Vinton Public Library Newsletter

I recently read 'The Things They Carried' by Tim O'Brien, my choice for the 2026 Vinton's Big Read. This work of fiction tells stories of the Vietnam War from the perspective of soldiers, and examines the nature of truth in memory. O'Brien writes himself as a fictional narrator, sharing his experiences with the men of Alpha Company. The stories we read alternate between 'story-truth' and 'happening truth' and give a profound account of war that blurs the lines between fact and fiction. Imagination plays an important role in the author's storytelling, as he attempts to reconcile his personal and political beliefs with the realities and horrors of war.

While not what I would describe as a 'pleasure read,' I found this book to be an important read. It has prompted many meaningful conversations with readers in our community, including during the discussion we held earlier this month as part of our library's Community Book Club. I chose Kristen Hannah's 'The Women' as a companion novel, as it offers a female perspective of the Vietnam War. We have free copies of both 'The Things They Carried' and 'The Women' available at the library, along with free journals meant to prompt storytelling. I encourage you to read these books and share your thoughts with me or with others in our community.

Happy reading,

Kelly

• 'Life Out of Order' by Audrey Niffenegger
• 'Broken Rival' by Tessa Bailey
• 'Return to the Shack' by Wm. Paul Young
• 'The Memory of Borrowed Books' by Meg Anderson
• 'Cozy Little Christmas' by RaeAnne Thayne

• 'Galinda: A Charmed Childhood' by Gregory Maguire
• 'The Witch' by Freida McFadden
• 'Other Worlds Than These' by Stephen King and Peter Straub
• 'Adam & Eve' by Jeffrey Archer
• 'Do You See What I See?' by Peter Swanson

• 'An Unexpected Life' by Gloria Steinem
• 'Operation Sparrow: The Incredible True Story of the Spies Who Tricked Hitler and Won the War' by Jason Bell
• 'Essential Guide to Plant Propagation' by the American Horticultural Society

Last week 'Travel to the Past' beat out 'Travel to the Future' in our 'This or That' challenge!

Tell us, do you read one book at a time, or several books at once?

Today we welcomed students from Vinton Shellsburg Community Schools to our library! Mr. Walston's high school history class learned more about our Carnegie library, took a tour, and embarked on a library scavenger hunt.

Thank you, Mr. Walston, for bringing your students to our library to learn more about our community!

This team put together a fun Disney Villains puzzle in our children's library! #libraryjoy #puzzletime

Looking for your next page-to-screen read? Check out 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood!

#thebookwasbetter #librarylife

Mondays: 9a-5p

Tuesdays: 9a-8p

Wednesdays: 9a-5p

Thursdays: 9a-8p

Fridays: 8a-4p

Saturdays: 9a-Noon

Sundays: Closed

Copy services: $0.20 per black and white, $0.25 per color

Fax services: $1.00 for 1-2 pages, $2.00 for 3+ pages

Notary services: No charge, call 319-472-4208 for availability

Free Wifi

Boardroom available at no charge; reservations required

Email: library@vintonia.gov
Website: vinton.lib.ia.us
Location: 510 2nd Avenue, Vinton, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 472-4208
Facebook: facebook.com/heartofvinton