New Releases at Jacksonville Public Library
Adult Fiction: “The True True Story of Raja the Gullible” by Rabih Alameddine
In a small apartment in Beirut, 63-year-old Raja lives with his mother, Zalfa. A respected high school philosophy teacher and a beloved figure in the neighborhood, Raja cherishes solitude, order, and books. However, his octogenarian mother is constantly intruding on his privacy, demanding to know every detail of his life. When Raja receives an invitation to a writing residency in America, it seems like the perfect escape from his mother’s relentless curiosity and the turmoil of Lebanon. But as he begins to relive the events that led him to this point, he finds himself confronting the very challenges he wished to leave behind.
Adult Nonfiction: “Fred Francis: A Prairie State Genius” by Larry Kuster
Fred Francis, born in 1856, was the first student from Kewanee to attend Illinois Industrial University (now the University of Illinois). He graduated in 1878 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Throughout his career, he worked for Elgin National Watch Co., where he invented a hairspring device that allowed for tighter winding of watch mainsprings. The company provided him with royalties for the rest of his life. In addition to being an inventor, Francis was also a mathematician, artist, poet, and philanthropist. He designed and built Woodland Palace, a unique home now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
CD: “More” by Pulp
“More” is the eighth studio album by the English rock band Pulp, released on June 6 on Rough Trade Records. Produced by James Ford, it marks the band’s first studio album in 24 years, following “We Love Life” (2001). This is also their first album since “Freaks” (1987) without bass guitarist Steve Mackey, who passed away in 2023.
Juvenile Nonfiction: “The Notorious Virtues” by Alwyn Hamilton
Nora Holtzfall, a 16-year-old, must participate in a deadly magical contest to secure her family’s power and fortune. As she navigates this dangerous competition, she also seeks to uncover the truth behind her mother’s murder and manage the complex relationships with her new cousin, Lotte.
Upcoming Events at the Library
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Closure
The library will be closed on October 13 in recognition of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
Sensory-Friendly Storytime
A monthly storytime program tailored for neurodiverse children and those with sensory processing challenges will take place at 10 a.m. on September 27. While open to all, this program is best suited for children aged 3 to 7.
Domestic Violence Awareness Program
On October 15 at 6 p.m., the Crisis Center Foundation will host a free program focused on recognizing the signs of domestic violence and how to help prevent it. Attendees will learn about the services offered by the foundation, how to identify signs of domestic violence, and how to support someone struggling with it.
“The Return of Dead People from Illinois”
John Lynn will present a free program titled “The Return of Dead People from Illinois” at 6 p.m. on October 22. This presentation explores the history of Illinois cemeteries, uncovering intriguing graves, headstones, and the stories behind them. It promises to be an engaging and informative look into the past.
