Skip to main content

More than just books

Oct 13, 2026 | MJB LIBRARY NEWS

By Karen Kelly | Special to the Times Vedette

Tyler Sullivan presented a program at the MJB Library last week describing his travels to 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties. During the program, Sullivan shared interesting attractions he visited as well as original poetry written about his experiences.

The leaves are turning; farmers are harvesting. Porches are filled with pumpkins and mums. Iowa’s monsoon season has ended, and autumn is here. With Halloween just around the corner, books by Stephen King, Anne Rice, and Dean Koontz are flying off the shelves. However, what about those readers whose fall vibe leans more toward warm, comforting and heartwarming?

For readers who desire a more serene and peaceful read, brew some tea and snuggle in with a cozy read that you checked out at the MJB Library. Cozies originated in the mystery genre for those who like a good whodunit without the blood and gore that are often part of contemporary thrillers.  These days, readers can find cozy versions of fantasy, sci-fi, romance and even horror.  

The MJB Library has many cozy books, and even more can be found on the Libby app. Here are a few popular cozy books on our shelves:

  • “Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel” by Lucy Foley
  • “Dolly all the Time” by Annabel Monaghan
  • “This Book Made Me Think of You” by Libby Page
  • “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt
  • “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune
  • “The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife” by Anna Johnston
  • “Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers” by Jesse Q. Sutanto
  • “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
  • “A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles
  • “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi
  • “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
  • “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman

Local students enjoy constructing with the large Magna Tiles, which are on loan from the state library STEM program. MJB Library has many STEM activities available for students who visit.

Be sure to check the library calendar on the website to keep up with all the events at the library.  Bridge class will meet on Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. Judi Zimmerline and the Cardmaking Class will meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15 to create unique, handmade greeting cards. All materials are included in the $5 fee for the class. On Thursday, Oct. 15, Cookbook Club will be meeting at 6 p.m. to share Halloween-themed food. 

Cribbage will meet from 9-11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 19. From 4-6 p.m., Craft and Connect will meet on Monday, Oct. 19. Canasta Class will be playing beginning at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Evening book club members are reminded that copies of “Remain” by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan are available at the front desk for everyone who is still preparing for book club on Oct. 27. 

Preschool Story Hour is each Friday morning at 10 a.m. for preschoolers of all ages and their caregivers. Participants are treated to stories and a craft project each week.  

Families are reminded to join us at the library on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:00-6:30 p.m. for the annual Li-BOO-ary Bash. Visitors can expect family-friendly, “spooky” decorations and a sweet treat.