Summer is officially upon us. The nights may be getting shorter, but there is still plenty of darkness to explore, even in broad daylight, when you dive into the pages of a spine-tingling tale found in these newly added horror titles to the library’s adult fiction collection.

Goblin by Josh Malerman. Fans of Malerman’s BirdBox will uncover six times the scares in this collection of interconnected stories set in the town of Goblin, Michigan. Ferndale, Michigan resident and MSU alum Malerman opens the door to this creepy fictional town and the residents who inhabit it, telling six individual tales with a common tie.

The Invited by Jennifer McMahon. This haunted house story set in the woods of Vermont features a married couple set off to build their dream home on what find out is cursed land. Supernatural and strange event unfold as they put their house together and uncover the local legends surrounding those who haunt it.

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones. This disturbing novel of psychological horror unveils revenge and sorrow that haunts the lives of four Blackfeet Indian men, and their families, years after a shared event. Suspenseful, and at times graphic and gory, this novel is hard to forget.

The Ruins by Scott Smith. This survivor horror novel set on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula begs the question for the reader, how would you act and react if faced with a hopeless situation that you were lured into by a bizarre creeping horror. Add this one to your must-read list and then watch the movie.

Near The Bone by Christina Henry. Atop an isolated mountaintop an abused wife faces danger inside and outside her abode. When a group of hunters come looking for a legendary being, they discover more than the one monster they were looking for. Fast-paced, and thrilling, this horror novel serves up a dose of dread.

Get your summer scare started. Each of these titles offer up their own unique take on the horror genre, sure to send a chill down your spine and make you sleep with one eye open. Pick up a copy today or check our eResource apps for digital versions of these and other great horror titles.

A Whale of a Tale

by Kelly

Summer reading, happened so fast. Summer reading, had me a blast. Fans of the musical Grease know that summertime can be one of the best and magical time of one’s life. But how does that apply to summer reading?

For the parents, it’s a free and fun way to keep their young ones, tweens, and teens occupied and educated during the months-long recess from school. For the librarians, it’s a great way to promote reading, literacy, and books, the foundation on which libraries operate. And, for the kids, it’s a surefire way to snag some awesome library loot, making it a win, win, win for everyone involved.

Simply stated, Summer Reading challenge is a nation-wide program offered by libraries during the weeks of summer. Each year, there is a collaborative theme that participating libraries set their own rules and guidelines around.

This year’s theme is Tails & Tales, an imaginative way to highlight books and stories that have a tailed animal, creature, or being as the central character or theme. Though, you are welcome to read any story that you choose.

ANBL’S summer reading requirements for participation and completion vary by age group, Pre-K, Youth, Teen, and Adult, and details can be found when you sign up on the Beanstack app or webpage. Beanstack tracks your progress and is the ONLY place you can enter into the prize drawings.

Here are some things you should know for Summer Reading 2021:

• ALL AGES can participate- Birth-100
• All tracking is done through the Beanstack app-NO PAPER
• You receive virtual tickets in the app that you enter for prize drawings
• You can read any books you wish (library or at-home books) and may come to the library to browse
• Our Youth Librarian Team have put together VIRTUAL events that can be viewed on Facebook or our YouTube Channel with take and make fun to go
• The Summer Reading Challenge begins June 7 and ends July 31

Entering your reading, participating in virtual activities, and writing reviews on the Beanstack app all have the possibility to earn you tickets toward prize drawings. Staff is on-hand during all open library hours to assist you and answer questions.

We hope that the summer of 2021 is one that you will enjoy and remember. Pre-registration is open now. Find the Beanstack app on your phone or device or visit https://alvahnbeldinglibrary.beanstack.com/ to pre-register today.