Spring is here (almost) so how about something young and fresh?

I have to admit that I rarely venture over to the Young Adult section in the library, but there are some jewels there worth mentioning. Indiana author John Green's new book The Fault in Our Stars joins his other titles Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines, Paper Towns, and Will Grayson, Will Grayson.  The book jacket provides the following description: "Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel's story is about to be completely rewritten."

If science fiction is more your style, why not try the newly released BZRK by Michael Grant, bestselling author of Gone. "Time is running out for the good guys. But what happens when you don't know who the good guys really are?...This is twenty-first-century warfare that takes place on the macro and nano level for the highest stakes: humanity's free will. It's time to choose sides," according to the book cover. James Patterson has teamed up with a couple of new authors to write science/fantasy fiction in  Witch & Wizard: The Fire and Daniel X Demons and Druids for teens. Look for them on the New YA Book Shelf.

Other new YA titles include A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness which was inspired by a series written by Siobhan Down. Ness was asked to write the sequel after Down's premature death. Lauren Oliver's Pandemonium is her second novel. The publisher has this to say about the book: "This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance,  forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite."

The new YA titles provide something youthful and fresh to enjoy this season. So browse the New YA Book Shelf or the online catalog or just ask at the front desk.

Ebooks and Audiobooks Now Available at the Switzerland County Public Library for Download

At the Switzerland County Public Library, we are excited about offering the service of downloadable ebooks and audiobooks! Through the Evergreen Indiana Consortium, we are working with OverDrive to provide you with more sources for your reading and listening pleasure. At the library, you can pick up one of our printed guides to help get you started. Or if you prefer, there is a Help section online.

Over the weekend, on the Kindle, I checked out Machine Dreams by Jayne Anne Phillips for myself and At the Edge of the World (Crispin) by Avi for the kids. Margie and I worked together to download an ebook onto her laptop. The printed guide provides easy-to-follow directions. You can be reading or listening in no time. You can check out up to three items for 7 to 14 days. At the end of the checkout period, the item will disappear from your device. Items cannot be renewed, but they can be checked out numerous times. Also, just like in the Evergreen catalog, you can place items on hold.

I would love to hear about your experience with our new service and what ebooks you would like to see available. Just post a comment.