Sept. 4, 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.
Materials Librarian Kristine has worked at the library since 2002. She maintains the catalog, adding new books and materials as they come in and making sure they are organized so that staff and patrons alike can find them.
"Working in Materials is like Christmas morning every day! We get to play with all the cool new stuff," she said. "My specific job is to curate the catalog. It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle in that if its not put together quite right, you don’t see all the details. This translates to people not being able to find out if we have certain titles. I keep our patrons in mind as I catalog materials, because we really want things to check out as much as possible and that only happens if they find what they are looking for."
Browse Kristine's book recommendations below, and put them on hold in our catalog by clicking on their covers.
"Dune" by Frank Herbert
What can you say about one of the seminal works of the science fiction genre? Filled with complex characters, rich plot development and unparalleled world building with a lightning fast pace, you are in for a wild ride with this book. Most recently faithfully adapted by Denis Villeneuve for the big screen.
"Black Jewels" trilogy by Anne Bishop
These are the books I keep going back to again and again and again. This trilogy has myth, magic and mayhem aplenty. The trio of men surrounding the protagonist certainly don’t hurt matters either. If you like dark fantasy, this is the series for you!
"The Queen of the Damned" by Anne Rice
I was into vampires before they got sparkly. Here you learn about the origins of the vampires in Rice’s "Vampire Chronicles." I particularly enjoyed the trips back in time, especially to Neolithic Egypt. Yet another deeply realized world.
"The Clan of the Cave Bear" by Jean M. Auel
This is unlike a lot of books out there given the time period involved. Travel back to humanity’s earliest days and join Ayla as she learns to survive in a savage world. This is the start of a wonderful six-book series.
"A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness
There is a theme here. Yet another prime example of a book filled with strong female characters, who happen to be bona fide witches, along with extraordinary world building. And a rather grumpy, yet highly intelligent, vampire to boot! Not to mention featuring the Bod itself, a librarian’s cathedral. Yes, there’s more where this came from, so buckle up! Diana Bishop will take you on an unforgettable journey!