SAVANNA, Ill. — If you're looking for your next read, why not check out these books Carroll County can't seem to put down!
Twice a month on our 4 p.m. show, The Current, we bring you a book-club-style segment called "Current Reads." We chat with libraries all over our viewing area to hear what people are reading in their community. For this edition, we head north to the Savanna Public Library District.
The library's director, Mary Meyers, joined us to discuss their three most popular books this summer:
- The "Wings of Fire" series by Tui T. Sutherland is a hit with both teachers and students. The epic dragon fantasy novels span several books and follow a years-long war between the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia. There's a prophecy saying five dragonets will end the bloodshed and choose a new queen. However, not every dragonet wants a destiny. Suddenly, Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight and Sunny discover the truth of their secret upbringing, and must choose between freedom and fate, all while saving their world.
- "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus has become a #1 global bestseller, with more than six million copies sold. It follows Chemist Elizabeth Zott, who is the only woman on her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute. It's the early 1960s and her team doesn't take a very scientific view of equality. All except for the lonely, brilliant, grudge-holding Calvin Evans. It's a fast love. But fast forward a few years later and Elizabeth is a single mother and the reluctant star of America's most beloved cooking show, where she combines cooking with chemistry. As her following grows, she quickly expands into daring the women who look up to her, to change the status quo.
- "Eruption" by James Patterson and Michael Crichton is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and described as the biggest thriller of the year. A history-making eruption is about to destroy Hawaii's Big Island. But a secret held for decades by the US military is far more terrifying than any volcano. The story was first thought of by Crichton, who's behind Jurassic Park, ER, Westworld and Twister. However, he passed in 2008, before it would ever be finished. His wife, Sherri, kept his notes and partial manuscript until she found the right author to complete it. Turns out, that's James Patterson, the world's most popular storyteller.
Also on file in Savanna, the library (like most in Illinois) is partnered with Explore More Illinois. The library offers a free service, providing access to free and discounted tickets to science centers, zoos, parks, theatres, museums and more. All you have to do is log in with your library card credentials.
In August, the library will hold a reading program for kindergarteners through fifth graders, to celebrate Smokey The Bear's 80th birthday! Summer reading will be August 5 - 9 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. RSVPs must be received by July 31. To do so, simply call the library at 815-273-3714, message their Facebook or email savpublib@gmail.com.
And if you go visit the library, make sure you check out Colette the Rock Snake! Every visitor is encouraged to add a painted rock and watch her grow even larger.
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