New Fiction.... for 2020

June 2020... What is happening at the library??!

June has arrived and still covid 19 concerns reign at the Byron G Merrill Library here in Rumney. We are so fortunate to live where we do and yet, we believe, it is of the utmost importance that we remain diligent about social distancing until this deadly virus is under control. We want to avoid it and we want all of you to avoid it as well.

Like you, we follow the daily coronavirus updates and try to make sense of what is open and what is not… it is not easy to keep up with the daily changes! For the latest coronavirus information go to New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services.

We do notice that the Pease Library in Plymouth and many of the libraries around New Hampshire are starting to offer “curbside” service but are not opening their buildings to the public at this time. We, too, will remain closed for the time being and continue our “side porch” service. Actually our delivery service has been keeping us very busy! How does it work? Place your request by email.... sturbyne@rumneylibrary.org ..... we will let you know when your order is on my porch ready for pickup at 36 Buffalo Road. Wondering what to request? We will be glad to help you figure it out. Please know that we miss your visits but will do what we can to keep you reading!

We ask that you continue to return your books to my porch in a timely manner and include your name so they may be checked in easily. Returned books are being sanitized and quarantined before being returned to the shelves. We believe everything is safe.
While you are unable to come into the library, you still have a couple of options for reading material.

• You many request books from our library sturbyne@rumneylibrary.org

• Perhaps you would like a bag (10-12) of picture books for your little ones and grade school children… if so, Jane jkelso@rumneylibrary.org will put a bag together for you…we will let you know when it is on my porch ready for pickup.

• You may also access books on line from the state library by using your NH Overdrive password. If you need a password or help on how to get started you may contact Jane at jkelso@rumneylibrary.org Rumney is part of a statewide consortium that allows us to download eBooks and audio books. Like a library, copies are limited and you may be placed on a waiting list and will be notified when the download is available. Some titles are always available.

Since we miss our book chats with you at the circulation desk, here is something you can do. We will be posting on Facebook about new books arriving at the library and about books we are reading. Please join right in and tell us about what you are reading or titles of books you are anxious to read. Let’s have some fun discussion.

I read five books in May… (1) American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins… Lydia Perez runs a bookstore in Acapulco and has a husband who is a journalist. Their life is interrupted by the drug cartels and an escape becomes nececessary…. This novel gives a new look to the Mexican-US border and the daily life of migrants… such a good read. (2) Normal People by Irish writer Sally Rooney (and now a series on Hulu)…Two people in and out of each other’s lives through the years… very different book but I can’t forget it. (3) Sunrise of Half Moon Bay by Robyn Carr… a ‘beach read’… people figuring things out and moving on…enjoyable and inspiring (4) The Summer Guests by Mary Alice Monroe… this story takes place during hurricane season in North Carolina as prize winning horses are sheltered at a farm to survive the storm… my horse loving friends will particularly enjoy this story (5) One Perfect Summer by Brenda Novak… DNA tests, new sisters discovered, Lake Tahoe setting, a little romance, and a lot of complications = a good summer read! Meanwhile Jim is working his way through the very long War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy written in 1865… He is on page 755 of part one and liking it! Hope you enjoy these suggestions!

Have you filled out your 2020 Census yet? The 2020 Census is required by the Constitution and the United States has counted its population every ten years since 1790. 2020 marks the first time that you can provide your information online, by phone or by mail. 2020census.gov is your best source for responding to the census and finding more information. There are just a few questions concerning who is living in your home as of April 1st and only takes a few minutes. The information from this census helps determine the amount of federal money that is returned to New Hampshire!

As June gets underway, a lot is taking place in our country in addition to the pandemic… the death of a man in Minneapolis and protests around our country. Racism is a fact in our country and an issue we need to get beyond. Yes, our library staff is white but we have patrons of color. This thought is for you.

I’m not black, but I see you.
I’m not black, but I hear you.
I’m not black, but I mourn with you.
I’m not black, but I will fight for you.

To conclude, your librarians are all fine and hope you are too. We continue to post on Facebook and on our blog at rumneylibrary2019.blogspot.com We miss you! Off I go to wash my hands… again!

Susan and the Ladies