Aug. 1, 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 books they love. 

Abby is a Patron Services Specialist who primarily works at the Downtown Library. She started at the library in 2013. Patron Services Specialist 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. 

"I really love that joy of finding the right book for someone," she said. "I love that 'Aha!' moment." 

Browse Abby's book recommendations below, and put them on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers

"Not Quite Narwhal" by Jessie Sima

This children's book is about an aquatic unicorn named Kelp who is a little different from his narwhal family. A cute story about being yourself and finding your place in the world.

"Out of the Blue" by Jason June

This is a teen/YA fantasy set in Los Angeles. I love Love LOVE this book! Let's talk about positivity for queer relationships. Let's talk about living for ourselves. Let's talk about CONSENT! Let's talk about body positivity. Let's talk about how to use pronouns in a thoughtful, respectful way. Let's talk about treating people the way they want to be treated. This is so much more than a queer love story.

Crest Ross is a regular fish-out-of-water, stuck on human legs for a whole moon cycle, in which they must help a human before returning to the Pacific Ocean to rejoin their mer community. Sean is heartbroken when he's dumped by his partner, consumed by hurt over the loss of his serious relationship. Fortunately for Ross, this is just the thing they need in order to complete their journey, earn their mark, and return home once and for all. Besides, there's nothing on land that could make Ross want to stay, right? Just go with the flow. The sweetest rom-com I never knew I needed.

"Sistersong" by Lucy Holland

This is a historical fiction reimagining of the Twa Sisters ballad. When a handsome stranger comes to town, the King and Queen's two daughters are smitten. Meanwhile, their sibling struggles to be seen for who he truly is, and what he can be: a strong leader. Magic, intrigue, and a fantastically written cast of characters, I couldn't put this book down!

"Gender Queer" by Maia Kobabe

Despite the controversy surrounding this book, this memoir in graphic novel form imparts an important message to readers which expresses the depth of the human condition. The way we choose to self-identify is important.

I also love these books:

"The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller

"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid

"Over the Top: A Raw Journey to Self-Love" by Jonathan Van Ness