Library Lines ...

Our annual book sale here at Rhoads Memorial Library is less than two weeks away as it will commence on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021, and end at noon on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. Books of all genres will be available, with prices remaining at 25 cents for paperbacks, 50 cents for hardbacks. Movies and audiobooks will be available, too, as will how-to books, inspirational books, humorous books, and children's books.

Historically, our sale has been held in our meeting room with all of the books and other items displayed there. This year's sale will be set up differently, as there will be a few books in the meeting room while the rest will be in our storage area. But do not be dismayed: those books are on shelves, organized alphabetically by author. You may take your finds to the circulation desk where we will gladly accept your payment. Complimentary bags or boxes will be offered for your purchases, and we will be glad to carry them to your vehicle.

As for books that can be checked out at no cost to you (unless you return them late or lose them!), we have the following two that were donated to us:

"The Turn of the Key" by Ruth Ware, a 2019 release, follows Rowan Caine as she is hired by a family to be a livein nanny at their luxurious home in the Scottish Highlands. Heatherbrae House is a "smart" home fitted out with all the modern conveniences. Little does she know she is entering a nightmare--one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder.

She admits to her lawyer that she lied to get the job and her behavior toward the children, who turned out to be brats, was often less than perfect. She even notes that malfunctioning technology contributed to events leading to her incarceration. The high tech system woke the household with loud music randomly or turned the lights off at the worst time. Indeed, this novel of suspense explores the dark side of technology.

Another 2019 release is "Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Victory that Changed American History" by Brian Kilmeade. The story takes place after the Mexican army, led by General Santa Anna in 1836, massacred more than 200 Texians trapped in the Alamo.

While it was a major blow to Texas' fight for freedom, the defeat galvanized Texians, who rallied under General Sam Houston's leadership. Six weeks after the fall of the Alamo, Houston and his band of settlers defeated Santa Anna's army, winning the independence longed for and changing America in the process.

We will be closed Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. We will re-open on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021, at 9 a.m.

Come check us out!