Off the Shelf: 2024 Wrapped: Favorite Reads from Sequim Library Staff

December 31, 2024 1:30 am
Photo courtesy North Olympic Library System/ Staff with the Sequim Library, from left, Public Services Specialists Amber Kleefeld, Anna Foster and Ellen Schvetz, Public Services Lead Annie Brooker and Youth Services Librarian Charlotte McGrew, provide some of their favorite reads for 2024. Not pictured are Older Adult Services Librarian Corrina Desmarais and Public Services Specialist Dana Seevers.
Photo courtesy North Olympic Library System/ Staff with the Sequim Library, from left, Public Services Specialists Amber Kleefeld, Anna Foster and Ellen Schvetz, Public Services Lead Annie Brooker and Youth Services Librarian Charlotte McGrew, provide some of their favorite reads for 2024. Not pictured are Older Adult Services Librarian Corrina Desmarais and Public Services Specialist Dana Seevers.

By Charlotte McGrew

NOLS Sequim youth services librarian

Are you looking for great books to check out in the New Year? The staff at Sequim Library have compiled a list of favorite titles that they read in 2024 to get you started!

Amber Kleefeld recommends “When We Are Kind,” a picture book by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt. “It’s perfect for gentle discussions about how we are interconnected with each other and nature, and how caring for ourselves is a form of kindness as well. The illustrations are colorful, playful, inclusive and welcoming to all children and their families,” Amber said.

Annie Brooker suggests “Here One Moment,” a 2024 mystery-thriller by Liane Moriarty. Annie said the story is “all about knowing the time and reason of your own death and what you would do if you found out. I rate it 10 out of 10 stars!”

Anna Foster enjoyed “Little Weirds,” by Jenny Slate. Anna said, “Jenny Slate has the most unique and earnest view of the world and her place inside of it. She takes commonplace feelings and experiences and breathes beauty, color and novelty into them so that they become bright and tactile. She makes the nonfiction world feel magical and safe at the same time.”

Charlotte McGrew recommends “Nicola Traveling Around the Demons’ World,” a four-book manga series by Asaya Miyanaga. “This is an underrated series that all ages can enjoy,”

Charlotte said “It’s whimsical, has beautifully detailed drawings and cute creatures, and tells a positive story about self-worth and connection. It’s just an overall great read.”

Corrina Desmarais suggests “Conviction” by Denise Mina. In the book, a woman’s life explodes and she seeks comfort in her true crime podcasts, but the podcast she chooses on a particular day is about a crime she was connected to in a secret former life.

Dana Seevers enjoyed “11/22/63” by Stephen King. In it, a time traveler goes back in time to attempt to stop the assassination of President JFK and falls in love along the way. “It’s the most beautiful, tender love story,” Dana said.

Ellen Schvetz picked “Shark Heart: A Love Story” by Emily Habeck. “It is her debut novel and it is a wonderful book, about love, change, growth and coping. It is all centered on the new husband turning into a great white shark. To understand how that works, just read it!”

More Information

Visit the Sequim Library Temporary Location at 609 W. Washington St., open Monday–Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The library is always open at NOLS.org.