Coming in June, "Adventure Begins at Your Library". 2024 Summer Reading.

We'll highlight topics of interest and share ideas that matter to you. Have a story to share? Send me an email at Melissa@scottpublib.org.

Cozy Up With a Classic

Classic novels tend to deal with timeless, universal themes-good vs. evil, the inevitability of death, the corrupting nature of power. They examine the enduring and immutable truth of the human spirit and sweep us away to another world, showing us the best and the worst of human behavior. Check out some of the many classics we have here at Scott County Public Library. They are worth a revisit!

The Grapes of Wrath  
by John Steinbeck

At once naturalist epic, captivity narrative, road novel, and transcendental gospel, Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath is perhaps the most American of American classics. Although it follows the movement of thousands of men and women and the transformation of an entire nation during the Dust Bowl migration of the 1930s, The Grapes of Wrath is also the story of one Oklahoma farm family, the Joads, who are driven off their homestead and forced to travel west to the promised land of California. From their trials and the repeated collisions against the hard realities of this new America, Steinbeck creates a drama that is intensely human yet majestic in its scale and moral vision, logical but ultimately stirring in its insistence on human dignity.

BRAVE NEW WORLD  
by Aldous Huxley

A towering classic of dystopian satire, BRAVE NEW WORLD is a brilliant and terrifying vision of a soulless society-and of one man who discovers the human cost of mindless conformity. Hundreds of years in the future, the World Controllers have created an ideal civilization. Its members, shaped by genetic engineering and behavioral conditioning, are productive and content in roles they have been assigned at conception. Government sanctioned drugs and recreational sex ensure that everyone is a happy, unquestioning consumer; messy emotions have been anesthetized and private attachments are considered obscene. Only Bernard Marx is discontented, developing an unnatural desire for solitude and a distaste for compulsory promiscuity.  When he brings back a young man from one of the few remaining Savage Reservations, where the old unenlightened ways still continue, he unleashes a dramatic clash of cultures that will force him to consider whether freedom, dignity, and individuality are worth suffering for.

Pride and Prejudice  
by Jane Austen

Along with the plays of William Shakespeare and the works of Charles Dickens, Jane Austen’s novels are among the most beloved books of Western literature. Pride and Prejudice (1813) was in Austen’s lifetime her most popular novel, and it was the author’s personal favorite. The reader will find a larger appreciation of the novel’s enduring pleasures and provides insight into the lives of Darcy, Elizabeth Bennett, Lady Catherine and all the characters who inhabit the world of Pride and Prejudice. This romantic novel follows the character development of Elizabeth Bennett, the dynamic protagonist of the book who learns about the repercussions of hasty judgments and comes to appreciate the difference between superficial goodness and actual goodness.  Its humor lies in its honest depiction of manners, education, marriage, and money during the Regency era in England. Pride and Prejudice has consistently appeared near the top of lists of “most loved books” among literary scholars and the reading public.

Beloved  
by Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison-author of Song of Solomon and Tar Baby- is a writer of remarkable powers. It is the story set in post-Civil War Ohio of Sethe, an escaped slave who has risked death in order to wrench herself from a living death; who has lost a husband and buried a child; who has borne the unthinkable and not gone mad; a woman of “iron eyes and backbone to match.” Sethe lives in a small house on the edge of town with her daughter, Denver, her mother-in-law Baby Suggs, and a disturbing, mesmerizing intruder who calls herself Beloved. Sethe works at beating back the past, “but it is alive in all of them.” It keeps Denver fearful of straying from the house. It fuels the sadness that settled into Baby Suggs’ desolate center where “the self that was no self, made its home.” Soon Paul D arrives with something “blessed in his manner.  Women saw him and wanted to weep.” Sethe and Paul D share their cathartic stories of their years in captivity. Beloved now has come from the “place over there” to claim retribution for what she has lost and for what was taken from her. In Beloved, Toni Morrison has given us a great American novel.

To Kill A Mockingbird  
by Harper Lee

One of the best-loved stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than forty million copies worldwide, served as the basis for an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country.  A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable coming-of-age tale in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views the world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father-a crusading local lawyer- risks everything to defend a black man accused of a terrible crime.

So don’t think of the classics as old worn-out stories. Indeed, think of them as an old friend…You haven’t seen them in a while, but wouldn’t it be nice to visit them again?                                                                                          

Mail to: Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Authors’ Debut Novels

Each year, many people try their hand at writing, with varying success. But at Scott County Public Library, we have assembled some of the best work by new writers across our country. The debut novels featured here will thrill you and inspire you! If this is the first novel by these writers, I can’t wait to discover what their budding careers will become. These gems have been hailed as some of the best new novels of the year!

The Quiet Tenant
by Clemence Michallon

Aidan Thomas is a hardworking family man and a somewhat beloved figure in the small upstate New York town where he lives. He’s the kind of man who always lends a hand and has a good word for everyone. But Aidan has a dark secret he’s been keeping from everyone in town and those closest to him. He’s a kidnapper and serial killer. Aidan has murdered eight women and there’s a ninth he has earmarked for death: Rachel, imprisoned in a backyard shed, fearing for her life.

When Aidan’s wife dies, he and his thirteen-year-old daughter Cecilia are forced to move.  Aidan has no choice but to bring Rachel along, introducing her to Cecilia as a “family friend” who needs a place to stay. Aidan is betting on Rachel, after five years of captivity, being too brainwashed and fearful to attempt to escape. Both a searing thriller and an astute study of trauma, survival, and the dynamics of power, The Quiet Tenantis an electrifying debut thriller by a major talent.

The House in the Pines
by Ana Reyes

 Maya was a high school senior when her best friend, Aubrey, dropped dead in front of the enigmatic man named Frank whom they’d been spending time with all summer. Seven years later, Maya lives in Boston with a loving boyfriend and is kicking the secret addiction that has allowed her to cope with what happened years ago, the gaps in her memories, and the lost time that she can’t account for. But her past comes rushing back when she comes across a YouTube video in which a young woman suddenly keels over and dies in a diner while sitting across from none other than Frank.

Plunged into the trauma that has defined her life, Maya heads to her Berkshires hometown to relive that fateful summer-the influence Frank once had on her and the obsessive jealousy that nearly destroyed her friendship with Aubrey. At her mother’s house, she excavates fragments of her past and notices hidden messages in her deceased Guatemalan father’s book that didn’t stand out to her earlier. To save herself, she must understand a story written before she was born, but time keeps running out, and soon, all roads are leading back to Frank’s cabin…

Your Driver is Waiting
by Priya Guns

Damani is tired. Her father just died on the job at a fast-food joint, and now she lives paycheck to paycheck in a basement caring for her mom and driving for an app that is constantly cutting her take. The city is rolling in protests-everybody’s in solidarity with somebody- but while she keeps hearing that they’re fighting for a change on behalf of people like her, she literally can’t afford to pay attention.

Then she gives a ride to Jolene (five stars, obviously). Jolene seems like she could be the perfect girlfriend-attentive, attractive, an ally- and their chemistry is off the charts.  Jolene’s done the reading, she goes to every protest, and she says all the right things. So maybe Damani can look past the one thing that’s holding her back; she’s never dated anyone with money before, not to mention a white girl with money. But just as their romance intensifies and Damani finally lets her guard down, Jolene does something unforgiveable, setting off an explosive chain of events.

A wild, one-sitting reading brimming with dark comedy and piercing social commentary and announcing Priya Gun’s feverishly original voice, Your Driver is Waiting is a crackling send-up of our culture and modern alienation.

Hard by a Great Forest
by Leo Vardiashvili

Saba is just a child when he flees the fighting in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia with his older brother, Sandro, and father, Irakli, for asylum in England. Two decades later, all three men are struggling to make peace with the past, haunted by the places and the people they left behind.

When Irakli decided to return to Georgia, pulled back by memories of a lost wife and a decaying but still beautiful homeland, Saba and Sandra wait eagerly for news. But within weeks of his arrival, Irakli disappears, and the final message they receive from him causes a mystery to unfold before them: “I left a trail I can’t erase. Do not follow it.”

In a journey that will lead him to the very heart of conflict that has marred generations and fractured his own family, Saba must retrace his father’s footsteps to discover what remains of their homeland and its people. By turns savage and tender, compassionate and harrowing, Hard by a Great Forest is a powerful and ultimately hopeful novel about the individual and collective trauma of war and the indomitable spirit of a people determined not only to survive, but to remember those who did not.

Search History
by Amy Taylor

After Ana flees to Melbourne in the wake of a breakup, all she has to show for herself is an unfulfilling job at an overly enthusiastic tech startup and one particularly questionable dating app experience. Then she meets Evan. Charming, kind, and responsible, Evan is a complete deviation from her usual type; Ana feels as if she has finally awoken from a long dating nightmare. As much as she tries to let their relationship unfold IRL, Ana can’t resist the urge to find Evan online. When she discovers that his previous girlfriend, Emily, died unexpectedly in a hit-and-run less than a year ago, Ana begins to worry that she’s living in the shadow of his lost love. Soon she’s obsessively comparing herself to Emily, trawling through the dead woman’s dormant social media accounts. Online, Evan and Emily’s life together looked perfect-but just how perfect was it?  And why won’t he talk about it?

Perceptive and original, full of pathos and humor, Search History explores the contradictions and uncertainties of twenty-first-century romance. Ana’s journey down the internet rabbit hole of modern dating asks the question; Which is our “true self”- the one we show to the world online, or the one we keep to ourselves?

Mail to: Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

February is African American History Month

In honor of African American History Month, we have some wonderful resources highlighting the contributions of our African American citizens. Come check some of these out. You might be surprised at the interesting tidbits and the inspirational lessons that you may come across. These are just a sample of the resources available at Scott County Public Library and we’d love to have you join us!

Black Genius and the American Experience
by Dick Russell

Black Genius explores the historical roots and contemporary exemplars of black achievement in America. Interweaving past and present, Dick Russell emphasizes the importance of the traditions that nurtured black artists, scientists, intellectuals, physicians, and spiritual leaders. The author’s interviews with numerous remarkable individuals, the well-known and the overlooked, offer a deeply personal and inspiring message through their own unique voices.

African Founders; How Enslaved People Expanded American Ideals
by David Hackett Fischer

Enslaved people brought to America from Africa came from different regions and different ethnic groups, just like their enslavers. Over time they interacted with colonists of European origin to create new regional cultures in the colonial United States, from Puritan New England, to Dutch New York, Quaker Pennsylvania, cavalier Virginia, coastal Carolina, and multicultural Louisiana. The Africans brought with them linguistic skills, novel techniques of animal husbandry and farming, and generations-old ethical principles, among other attributes. African Founders reveals how much our country was shaped by these African influences in its early years, producing a new, distinctly American culture. African Founders re-creates the diverse regional life that shaped the early American republic and shows us the varieties of slavery in America and the emergence of a new American civilization.

Black Profiles In Courage: A legacy of African-American Achievement
by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Alan Steinberg

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar knows the importance of heroes. As a child, he admired Martin Luther King, Jackie Robinson, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, and others whose lives influenced their fellow African Americans, as well as the country as a whole. But today, according to Abdul-Jabbar, there is a scarcity of heroes for the African American community. Black youth do not feel connected to this country or its institutions. Their ancestors were instrumental in building the nation and changing the course of American history in many significant ways – yet these black heroes remain obscure to those who need them most. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar believes that this is partly because standard historical texts have ignored, diminished, or deliberately covered up black achievement in America. In Black Profiles in Courage, he focuses on extraordinarily courageous black men and women who typified the virtues of integrity, discipline, and self-respect. Taken together, their lives form a legacy from which African Americans of all ages can draw inspiration, wisdom, and pride.

Black History; More than Just a Month
by Mike Henry

Over the years, history has become the forgotten child of the academic household. Only recently has it been brought to our attention that our students don’t know even basic American history. In June 2011, results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed that U. S. students were less proficient in American History than any other subject. Some of the most interesting people and events of the past are often bypassed in the classroom. This includes a large number of African Americans who helped build this country. Black History: More than Just a Month pays tribute to these forgotten individuals and their accomplishments. There are many individuals who have changed our history and, even if they don’t make it onto the state test, their accomplishments deserve attention. Some of the people included are war heroes, inventors, celebrities, and athletes. This book is great for history buffs and will be a good supplement to any discussion of American history.

Unseen ; Unpublished Black History from the New York Times Photo Archives
by Darcy Eveleigh, Dana Canedy, Damien Cave, and Rachel L. Swarns

Unseen showcases 175 photographs from the archives of the New York Times and the stories behind them in this extraordinary collection. Among the entries is the 27-year-old Jesse Jackson leading an anti-discrimination rally in Chicago; Rosa Parks arriving at a Montgomery courthouse in Alabama; a candid shot of Aretha Franklin backstage at the Apollo Theatre; Ralph Ellison on the streets of his Manhattan neighborhood; the firebombed home of Malcolm X; Myrlie Evers and her children at the funeral of her slain husband, Medgar; a wheelchair-bound Roy Campanella at the razing of Ebbetts Field; a behind-the-scenes photo shoot of Arthur A. Mitchell, cofounder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, and his principal dancers; images of the peace and organized demonstrators at Resurrection City in 1968 that contrast the photographs of disorder and theft dominating the coverage of the time; and a series by Don Hogan Charles, the first black photographer hired by The Times, capturing life in Harlem in the 1960s. Unseen dives deep into The Times’s archives to showcase this rare collection of photographs and stories for the very first time.

We look forward to seeing you at Scott County Public Library, a great place to learn, know, gather, and grow.

Mail to: Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Taking Care of the New Puppy!

Every Christmas, many households across America are blessed with a new companion, a new puppy. Caring for the puppy is a serious commitment- one that will last many years. But many questions arise. How do I create a loving bond with Gigi? How do I potty train Max? How soon do we get Daisy spayed? How do I keep Bingo off the couch? Here at Scott County Public Library, we may be able to help. We have several sources that will bring you joy and assistance as the New Year begins. Check out these tasty morsels!

The Ultimate Guide to Puppy Care and Training by Tracy Libby

Is there a tiny four-pawed furry creature in your near future? Adding a puppy to your home and life can be very exciting and a little scary. At once personable, dog-smart, and reassuring, author Tracy Libby offers new owners reams of great advice in The Ultimate Guide to Puppy Care and Training, covering every topic under the canine sun-from selecting a new puppy, household safety, and vaccinations to house training, remedying common puppy problems, and first aid. In nineteen information-packed chapters, this new colorful guide provides everything a new puppy parent needs to know to raise a smart and healthy puppy.

The Dog Behavior Problem Solver by Teoti Anderson

A contented loving dog is a friend for life. However, coping with a badly behaving dog can be frustrating at best and even dangerous at worst. If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, what you need is reliable help and fast. The Dog Behavior Problem Solver is your key to resolving many of the most common dog behavioral problems that pet owners encounter. Written by dog behavior expert and certified trainer Teoti Anderson, this vital resource is packed with sound, down-to-earth, and, above all, effective instruction that will help you turn a problem pooch into a well-behaved, happy member of your family. In this book, you’ll find a wealth of tried-and-true positive training techniques that will help you eliminate undesirable behavior while strengthening your relationship with your dog.

I Just Got a Puppy. What Do I Do? By Mordecai Siegal and Matthew “Uncle Matty” Margolis

Newly revised, this perennially popular guide to everything you ever needed to know about your new puppy is now a more invaluable resource than ever. First use the author’s safe and effective test to determine your dog’s temperament; strong-willed, shy, high-energy, outgoing, calm, aggressive; then use their personalized techniques to begin your training. Soon you’ll be on your way to a rewarding and loving relationship with your new dog. You will also get the lowdown on…
Where to get a puppy (and where not to),
What to do and buy to prepare for your puppy’s homecoming,
How to create an immediate bond of trust between you and your puppy,
How to paper train and housebreak your puppy,
How to correct behavioral problems like spot soiling, furniture chewing, begging, jumping, excessive barking, and biting.
Complete with updated training techniques and an all-new section of profiles of the twenty-five most popular breeds.

Dog Owner’s Guide to Puppy Care & Training -How to rear the perfect pup by John and Mary Holmes

Taking on a puppy is a major commitment, and it is something that should never be rushed into. With luck you are looking forward to a relationship that will last 12 to 14 years, so your choice of dog should never be decided on a whim or on an impulse. There is little doubt that the majority of dog problems arise because many people buy the wrong puppy or dog. That can be such a frustrating position, when the new baby you thought would bring love and affection brings heartache and regret. The baby dog deserves better than that and you do, too. In this book, learn all about…Early lessons, Diet and Exercise, Health care, Socialization and Training exercises, etc. Authors John and Mary Holmes have spent a lifetime working with dogs in movies and on television, as well as training their dogs for obedience competitions and for farm work.

The Secret Language of Dogs -Unlocking the Canine Mind for a Happier Pet by Victoria Stilwell

Recent studies into the minds of canines show they have a rich social intelligence and a physical and vocal language as complex and subtle as our own. In The Secret Language of Dogs, world-renowned trainer and star of Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog Victoria Stilwell reveals how to both interpret and “speak” the hidden language of dogs. This book is your guide to understanding your pooch, communicating effectively, strengthening your bond, and helping dogs learn in the most effective way possible so they feel confident navigating the human world with success. Along the way… you’ll learn the answers to questions such as: What do different tail wags mean? What does being right-pawed say about my dog’s personality? How can I tell the difference between boredom barking and warning barking? What does it mean when my dog spins around, arches his back, or gives me the whale eye? Do dogs feel guilt? How do dogs perceive human faces? Why do some scientists think dogs’ emotional experience is even greater than ours?

I know you will find information in these resources and more that will help your dog become a cherished member of your family. Come see us, for Fido’s sake!

Mail to: Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

A Homemade Christmas

It’s here again…the most wonderful time of the year! Each year we strive to make the holidays special as we share time with our family and friends. But the gatherings, too, can be a bit stressful. Here at Scott County Public Library, we have numerous sources to help you bring that special charm to your holiday events and leave the stress outside in the snow! Check out these Holly, Jolly book choices!

Handcrafted Christmas – Ornaments, Decorations, and Cookie Recipes to Make at Home by Susan Waggoner

If Susan Waggoner had her way, every Christmas would be a handcrafted one. In her newest volume, she captures the magic of Christmases past with an irresistible assortment of more than thirty-five crafts and recipes inspired by the most sought-after treasures and flavors of the 1920s through the 1960s. From punched tin votive holders to wooly needle-felted snowmen, and beloved cookie swap recipes such as Chocolate Sour Cream Drops and Pecan Tassies, the delights of a handcrafted Christmas take Center stage in this vintage-style celebration of the most wonderful time of the year!

Have Yourself a Homemade Christmas by Gooseberry Patch, Oxmoor House, Publisher

Create the sweetest memories of Christmas with festive food and crafts. Find over 400 of the tastiest recipes and 200 of the most thoughtful gifts and decorations to make the season bright. In this tasty morsel of a book, you will find scrumptious recipes, handmade crafts and heartfelt gifts- all in one source! You’ll find chapters such as Christmas Fun and Games, Gifts from your Christmas Kitchen, Gifts to Delight, Blue Ribbon Cakes and Christmas Dinner Classics. Gooseberry Patch has put together everything you need in one place. You’ll surely find inspiration in these cute, clever, and easy-to-create designs!

300 Ways to Make the Best Christmas Ever! Decorations, Carols, Crafts & Recipes for Every Kind of Christmas Tradition Edited by Mimi Tribble

Reading the quintessential American Christmas story, “A Visit from Saint Nicholas,” to youngsters on Christmas Eve heightens anticipation for the next morning. Exquisite Victorian-style “Glass Ball Ornaments” can provide a touch of magic on any holiday tree and are quick and easy to make. If you long for an old-fashioned country Christmas, create a gingerbread “Snow-Covered Cottage” that has storybook appeal. Don’t forget to put out a plate of “Herbed Cheese” and glasses of “Baltimore Eggnog” for neighbors and friends to enjoy when they stop by to visit. Do you have roots in the South? Celebrate them by putting together an eye-catching “Corn Husk and Straw Wreath” to hang on your door. The ideas in this collection can help you make every Christmas merry and bright.

Handmade Christmas – Easy Crafts and Creative Ideas for Sewing, Stitching, Papercraft, Knitting and Crochet Editors of Future Publishing

Christmastime is a great time to try out a new craft or to brush up on old skills. Giving handmade gifts tells your loved ones that you care enough to spend time making them something special. Handmade for Christmas is packed with creative ideas for handcrafted merrymaking. You’ll discover hundreds of clever ideas here for bunting, baubles, decorations, table settings, cards, gift tags, wrappings and much, much more. You’ll find such projects as cute felt slippers to make and give, a knitted gift for someone special, fun designs using plastic drinking straws, felt decorations that look good enough to eat, and a sparkling Santa hat topper for your tree!

Easy Christmas Crafts by Susan Cousineau

Make the holiday season magical with these 26 quick and easy projects, perfect for decorating, gift giving, tree trimming and more! Each one comes with easy0to-follow instructions and color photos-all the information you need to create beautiful holiday décor! Make papier-mâché Santas, potpourri candle jars, holiday ornaments, Victorian-themed keepsakes, sugarplum cottages and more! There are five fun Christmas themes in all, perfect for craft lovers at any skill level. Chapters include Vision of Sugarplums, Santa Claus Lane, Frosty Fun, Teddy Bear Treasures, and Glitters of Christmas Past. You’re sure to find lots of fun projects to bring cheer to your holiday gatherings.

I know you’ll be inspired by these wonderful little projects to add a personal touch to your holiday season. Come on by and see us at Scott County Public Library and Happy Holidays to you all!

Mail to: Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Kentucky Ghosts!!!

The spooky season is back again! Time for our world to be filled with ghosts and goblins and tales of the macabre! While cute little goblins begin getting their costumes ready for the end of the month, unusual thoughts and fears might begin to creep into the dark recesses of our adult minds. Join us on October 12th, as John Kachuba discusses The Ghostly World at 6:30 pm. Or if just looking for an interesting read, check out these paranormal stories from across the Bluegrass, just in time for the Halloween season!

Kentucky Hauntings: Homespun Ghost Stories and Unexplained History By Roberta Simpson Brown and Lonnie E. Brown

More than evoking chills down the spine and cautious glances over the shoulder, spooky stories create lasting bonds and memories between friends and family. The tradition of storytelling ties generations together with exciting new tales and familiar folklore that has sparked superstitions and legends. Beloved storytellers Roberta Simpson Brown and Lonnie E. Brown present a thrilling collection of paranormal tales that will appeal to anyone looking for a friendly scare. They weave together factual accounts of unexplained events, peculiar headlines, and local legends passed down from a time when most homes lacked electricity and shadows cast by the lantern light seem to come alive!

Tales of Kentucky Ghosts by William Lynwood Montell

A good ghost story can make your hair stand on end, your palms sweat, and your heart race. Kentucky has a time-honored history of storytelling dating back to a period when the oral tradition was strong and ‘haint tales,” or “haunt tales,” were told before bedtime or at gatherings of families and friends. In Tales of Kentucky Ghosts, renowned folklorist and storyteller William Lynwood Montell has collected more than 250 entertaining and diverse tales, reported as true accounts by people living in counties across the Commonwealth. Haunting the pages of this book are the story of the ghost bride of Laurel County, who appears running through the woods each year on the anniversary of her wedding day, and the tales of the murder victim who haunts the Simpson County home of his killer and former employer. Jefferson County brings us the story of three boys whose encounter with a ghostly presence causes them to go insane. Other accounts include the tale of the “screaming skull” that was discovered in a cave in Butler County as well as numerous stories of haunted cemeteries across the state.

Ghosts of the Bluegrass by James McCormick and Macy Wyatt

Ghost stories of faraway places thrill and entertain us, causing many a listener to keep the light on at night. But nothing is more frightening than the idea that supernatural beings dwell among us. Kentucky’s folklore tradition is rich in tales of the paranormal made all the more vivid by their passing from one generation to the next. The authors document unexplained tales from locales across the Commonwealth, including rural farms, downtown buildings, and even college campuses. Surveying Kentucky ghost stories both past and present, the book discusses haunted places, poltergeists, communication with the dead, and ghosts who linger to complete unfinished business.

Campfire Tales- Kentucky by Roberta Simpson Brown

Just try to ignore the chill down your back as you read 32 campfire tales handed down through the generations in Kentucky! This is a collection of original, scary, and sometimes funny stories about ghosts and strange happenings from the Bluegrass State. With settings like graveyards, woods, homes, lakes, pools, snow, and more, you will quickly see how these stories could happen to anyone! The tales are short, creepy, and perfect for telling or reading aloud. Find out about the ghostly calf that frightened a farmer’s child- to death. Relive the terror of the crying baby in the barrel. Learn why you should stay out of crawl spaces at all costs! And don’t ever open the door to the ghost in the snowstorm…Are these tales true? Some are as true as the gospel, and the others? They were told as true, too!

Hauntings of the Kentucky State Penitentiary by Steve E. Asher

The Kentucky State Penitentiary opened its heavy iron gates to the condemned over 100 years ago. Yet many of them, long deceased, still walk its corridors. Noted paranormal researcher Steve E. Asher provides true, first-hand accounts of the paranormal as well as his own personal experiences at the state’s most violent, controversial-and haunted-prison. He uncovers the shocking testimonies of the men and women who have actually worked behind the prison walls and their encounters with the spirits of dead inmates. The compelling facts found inside this book will leave you questioning everything you ever thought possible about life after death.

Whichever thrilling story collection you choose at Scott County Public Library, you’ll be sure to a get a few chills in all the right places!

Mail to: Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Violence and Murder in the Bluegrass State

The beauty and peace of Kentucky has been shattered several times with baffling crimes of murder and violence. Check out these local true-crime cases that baffled the minds of Kentucky’s best detectives.

Murder in the Mountains: The Muriel Baldridge Story by Michael Crisp.

Murder in the Mountains revisits the slaying of Muriel Baldrige, the 17-year-old cheerleader who was found beaten to death on the morning of June 28th, 1949 in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. Calling the slaying “the most fiendish crime that’s ever happened in this county,” Coroner Brady Shepard was steadfastly determined to see her killer brought to justice. After a decades-long investigation that featured an amazing array of twists and turns, including a sensational trial and a controversial verdict, the case remains unsolved. To this day, Muriel’s murder is considered “the most bizarre and confusing case in the annals of Eastern Kentucky crime.”

Who Killed Betty Gail Brown? Murder, Mistrial, and Mystery by Robert G. Lawson

On October 26th, 1961, after an evening of studying with friends on the campus of Transylvania College, nineteen-year-old student Betty Gail Brown got into her car around midnight-presumably headed for home. But she would never arrive. Three hours later, Brown was found dead in a driveway near the center of campus, strangled to death with her own brassiere. Kentuckians across the state became engrossed in the proceedings as lead after lead went nowhere. Four years later, the police investigation completely stalled. In 1965, a drifter named Alex Arnold, Jr. confessed to the killing while in jail for unrelated charges in Oregon. Arnold was brought to Lexington and put on trial, where he entered a plea of not guilty. Robert Lawson was a young attorney with a local firm when a senior member asked him to help defend Arnold, and he offers a meticulous record of the case in Who Killed Betty Gail Brown? Lawson’s account, drawing on police and court records, newspaper articles and his own notes, provides an intriguing record of one of Kentucky’s most mysterious cases.

A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City by David Domine’

On June 18th, 2010, police discover a body buried in the wine cellar of a Victorian mansion in Old Louisville. James Carroll, shot and stabbed the year before, has lain for seven months in a plastic storage bin- his temporary coffin. Homeowners Jeffrey Mundt and his boyfriend, Joseph Banis, point the finger at each other in what locals dub The Pink Triangle Murder. On the surface, this killing appears to be a crime of passion, a sordid love tryst gone wrong in a creepy old house. But as author David Domine’ sits in on the trials, a deeper story emerges; on one side, the struggle between the hope for a better future and, on the other side, the privilege and power of the status quo. As the court testimony devolves into he said/he said contradictions, David draws on the confidences of neighbors, drag queens, and other acquaintances within the city’s vibrant LGBTQ community to piece together the details of the case. It’s a murky underworld of intrigue and neighborhood scandal that offers clues to solving this most intriguing of murder cases.

The Assault on Elisha Green by Randolph Paul Runyon

On June 8, 1883, Reverend Elisha Green was traveling by train from Maysville to Paris, Kentucky. At Millersburg, a group of students from the Millersburg Female College crowded onto the train, accompanied by their music teacher Frank L. Bristow and the college president, George T. Gould. Gould grabbed the reverend by the shoulder and ordered him to give up his seat. When Green refused, Bristow and Gould assaulted him until the conductor intervened and ordered the assailants to stop, threatening to throw them off the train. Friends advised Green to take legal action, and he did, winning his case against the assailants in March 1884, though only with token compensation. The significance of his case is remarkable-despite the prevailing justice of the 1800’s, a black plaintiff had won a lawsuit against two white defendants.

Come check out these true crime winners at Scott County Public Library! We’ll be looking for you!

Mail to: Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

It’s Harvest Time!

Now that the summer is waning into harvest time, it might be a good time to think about storing some of those fruits and vegetables we have so enjoyed in the summer. Why not enjoy them in the fall…or winter...or whenever we need a taste of freshness? Check out these books that will help you can, preserve, and store your fruits and vegetables to enjoy later!

The Art of Preserving: Sweet and Savory Recipes to Enjoy Season Produce All Year-round by Rick Field and Rebecca Courchesne

Featuring everything you need to know to put up the season’s bounty, The Art of Preserving illuminates how to savor your favorite fresh produce year-round. From beginners looking to learn, to those familiar with the technique, everyone will appreciate this contemporary and comprehensive approach to preserving the wealth of fruits and vegetables from backyard gardens and farmers’ markets. Lush photography celebrates the natural beauty of seasonal produce, while step-by-step instruction and helpful tips from professionals offer all the guidance you need to become a preserving expert.

Put ‘Em Up! A Comprehensive Home Preserving Guide for the Creative Cook By Sherri Brooks Vinton

With Sherri Brooks Vinton’s fun and reassuring approach to preserving food, it’s easier than ever before to store the bright flavors of warm-weather fruits and vegetables. Using the variety of kitchen-friendly techniques in Put ‘Em Up, you’ll be enjoying more than 150 flavorful recipes, including fresh corn salsa with chips in January, frozen strawberries in breakfast smoothies in November, apple rings in brown bag lunches in March, homemade marinara all winter long and berry bourbon in holiday cocktails. The author demystifies something our grandmothers used to do and offers a straightforward way of doing something that can add real richness to our lives. The book gives even the novice good guidance on how to preserve the summer harvest. What a delicious way to eat locally even when the snow is falling!

Jam it, Pickle It, Cure It and other cooking projects by Karen Solomon

Do you relish the joys of hot toast spread with your own homemade butter and jam? Love to dazzle your friends with jars and tins of choice goodies-all created by you? The kitchen is a paradise of crafty cooks, and whether you’re a newcomer to the realm of amateur artisanal edibles or a seasoned food crafter on the prowl for your next batch of appetizing challenges, Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It has recipes for you (75 to be exact). Complete with color photographs and the accumulated wisdom of author Karen Solomon’s years of food crafting, Jam It, Pickle It, Cure It is your one-stop resource for turning your culinary inspiration into a pantry full of hand-labeled better-than-store-bought creations.

Preservation Pantry- Modern Cooking from Root to Top & Stem to Core By Sarah Marshall

With recipes that have a fresh, modern take on an old-world tradition, step-by- step instruction on how to can seasonal fruits and vegetables, and a detailed section on equipment, the book’s unique, whole-produce approach will appeal to canners of all levels. Charming watercolor illustrations and stunning full-color photographs will inspire you to can and cook with ease! While creating small batch hot sauces for her company, Marshall’s Haute Sauce, Sarah Marshall felt uneasy with all the food she wasted in the canning process. So she began experimenting in her kitchen. After hours of spatter-stained trial and error with apple cores, onion, skins, and pepper tops, she learned how to use roots, tops, stems, and cores in uniquely delicious ways. In no time, you will go from learning the basics of canning to whipping up a Whiskey Apple Core Caramel or Carrot Top Hazelnut Pesto or Pear Galette with Goat Cheese.

Preserving Made Easy; Small Batches and Simple Techniques by Ellie Topp & Margaret Howard Preserving

Made Easy is the perfect book for today’s busy cooks who want to prepare and enjoy the homemade goodness of fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. These recipes-all thoroughly tested and perfected-were selected for their delicious taste and ease of preparation. Each recipe offers something special-an innovative twist on an old favorite, an inspired way to mix and match flavors or a new tip to make the whole process easier and more fun. The authors offer delectable recipes for jams, jellies, conserves, pickles, relishes, chutneys, salsas, mustards, marinades and flavored oils using only the best and freshest ingredients. Everything you need to delight family and friends is here! Come see us and check out the things you can do with the help of your library!

Michael.stephens@scottpublib.org

Yoga

Let’s face it…life can be messy and busy! And while life’s craziness can certainly make things interesting, there are times when it is necessary to take a deep breath and slow down the pace. Practicing yoga and a mindful state of being can help foster a deeper inner awareness and allow one to relax more fully. Yoga and mindfulness practices link the breath to movement, and body to mind. These amazing practices help center you in the now, so that you can better appreciate the moment.

If yoga and mindfulness is something that you are interested in learning more about, you are in luck! SCPL offers Beginners Energizing Yoga and Chair Yoga. See our online calendar for date and times. Registration is required, and proper social distancing measures are followed. We look forward to seeing you in class! Namaste.

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a moving meditation conducted through a sequence of gentle movements that promote harmony between mind and body.  Registration is required and space is limited.  Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes.

Waiver Needed

These program contains physical activity that has risks associated with participation. You will be asked to sign an Accident Waiver & Release of Liability form before you can participate.

Please print and fill out this form before attending: Accident Waiver & Release of Liability

A book discussion for adults where we meet on Fridays at noon about every six weeks and talk about both fiction and nonfiction works.

We gather at the library the first Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. for a casual book discussion.  We read books from a variety of genres and enjoy talking about the books that we love.  No registration required.

Join us as we discuss our favorite horror novels and authors, in the casual book discussion led by associate professor of English Literature Gerry Adair of BCTC.  Feel free to bring your favorite books to share.

This group meets twice a month for anyone interested in writing memoirs and/or family history. Please come join us.

Enjoy the sounds of talented musicians and their instruments by the fireplace. Go to our events calendar to see the next scheduled musician to perform at the Scott County Public Library.

Discover!  Programs are designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in mind.  Registration is required - participants’ caregivers need to be present and register for the class as well.  Ages 16 and older.

On-site family history research assistance is provided by a volunteer from the Scott County Genealogical Society.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide 2024

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program will be providing free tax preparation services at the Scott County Public Library in 2024. Tax preparation will begin on February 1st and continue each Thursday through April 11th. Hours will be 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, by appointment only and requires an email address. Beginning January 16, 2024, you can call 502-219-6447 to schedule your appointment. Please leave a phone number and email address, and an AARP volunteer will return your call to schedule your appointment. You can also make your own appointment by using the QR Code below:

Please visit our website for a list of documents you should bring to your appointment at: aarpfoundation.org/taxaidedocuments.

Click here for more information: Free Tax Preparation from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide