Vinton Public Library Newsletter

• 'Murder Mindfully' by Karsten Dusse'
• 'Hope Rises' by David Baldacci
• 'Go Gentle' by Maria Semple
• 'The Patchwork Players' by Jennifer Chiaverini
• 'Robert B. Parker's Bad Influence' by Alison Gaylin
• 'The Left and the Lucky' by Willy Vlautin
• 'American Fantasy' by Emma Straub
• 'Revenge Prey' by John Sandford
• 'Cherry Baby' by Rainbow Rowell
• 'Last One Out' by Jane Harper

• 'The Keeper' by Tana French
• 'The Beginner's Quilt' by Wanda E. Brunstetter
• 'Woman Down' by Colleen Hoover
• 'All that Life Can Afford' by Emily Everett

Review of 'Such a Clever Girl' by Darby Kane:

Darby Kane was an unknown author to me, but now that I've finished this book, I will definitely be getting better acquainted with her! A former divorce lawyer, Kane has neatly changed course into an acclaimed author of international best sellers, as well as having a book chosen for a television series.

In this book, we meet people and phantoms that inhabit Sleepy Hollow, New York. The backdrop of this spooky tale matches the story, and the characters are perfectly drawn to slip seamlessly into the setting.

We begin in a stuffy courtroom thirty-seven days after the death of family patriarch Xavier Tanner. In the eyes of most of the town, his seventy-nine-year life has been too long, and although they say 'rest in peace' out of duty, they are thinking 'Thank God he's finally gone.' Four women are in attendance at this urgent summons, which they presume to be a reading of the will. Now the backstory is presented; Xavier's son, Patrick, his wife and two children disappeared one night fifteen years previously, with a meal on the table and not an item missing except the inhabitants of the house itself. Patrick's wife, Victoria, had a best friend, Marni; Hanna is the owner of a cafe, but was formerly employed by Patrick. With Stella, a granddaughter of Xavier's sister, they are all present, along with Stella's mother. Into this uncomfortable proceeding a woman of about thirty enters, and all persons present are shocked and stunned to realize that she is Aubrey Tanner, the daughter who went missing as a girl of fifteen.

This book is a mystery, a history, and a psychological thriller, and it moves in a very creepy fashion throughout the next few weeks as the past is unwillingly revisited, and new information, long hidden, comes to light. I really enjoyed reading it, and hope you will as well. It's available at the Vinton Public Library and on the Libby App.

Relax and read!

~Connie

Almost skipped 'How to Read a Book' by Monica Wood because the title didn’t grab me-but wow, that would’ve been a mistake!

This novel completely surprised me. It’s a tender, beautifully written story about how lives can be forever changed in a single moment—and how we try to piece things back together afterward. The story follows three people—Violet, Harriet, and Frank—whose lives become deeply connected after a tragic drunk driving accident.

What stood out most was how gently and powerfully Wood shows the ripple effects of our actions, and the unexpected ways people can find connection, forgiveness, and healing.

Five out of five stars from me. Highly recommend picking this one up!

Happy reading, friends

~Heather

"The swimmers are unknown to one another except through their private routines (slow lane, medium lane, fast lane) and the solace each takes in their morning or afternoon laps. But when a crack appears at the bottom of the pool, they are cast out into an unforgiving world without comfort or relief.

One of these swimmers is Alice, who is slowly losing her memory. For Alice, the pool was a final stand against the darkness of her encroaching dementia. Without the fellowship of other swimmers and the routine of her daily laps she is plunged into dislocation and chaos, swept into memories of her childhood and the Japanese American incarceration camp in which she spent the war. Alice’s estranged daughter, reentering her mother’s life too late, witnesses her stark and devastating decline. Written in spellbinding, incantatory prose, The Swimmers is a searing, intimate story of mothers and daughters, and the sorrows of implacable loss: the most commanding and unforgettable work yet from a modern master."

-www.julieotsuka.com

Join us at the Vinton Public Library as the team from Wilson Hite Insurance leads a 5-week informational series on insurance. Everyone is welcome!

*May 7th, 2026, 6pm: All things Medicare (Supplements, Medicare Advantage, Drug Plans)

*May 14th, 2026, 6pm: Long-Term Care, Short-Term Home Health, Cancer, Indemnity, and Accident Plans
*May 28th, 2026, 6pm: Auto, Homeowners, Umbrella and Commercial
*June 4th, 2026, 6pm: Life Insurance
*June 11th, 2026, 6pm: Health Under age 65, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability and Short-Term Disability

Make plans to join us for our Comics and Cookies Book Club! Kids in grades 3rd through 6th are invited to join us for a cookie and a book club where we talk about our favorite graphic novels! Pick the time that is most convenient for you!

*Thursday, May 21st, 2026, 3:30pm

*Thursday, May 21st, 2026, 5:30pm

We had beautiful weather this past Saturday for our Vinton's Big Read Spring Ephemeral Hike & Sketch! We saw dutchman's breeches, jack-in-the-pulpit, may apples and more, as well as two owls. Participants took home a Midwest nature guide as well as a sketchpad and watercolor pencils. Thank you to Faith and Aaron with Benton County Conservation for leading this memorable and educational event!

Vinton's Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

Mondays: 9a-5p

Tuesdays: 9a-8p

Wednesdays: 9a-5p

Thursdays: 9a-8p

Fridays: 7a-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