Library News

Everyone's talking about Squid Game and for good reason: it's utterly impossible to stop watching. Squid Game is not new. Sure, the series is quite new, but the script was written more than a decade ago, in 2007. Hwang Dong-hyuk wrote it with inspiration from books like Liar Game or Battle Royale. He has never imagined the story would gain so much notoriety, fearing people would find it a bit weird and hard to understand. He failed to realize that his story would perfectly match today's society.

Whether you're a fan of a cozy read or a spooky read to bring you into the fall season, our library staff has you covered! We've narrowed down our favorite books with fall vibes for kids, young adults, and adults below. Let us know if you end up reading any of our suggestions! 

Each year, the West Des Moines Public Library celebrates Banned Books Week to honor the freedom to read. Banned Books Week was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries.  Librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types come together during this week to support the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

Reviewed by Claire, a Teen Advisory Board Member

“Proud: Living My American Dream” by Ibtihaj Muhammad is an inspiring memoir written by an Olympic medalist and fencer that details her life journey and how her faith, family, and determination propelled her toward success.

Ever wonder what the WDM Library staff is reading? Here's your chance to get a peek into what our favorite books were from this summer! 

Staff picks: 

Max – Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Susan – Pirates Stuck at “C” – An Alphabet Adventure by Brooke Van Sickle

Review written by Claire, a Teen Advisory Board Member

“From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry: The Killing of Vincent Chin and the Trial that Galvanized the Asian American Movement” by Paula Yoo is an account of Vincent Chin’s death, the movement that followed, and the first civil rights trial on the grounds of Asian American discrimination. 

LGBTQ+ READING RECOMMENDATIONS

ADULT READERS

Over The Rainbow Booklist for Adults

Looking for a quick read?

Is the book better than the movie or tv show? Read for yourself!

Books to Netflix: Movies

A guest post by our student author Claire:

Can't get enough Bridgerton? Try a few of our Read-a-Like suggestions!