April 22, 2024 – The Cedar Rapids Public Library is made possible by our incredible staff. And we are staffed by book lovers. To celebrate the people who keep our library running, we're highlighting different staff members and five books they love.
This month, meet Lexi, a Public Service Associate who primarily works at Ladd Library and has been with the library for a year and a half. Public Service Associates are the friendly faces who greet you when you come in, help you sign up for library cards, use the computers, find the books you're looking for, and more.
"My favorite thing about working for the library is getting to meet all of the people," Lexi said. "So many patrons come in and want to talk about their favorite books, their lives, bond with their children. It's nice getting to be acquainted with so many people who show so much appreciation for what we do."
Browse Lexi's book recommendations below, and put them on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers.
"The Hobbit" by J. R. R. Martin
I love "The Hobbit" because of the world building. The characters and storyline are so original, whimsical, and the story truly draws you into another world. Every protagonist is loveable, and they forge such an unexpected group of friends. The story just makes me smile, no matter how many times I read it.
"Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte
I have a bittersweet love for "Wuthering Heights." No one is ever really happy in the story; it's filled with a lot of woe and tragedy. But Heathcliff has always been a loveable character. Your heart aches for a man who shows so much hatred to the world to mask the pain others caused.
"Kingdom of the Wicked" by Kerri Maniscalco
"Kingdom of the Wicked" brings a unique spin on both witches and demons. It creates a political hierarchy in the magic world, ancient feuds, and personified Sins who follow common courtesies because doing otherwise would be "rude." And the demon prince Wrath always brings a good laugh.
"Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson
The story of Jekyll and Hyde is completely outrageous and entirely unique. You never quite know who to root for. It's a story that really plays with the idea of morality by personifying the good and evil within each person, forcing Dr. Henry Jekyll to confront his inner demons.
"Children of the Woods" by Joe Ciano
This graphic novel is dark, sinister, and incredibly tragic. A boy who is bullied to the point that he turns to dark magic to feel strong ... and he pays the price for it. The art is beautiful, the story is thrilling and dramatic, and the creatures are eerie.
