April 2026 newsletter (1)

HOURS Library Pick-up Lockers and Book Drop are available 24/7 Monday through Thursday 9 am - 7 pm Friday 9 am - 5 pm Saturday 10 am - 2 pm WHAT'S NEW Recommended New Releases: 4/7: American Fantasy - E. Straub An irresistible story about what happens when your teenage fantasy comes true after you’re already an adult. The Ending Writes Itself - C. Clarke Arthur Fletch, one of the world’s bestselling novelists, is a reclusive genius known for his iconic protagonists and fiendish twists. When six struggling authors are invited to spend a weekend on his private Scottish island, they arrive to discover a shocking secret: Arthur Fletch is dead . . . and his last book is unfinished. The Greek House - D. Jeffries The moment Thirza Caruthers sets foot on Corfu, memories flood back: the scent of jasmine, the green shutters of her family’s home - and her brother Billy’s tragic disappearance years before. Revenge Prey - J. Sandford A former high-ranking Russian intelligence officer who defected to the U.S. after providing critical information about Russian spies in U.S. government service, Leonard and his family enter the Witness Protection Program (WPP). The plan is to hide them in a wooded Minneapolis suburb that resembles their former home. But a Russian hit team knows where they are bound. Yesteryear - C. Burke A traditional American woman, a beautiful wife and mother who sells her pioneer lifestyle of raw milk and farm-fresh eggs to her millions of social media followers, suddenly awakens cold, filthy, and terrified in the brutal reality of 1855 - where she must unravel whether this nightmare is an elaborate hoax, a twisted reality show, or something sinister.

4/14: Hope Rises - D. Baldacci Walter Nash began a journey down a dark path of seemingly no return, and now he finds himself questioning everything that got him there in this thrilling sequel to Nash Falls. Invasive Species - E. Adams Something’s not right in Cold Harbor - more so than usual. While this sleepy small town has seen its fair share of monsters in cheating husbands and leering bosses, none are as hungry as Mrs. Smith. The mysterious resident has finally emerged from her crumbling mansion on the hill, mesmerizing the townspeople with her beauty. What's her secret? The Left and the Lucky - W. Vlautin A heartbreaking and tender novel about two young brothers, the vicissitudes of fate, and unexpected connection - beautiful and bittersweet portrait that illuminates the power of friendship and how it can save lives in multiple ways. Too Close to Home - S. Glass Desperate Housewives meets Finley Donovan in this darkly humorous thriller about three women's lives colliding around an explosive murder, a bizarre cover-up, and a riveting search for the truth. 4/21: Honor and Heresy - M. Francis An atmospheric, gothic, dark academic fantasy of two scholars racing each other to find answers to an invasion in a haunted library, perfect for fans of Katabasis and A Study in Drowning. Lidie - J. Smiley A rousing novel that follows two young women fleeing a divided America: one running toward a dazzling future and the other running from a troubled past. Love Overboard - K. Steiner A sizzling, second-chance romance set on the high seas - perfect for readers who crave angsty, high-stakes love stories.

The Mountains We Call Home - K. Richardson From the author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek comes a triumphant tale of a librarian's fight to bring literacy to the prisons of Kentucky and the underserved neighborhoods of downtown Louisville, revealing a story of fierce love, quiet strength, and the healing power of books. 4/28: A Deadly Episode - A. Horowitz They’re making a major feature film of the first Hawthorne/Horowitz mystery novel. Except - they’re behind schedule, they’ve run out of money and . . . oh! The star has just been murdered. Ghost Town - T. Perrotta A gripping and darkly nostalgic tale about a tumultuous summer in 1970s suburban New Jersey, from the perspective of a middle-aged writer looking back on a series of events that changed his life and the story he finally has the courage to tell. Kill for a Million - J. Dailey For one prestigious Texas ranching family still reeling from the murder of their powerful patriarch, the aftershocks continue amid the most prized reining event of the year - and so does the infighting and scandalous romance. Ms. Mebel Goes Back to the Chopping Block - J. Sutanto A nearly divorced trophy wife enrolls in culinary school to win back her husband, only to find a fresh start in the unlikeliest of places. Our Patrons Liked: The Book Club for Troublesome Women - M. Bostick Margaret never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution, for that matter, in this bold and plucky novel. The Frozen River - A. Lawhon A gripping historical mystery inspired by the life and diary of Martha Ballard, a renowned 18th-century midwife who defied the legal system and wrote herself into American history.

Keepers of Lost Children - S. Johnson One American woman’s vision in post WWII Germany will tie together three people in an unexpected way. Theo of Golden - A. Levi A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder. This Book Made Me Think of You - L. Page A woman receives an unexpected gift from the man she loved and lost - a year of books, one for every month - launching a reading-inspired journey to live, dream, and love again in this glimmering and heart-stopping novel. CHILDREN We are working on lots of fun programs for this summer; watch our Facebook page, newsletter, and website for information about upcoming programs. Toddler Time Storytime for children 2 and 3 years and their caregiver. Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:00 am. We will read a story or two and do fun activities each program. These sessions involve caregivers as active participants. Caregivers are expected to stay with children during all sessions. No registration required. This session ends on April 28th. Baby Bookworms Storytime for children from birth to 2 years and their caregiver. Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:00 am. Enjoy great books for babies and learn fun songs and rhymes. These sessions involve caregivers as active participants. Caregivers are expected to stay with children during all sessions. No registration required. This session ends on April 29th. Preschool Storytimes Storytime for 4 - and 5 - years including kindergarten. Thursdays 10:30 - 11:00 am. Children will listen to stories, learn new words, sing, dance, and develop their imagination. Preschool listening skills are practiced. Caregivers are not required to stay in the room during storytime. No registration required. This session end on April 30th.

Pre-school Storytime at Hisey Park Join us for a special storytime at Hisey Park on Thursday, April 23rd at 10:30 am. We will meet in the picnic shelter for stories, songs, and will be led on a hike to see the spring flowers, bird activities, and more with Naturalist Lauren Asquith from Warren County Parks. A caregiver must attend with child. Storytime Superstars for Preschool Storytime Come to storytime at the Mary L. Cook Public Library for Preschool Storytime and get a stamp. When you have 10 stamps on your Storytime Superstar card you will earn a free book! We will keep your Storytime Superstar card here at the library. *While the recommended ages are listed in the above children’s program descriptions, please know they are a guide and that your child(ren) may continue in the program they started in the fall even if they have a birthday during the course of the program season (September - April). We want your child to be comfortable and confident in a developmental stage-appropriate program. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Welch or Cathy Ruth. We would be happy to talk with you and help in any way we can! Early Readers Kindergarten Book Club Meets on Thursday, April 16th from 4:00 - 4:45 pm. This group will meet monthly to read books, do activities, and build reading skills. This club will not teach children to read, but is meant to introduce them to great books and build excitement about books and reading. This book club is full. Questions, contact Cathy Ruth at ruthca@marylcook.com. Chapters Book Club (grades 1 - 2) Meets on Tuesday, April 7th from 4:00 - 4:45 pm. This group will read a short chapter book a month. We will meet and start off with a snack, discuss the book and author, and do activities associated with the book. This book club is full. Questions, contact Kathleen Welch at welchka@marylcook.com. Rapid Readers Book Club (grades 3 - 5) Meets on Tuesday, April 14th from 4:00 - 4:45 pm. This group will read a chapter book a month. The books will be a variety of genres. We will meet and start off with a snack, discuss the book and author, and do activities associated with the book. This book club is full. Questions, contact Kathleen Welch at welchka@marylcook.com.

Be a Kid Librarian Calling all 1st - 5th grade kids, we would love your help putting a book display together of your favorite books for other kids to enjoy! Stop by and fill out an application! Celebrate National Unicorn Day with us on Thursday, April 9th Drop in from 4-6 pm to make a unicorn ornament and other fun activities. For ages Pre-K - 6th grade (Pre-K must be accompanied by a caregiver). No registration required. Let’s Go Fly a Kite…. Join us on Saturday, April 11th from 11 am -12:30 pm for a presentation and a makeand-take kite opportunity while supplies last. This program is provided by the American Kite Association. This event is for children of all ages and caregivers. There will be a kite display available for viewing at our library from the association beginning on April 1st.

Kids Art Class Monday, April 13th - join us to make a turtle in his pond. Grades K-5 from 4:15 - 5pm. All materials will be supplied. This class is a collaboration with the Waynesville Arts Council. Registration begins on Monday, March 30th. Drop-In Family Master Builders Saturday, April 18th from 11 am - 12:30 pm. Grades Pre-K through 5th (Pre-K children must be accompanied by a caregiver). Use your imagination to build with LEGO, magnetic tiles, marble runs, Keva planks, and more. No registration required. Homework Help with Jacob George Mondays from 4 - 5 pm Here’s What to expect: -Academic support for students K-12 from a Licensed Intervention Specialist -Friendly, welcoming environment in our library -Access to resources, books, and knowledgeable staff Click here - fill out our Google form Or scan the QR Code:

Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten! Parents: Stop at the front desk to request your 1000 books log sheet. For every 100 books your child reads they earn a free book and a sticker! When your child reaches 1000 books, they will receive a free book and a certificate of achievement. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Ohio The goal of the Warren County Imagination Library is "Every Child Reads Every Day". Help us give every child in Warren County the gift of a free book every month! Register at ohioimaginationlibrary.org. The Mary L. Cook Public Library proudly manages the database for Warren County. For new registrations, questions, or concerns, please contact: Database Manager: Kelly Maloney Email: imaginationlibrary@marylcook.com Phone: 513-897-4826 Waynesville Food Pantry Help support our local food pantry. Gather your donations and drop them off at MLC. Items needed: peanut butter, canned soup, individual fruit cups, tuna, canned chicken, granola bars, toiletries.

ADULTS Take and Make Craft - Pick up materials to complete a Yarn Bird Craft starting Wednesday, April 1st. For ages 11 - adult. Rootfinders Rootfinders genealogy group will meet Saturday, April 11 at 10 am. All are welcome. The Loop Group Fiber Arts Club A club where threads meet friends and creativity never unravels. Meetings are held on the second Monday and fourth Tuesday of every month from 5:30 - 6:30 pm. Our first meeting is on Monday, April 13th. Registration is not required to attend this program, which is open to anyone interested in fiber arts. The group is led by two knowledgeable staff members who specialize in crocheting and knitting. They will be available to answer questions and provide troubleshooting assistance as time permits. If a participant is under the age of 18, they are required to have a caregiver present during the meeting. Getting Reel Film Club Meeting on Monday, April 20th at 5:30 pm to discuss the film American Animals. Genre Exploration Book Club: We will be meeting on Tuesday, April 21 at 5:30 pm to discuss the book, The Ministry of Time, by Kaliane Bradley. Registration for this book club is closed. TEENS For Teens in 6th-12th grade: Join us after school at the library for Food, Fun, & Friends on Tuesdays from 3 - 4 pm in the Community Room! No registration required. Last Teen Tuesday is on April 28th. Dungeons and Dragons every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Our last meeting is on April 22nd. Puzzle Swap/Puzzle Table No checking out! We also have a puzzle available for you to sit down and work on while visiting here at the library.

Anime and Manga club every first Thursday of the month. Our last meeting is April 2nd.

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