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Reader resources

If you're looking for something new to read or want to know the next book in a series, this is the place. Find out what our books clubs are reading and when they meet. Request an item you can't find in our catalog.

Book Clubs

Pick up a copy of the current selections at the front desk or drive-thru. New members always welcome!

Book Discussion Group

Lively discussions on popular fiction and nonfiction titles. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at 4 p.m.

Strictly Fiction

Read and discuss different genres—mysteries, westerns, historical fiction, romance and more. There’s something here for everyone. Meet the first Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. down by the fireplace.

Book to Art

Read a book and create art it inspires. And by art, we mean any form, from baking and handicrafts to watercolor and woodwork. Meet to share impressions of the book, show your art and describe your creative process. Meet at 11:00 a.m. the fourth Saturday of every other month.

reading challenges

Winter Reading Challenges Run Jan 1-April 26.

Read for FUN and prizes! Register on Beanstack.
Pick up winter prizes at the Help Desk by May 10—or while supplies last!

TBR Adult (18+)

It’s time to dive into that TBR (to be read) pile you’ve been meaning to conquer. Submit a list of six titles you’ve been putting off and start reading. Check off two books to earn a FREE book from our ongoing book sale. Read two more and collect a special snowflake bookmark. Finish your list and treat yourself to $1 off a warm beverage at Red Bank Coffeehouse—you’ve earned it!

TBR Teen (13-17)

Submit a TBR list of four books. Read one to earn a free book from the book sale, three to earn a special bookmark, and four for $1 off of coffee. Then keep reading. If you double your book count, head to the prize cabinet to choose a reward along with a FREE new book

Read to Me (0-6)
& Read on My Own (7-12)

Log books to earn reading badges, fun prizes and a FREE book. Complete activities to score an additional free book.

 

 

Ongoing challenges: build your home library!

Use Beanstack, a web and mobile app, to participate. Beanstack makes it easy to register, track reading, and earn incentives. Download the app or access it here.

Above Average Reader

Through December 31 for ages 14+

American adults read an average of 12 books each year, with half reading four or fewer. How do you rank? Upon completing your 13th book, attain ABOVE AVERAGE status and receive a congratulatory canvas tote or patch. Continue reading to achieve SUPERIOR status: log 52 books in 2024 to receive a patch for your tote.

Mystery maven

Ongoing for ages 18+

Don your deerstalkers, dear readers: On dark and stormy nights (sunny afternoons will work too), investigate different subgenres and award-winning titles. Upon completion of this clandestine operation (well, it’s really a public challenge open to all adults), snag an elusive patch that reveals the intriguing secret to sharp-eyed operatives (your friends and neighbors) that the bearer is a shrewd connoisseur of mystery.

NEW! In IT 4 LOVE

Ongoing for ages 18+

For those who swoon at the thought of love at first sight and melt over heartwarming rom-coms. Indulge in the magic of romance! Explore irresistible tropes, discover award-winning stories, and fall head over heels for unforgettable romantic leads.

Complete each activity to earn a special patch that showcases your dedication to the genre.

babies bloom
100 Books Before One

Read 100 books by age one. Sharing books together strengthens your baby’s foundation for learning, and the bond between baby and their favorite teacher: YOU! Receive a free book after each milestone of 25 books logged.

1,000 books before kindergarten

Read 1,000 books together before your child enters five-year-old kindergarten. Earn FREE BOOKS for your home library as you hit each 100-book milestone!

500 books before middle school

Now that your child is reading on their own, challenge them to read 500 books before middle school. Earn reading badges, fun charms, and FREE BOOKS!

Book Recommendations

Readalikes & More

Want something light and fun? Or maybe dystopian fiction is your thing. Or something similar to Stephen King’s latest book. Or a book by an indigenous author for a middle school reader. NoveList Plus is the place to start!

NextReads
Newsletter

Wondering what to read next? Sign up for NextReads email newsletters to receive new recommendations for your favorite types of books for all ages. Titles are linked to the catalog to make them easy to find and request.

Book Reviews

BookPage highlights the best new books across all genres every month. Pick up the free printed magazine at the front desk or drive-thru. Visit BookPage online for select recommendations and features.

Series in Order

Kent District Library’s What’s Next database is a great source for series information. Determine in what order to read the books of a series. Search by author, title or series name to see What’s Next!

Library Reads

A curated collection of U.S. librarians’ favorite new books. Peruse titles here before hitting the library’s new book shelf.

BookBrowse

An online magazine with reviews, previews, behind-the-book backstories, author interviews, reading guides, and much more.

Reading Group Choices

Choose your book club’s next read! Find new recommendations every month, plus lists of club favorites.

Reading Group Guides

Good questions can spark great discussions! Find discussion guides tailored to popular book club reads.

TasteDive

Looking for something new to read, watch or listen to? TasteDive helps you discover the possibilities. Type in a keyword or two (time travel, romantic suspense) to find items that match, as well as lists of similar items from other users. Get recommendations for books, movies, TV shows, podcasts, music and more.

Book Riot

A collection of book news, reviews, lists and podcasts—plus giveaways! If it has to do with books, you can probably find it here. Subscribe to newsletters and podcasts. Get lists and articles delivered straight to your inbox.

Search & Request Materials

WISCAT

You’ve searched our catalog and can’t find what you’re looking for. Keep searching on WISCAT to see if it’s owned by another Wisconsin library. If you find your title, fill out our online form to request it through interlibrary loan.

 

WorldCat

Check out WorldCat for hard-to-find titles; it contains holdings from libraries around the world. Please note that the owning library may not loan it; many old and rare items are only shown for research purposes.

Request Form

Use this form to request an item not owned by our library.  Staff reviews your request and decides whether to purchase item for the collection or request it through interlibrary loan. If we are unable to get the item for you, you’ll be notified.

FREE eBooks

Access thousands of ebooks, emagazines and eaudiobooks with your library card and PIN (last four digits of your phone number)! Download the Libby app to get started. Kindle users can use Libby or download books directly to their Amazon accounts.