By Carol Ann Robb, PPL Reference Librarian

If there’s one thing I’m good at doing, it’s finding time to read. Dishes to do? Pick up a book instead. Carpets need to be vacuumed? Find a book and sit down to read. Laundry needs to be done? Well, I can put the clothes in the washer, then relax with a book until it’s time to throw them in the dryer (and then I can read some more). Housework can wait but not a book (there are due dates after all).

But in order to practice procrastireading, one must have books on hand so I am always on the lookout for new titles that are coming out. “A Sunlit Weapon” by Jacqueline Winspear marks the 17th installment of her Maisie Dobbs series, out in March. I’m overjoyed about a new Abbi Waxman book, out in late Spring with Nina Hill making a return appearance in “Adult Assembly Required” (she isn’t the main character but still definitely something to look forward to).

Not new—but I’ve not read it yet so it’s new to me—is “Ellie and the Harpmaker” by Hazel Prior, a title I’ve held in reserve for some time now but plan to act on it soon. Also piquing my interest are two titles in a new series that have recently arrived on the library’s shelves, Blythe Baker’s “A Simple Country Murder” and “A Simple Country Funeral,” set in the Cotswolds during the 1940’s. And keeping with the English theme, Jennifer Ryan—I loved her last book, “Kitchen Front”—will have her next title, “The Wedding Dress Sewing Circle,” out just in time for the summer reading program.
Fortunately, there are always plenty of choices to be found to keep me busy reading while I wait for those to hit the shelves. I certainly don’t want to find myself with time on my hands…I just might have to take care of those pesky household chores!

If you need help finding something to read, we still have around 30 slots open for our Books & Sweets bags filled with two books chosen just for you and an assortment of sweet treats. Bags will be ready for delivery or pick-up before Valentine’s Day. Call the Reference Desk at 620-230-5560 to get signed up—don’t wait until it’s too late!