• 'The Atlas of Untold Stories' by Sara Brunsvold
• 'The Havana Syndrome' by Jeffrey James Higgins
• 'Sing Me Home to Carolina' by Joy Callaway
• 'Finders Keepers' by Sarah Adler
• 'Writing on Empty: A Guide to Finding Your Voice' by Natalie Goldberg

• 'The Catch' by Yrsa Daley-Ward
• 'The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau' by Kristin Harmel
• 'The Boy From The Sea' by Garrett Carr
• 'Last Night Was Fun' by Holly Michelle
• 'The Robin on the Oak Throne' by K. A. Linde

• 'Beach Reads and Deadly Deeds' by Allison Brennan
• 'Kill Your Darlings' by Peter Swanson

Meet Barrett! He stopped by the library to return a book—and not just any book. He told the Children's Librarian how much he loved reading 'A Work in Progress' by Jarrett Lerner. Barrett liked it so much, he said every kid should read it!

So, we had an idea: “Barrett, want to write a book review?”

He gave a big smile and said, “Yes!”

Here’s what he wrote...

"So, the main character named Will likes a girl named Jules. But in fourth grade when him and friends are in the hallway a kid named Nick called him fat. So, then he's traumatized and cuts up his clothes. But close to the end he talks to the girl he likes which is Jules."

If you love Anne Tyler, don’t sleep on Elizabeth Strout. I'm currently making my way through Strout’s 'Amgash' series, and she’s giving Tyler a run for her money—gently exposing the underbelly of ordinary life in small-town America with stunning emotional clarity.

Book #1, 'My Name is Lucy Barton,' follows a writer who leaves behind childhood poverty in rural Illinois for a literary life on the East Coast. Strout’s writing is a diamond in the rough—honest, clear, and quietly devastating. In Book #2, 'Anything Is Possible,' she expands the story into a network of deeply human short stories, all woven through with the struggles and silent battles that define us. At one point she writes, “as honest as a creek in Spring,” and something ancient in me recognized the truth in that phrase—I nearly cried.

In Strout’s world, everyone is extraordinary. And I am here for it. Happy reading, friends! ~Heather

Brand new to our library collection is Tatiana de Rosnay's latest novel, 'Blonde Dust.' It tells the story of Pauline, a single mother working as a maid at the iconic Mapes Hotel in Reno, Nevada. One day Pauline is assigned to clean the suite of hotel guest Mrs. Miller. Pauline quickly learns that Mrs. Miller is not just any guest, but the famous actress Marilyn Monroe. Through cleaning her room, she is granted an intimate glimpse into Monroe's life, her trials, her heart, and her strength. The two form a unique and tender friendship that provides each woman a shelter from her own personal storms.

I love this story; it is beautifully written, moves at a comfortable pace, and has several interesting and complementary storylines.

Tatiana de Rosnay is a skilled storyteller, having written 'The Rain Watcher,' 'Sarah's Key,' and others.

Happy reading,

Kelly Henkle, Library Director

Love our library? Consider serving on our Library Board of Trustees! Applicants must live within the Vinton city limits. Applications are available at City Hall or by visiting https://cityofvinton.org. Our library board meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 5pm.

Our library is holding a silent auction to raise funds for our adult programming. Thanks to the help of Cheryl and Donna, our quilt is now complete! Over a dozen local quilters submitted blocks and we are so pleased with the results. Stop in to take a look and place your bid!

Level up your crafting skills! Stop by the Vinton Public Library any time, 12-4, pm and make a craft!

• Tuesday, July 8th: Perler Beads
• Tuesday, July 15th: Design Your Own Game
• Tuesday, July 22nd: Foil Art
• Tuesday, July 29th: Suncatcher

Congrats to this library friend who has just completed 100 books! Keep up the great work.

Join us at the Youth Garden every Monday at 9 AM for a quick, exciting story — then get your hands dirty picking and tasting fresh fruits and veggies straight from the garden. It’s a delicious adventure you won’t want to miss!

Meet our July Kid Librarian, Avery! Come check out her display.

Our latest display is all decked out for the 4th of July!

The Vinton Public Library is a drop-off location for the HACAP food drive! Bring in your donations between now and July 12th, and we will deliver the food to a local food bank. Our drop-off box is located in our upper level next to the elevator.

Congrats to Dana S.! Dana won our latest raffle at the Benton County Fair and took home a VPL swag bag!!!

Book covers can be incredibly influential, and Lynn Buckley’s designs definitely stand out. Her work combines bold typography, smart color palettes, and striking illustrations that capture the essence of a story at a glance. It's no surprise readers would be drawn in by her covers alone! Check out the available titles we have at the library that Lynn Buckley designed and take a look at her portfolio @ www.lynnbuckley.com.

A huge shoutout to the amazingly talented Athena for joining us and showing us how to draw the most adorable, slightly spooky, totally awesome Peek-a-Boo Monster!

Thanks for bringing your creativity and monster-making magic—our sketchpads will never be the same!

Author Spotlight: “Rachel Joyce is the award-winning author of the Sunday Times and international bestsellers The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Perfect, The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy, The Music Shop, and Miss Benson’s Beetle, as well as a collection of interlinked short stories, A Snow Garden & Other Stories.” ~www.rachel-joyce.co.uk

Check out the five titles available by Rachel Joyce at the library:

• "Miss Benson's Beetle"
• "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry"
• "The Music Shop"
• "The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy"
• "The Homemade God" (coming soon!)

There is still time to enroll for the Summer Reading Program! Enroll, log and earn prizes. Don't want to track using your phone? That's ok! Stop in and get a paper tracker and we will log the books and minutes for you.

These kiddos are preventing the "Summer Slide" and staying on top of their reading! Keep up the great work!

July is almost here, and that means it's National Picnic Month!

Stop by and check out our latest display celebrating the joy of cooking outdoors with family and friends. From picnic-perfect recipes to outdoor dining inspiration, we've got everything you need to make your summer gatherings extra special!

Check out our latest community puzzle that was completed!

Mondays: 9a-5p

Tuesdays: 9a-8p

Wednesdays: 9a-5p

Thursdays: 9a-8p

Fridays: 7a-4p

Saturdays: 9a-Noon

Sundays: Closed

Copy services: $0.20 per black and white, $0.25 per color

Fax services: $1.00 for 1-2 pages, $2.00 for 3+ pages

Notary services: No charge, call 319-472-4208 for availability

Free Wifi

Boardroom available at no charge; reservations required

Email: library@vintonia.gov
Website: vinton.lib.ia.us
Location: 510 2nd Avenue, Vinton, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 472-4208
Facebook: facebook.com/heartofvinton