January’s Director’s Note

New year, new books! How was your reading year in 2025? Mine was quite full (this was the first year I started writing down each book I’d read), but there are three recent 2025 titles that I haven’t gotten to yet. In January I hope to start with these three: a dark thriller of a tale set on a remote island in Scotland, A Burning Library by Gilly Macmillan, a reimagined retelling of a Greek myth, I Medusa by Ayana Gray and the much-lauded The Wayfinder by Adam Johnson. Other books to watch for in January are also on my list, like the new George Saunders’ title, Vigil and The Other Side of Change by Maya Shankar.

I will, once again, be participating in the Mass Center for the Book’s annual reading challenge (I skipped it last year and focused on my own growing list!), and I hope some of you will join me. My January book will be Winter: The Story of a Season, a book of essays by the Scottish mystery writer Val McDermid. The January challenge is to read a book that takes place in winter or has winter in the title, so this one definitely counts, and I am looking forward to delving into the essay format, one I can dip in and out of as the mood strikes.

I hope 2026 is a year full of great reads, good health and some much-needed joy for you and yours. Be sure to visit us in the new year for more reading suggestions…the fireplace is waiting!

Happy New Year!

-Cynthia, Library Director