Spinner of Dreams by K.A. Reynolds Have you ever experienced the absolute joy of stumbling upon a book you didn’t know you needed? Perhaps the font made you think of something or maybe it was the title. It could be the images on or inside of the book or it could be the blurb in the jacket. Sometimes there doesn’t even need to be a reason for why a book speaks to you but you know deep inside that you were meant to find that book. The Spinner of Dreams by #ownvoices K.A. Reynolds was that kind of gem for me.  On the day of her birth eleven year old Annaliese was cursed by an evil enchantress. Even though she is kind and loving, all the people in her town loathe her and her parents because their crops won’t grow and wolves from the forest terrorize them at night. Because of her hard life Annaliese greatly suffers from fear and anxiety and she must learn to have the courage to live her life and believe in her dreams against all odds. You might love this book too if: -you want words o...

  Woke : A Young Poet's Call to Justice  written by Mahogany L. Browne and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III Woke is a new children's book that I think will be a winner somewhere this year. It's absolutely beautiful and speaks to our times, not to mention the art. Love it! Three contributors (including our girl, Elizabeth Acevedo), celebrate the joy and passion in the fight for social justice. Includes themes like activism, community, empathy, freedom fighters, gender, immigration, protest, stereotyping, volunteering, and WOKE!   "We all are part of someone else's journey   That's the way communities are built   Each root sprawling toward the edge of an infinite smile."   ~ Mahogany L. Browne -Iris

For 100 years, starting in 1847, Worcester was an important part of the Valentine's Day industry in the United States. Let’s celebrate that tradition by making Valentines for a friend or family member! Don’t forget to watch this month’s video of Ms. Rebecca, making her Valentine. Craft kits will be available to pick up starting February 6th from all seven of our Worcester Public Library locations. Check our website for the most up to date information about branch hours.   Here are some great Valentine’s Day books to read after you make your craft:  Snuggle Puppy!  (A Love Song) by Sandra Boynton   You are my Sweetheart by Joyce Wan   Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug  written by Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Jay Fleck  Love Is written by Diane Adams and illustrated by Claire Keane  Only available in libraries outside of Worcester. Please contact us if you need help requesting this. Here comes Valentine Cat written by Deborah Unde...