Library Lines ...

A Christmas collection ranging from Nativity scenes to whimsical Santas is being shown here at Rhoads Memorial Library as the December display. Dimmitt resident Gloria Hernandez is exhibiting several Yuletide decorations that she has acquired over the years, including a small quilt top made by local favorite Helen Berryhill.

Also shown among her collection is a photo of Pancho Claus, Gloria's cousin from Houston. Pancho, who survived a hardscrabble childhood, has spent 40+ years bringing Christmas cheer to underprivileged youngsters in the city. He wears a bright red Zoot suit while cruising Houston in his lowrider and has been the subject of TV and newspaper coverage as he spreads holiday tidings to all.

Newly released books that have arrived here at Rhoads Memorial Library and are ready for checkout include:

"Dark Tides" (The Fairmile series) by Philippa Gregory;

"Hot to Trot" (an Agatha Raisin mystery) by M.C. Beaton;

"The Short, The Long, and the Tall: Short Stories" by Jeffrey Archer;

"Wyoming True" (the Wyoming Men) by Diana Palmer;

"The Law of Innocence" (a Lincoln Lawyer novel) by Michael Connelly and Peter Giles;

"Fortune and Glory" (a Stephanie Plum mystery) by Janet Evanovich;

"Murder Is A Must" (A First Edition Library Mystery) by Marty Wingate.

That last book, "Murder Is A Must", is a sequel to Wingate's "The Bodies in the Library." In this new book, Hayley Burke, curator of Lady Fowling's collection at the First Edition Library in Middlebank House, is preparing for an exhibition that will feature Lady Fowling's life as described in many letters. She realizes this event will be an enormous undertaking, and against her better judgement, she hires former boss, Oona Atherton to assist.

Oona, known for being difficult, finds a letter that alludes to a priceless edition that could be hidden somewhere in the house. Thinking it would be a great focal point for the exhibition, she texts Hayley of her discovery. But when Hayley arrives, she finds Oona dead at the bottom of the stairs. Hayley must catch a malicious murderer--or else.

Closer to home, a book highlighting legendary Route 66 has been donated to us and is ready for checkout. The 2018 release, titled "Our Time on Route 66" is an anthology featuring five stories of good times and bad, with all of them connected by the Tower Station and U-Drop Inn on the famous highway. It is written by WordsmithSix, which include area authors Natalie Bright, Cait Collins, Nandy Ekle, Rory C. Keel, and Joe R. Nichols.

Route 66 is the star of this book. Starting as a dirt path which connected neighbors, communities, states and a nation, Route 66 began as an overland route traveled by pioneers, migrant farmers, and anyone headed west in search of the American dream. Evolving from wagon ruts to a paved asphalt highway, the road has connected generations. "Our Time on Route 66" pays homage to the road, showcasing love and heartache experienced along the way.

Until next week, Happy Reading!