By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org The Hunger Games and its sequels, Catching Fire and Mockingjay, were Nos. 1, 2 and 5 on Newton Public Library’s countdown of the top young adult fiction of the 2010s. The first book in the series was also the second-most-circulated book overall, behind only the first volume in the Harry Potter…
Read More »

By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org The Last Emperox is a light, quick read, and it provided easy distraction, which I was looking for in the time of COVID-19. But it was in fact so light that none of the characters or situations felt at all real or weighty. Briefly, the situation in The Last Emperox, and the “Collapsing…
Read More »

On Tuesday, May 26, Peter Bolek of HBM Architects revealed the concept design for a new Newton Public Library building. It features a one-story layout incorporating natural light, more flexible/efficient use of space, and drive-up services. The site plan includes on-site parking and re-orienting the building to make better use of the green space in…
Read More »

The concept design for a new Newton Public Library building will be revealed for the first time during a joint work session of the Newton City Commission and Newton Public Library Board of Trustees on Tuesday, May 26, at 5 p.m. In order to facilitate social distancing, the meeting will be held at the Meridian…
Read More »

Newton Public Library’s Summer Library Program officially kicks off on June 1 and continues through July 31. To register, email library@newtonplks.org, or call 316-283-2890 during staff hours. “Summer is our favorite time of the year at Newton Public Library,” library director Marianne Eichelberger said. “Hundreds of children, teens and adults participate in reading challenges, book…
Read More »

By Sam Jack, sjack@newtonplks.org Opinions vary on ebooks and e-reading. I, personally, am a fan. I don’t mind heading to the Sunflower eLibrary or Hoopla to grab the next volume in whatever sci-fi series I’m currently absorbing. Sometimes I like to read on my smartphone at night, with the only light coming from the backlit…
Read More »

By Dan Eells, deells@newtonplks.org These weekend movies are new or newer releases on Hoopla. I hope you enjoy them. (Hoopla is available free with your library card. Don’t have a library card? You can sign up via email or Facebook message.) Capote (2005) (R) From Hoopla: In 1959, Truman Capote learns of the murder of a Kansas…
Read More »

Newton Public Library entered Phase 1 of its reopening plan on Monday, May 18. Books, DVDs and other physical library items are circulating again, with a no-contact pickup procedure in place. The library building, except the front lobby, remains closed to the public. Computers, copying, printing and faxing services are not available at this time.…
Read More »

Newton Public Library’s 2020 Reading Challenge continues! This month’s featured challenge is “Read a Book Set in Another Country.” Sam, Dan, Sharon, Stefanie and Nathan have recommendations. Dan and Sharon independently chose the same book! If you’d like to borrow these books, you can do so online. Below you’ll find titles and links. • Sam:…
Read More »