As we travel the open seas this summer, our staff are recommending some “hidden gems” for your reading. These gems are books that may have slipped your notice but have been read by at least one of our staff and they’re confident that you may like it, too. Even better, this gem collection is easy to find.

Our hidden gems are in plain sight as you enter the main library floor. Flanking both of the glass display cases, you can find our staff recs on these shelves all summer long. It’s a wide-ranging collection with something for every age, reading level, and interest. Even better, checking out one of these books completes an activity on the first island in our summer challenge. Win-win!

What’s the summer challenge? It’s an island-hopping game board with reading and activities to complete as you travel the eight locations. As you sail your way through the library archipelago, you collect points to use toward prizes and entries for the grand prize packages. The game board is on the summer newsletter, on printed handouts in the library, or you can download your own and get started now.

A few of the current gems on display are below but the selection is ever-changing. Sift through them on your next visit and take one or two home for a reading adventure. Let us know what you think – was it a diamond? Maybe just a semi-precious stone?

Equally of interest is the collection of seafaring books on display on the second floor. Fiction, non-fiction, from classics to contemporary authors, each book contains adventure on the high seas. Find an adventure on the waves to enjoy from your dry and comfy hammock in your back yard.

What’s your favorite read that qualifies as a hidden gem? Which of these seafaring books will you be reading?