By Austin Foglesong, Supervising Librarian II
Growing up on a family farm in Central Washington, any free time that my parents and I had was spent on day or weekend trips throughout the Pacific Northwest. On these trips, I would spend a lot of time in the backseat consuming book after book after book.
My mom would often remind me, “As long as you have a book with you, you will always have a friend!” While my self-described “book problem” has steadily increased with age and experience, I have gained so many friends along the way. Luckily, my parents made sure we visited bookstores and libraries no matter the route our travels took us.
Along the way, my book loans and purchases made up the roadmap that continues to pave the way for future day or weekend trips with friends and loved ones. My fondest memories are connected across thousands of pages, extending my armchair travels tenfold, no passport needed.
Uncover what armchair travel means to you and embark on a new adventure based metaphorically, in reality, or both. Discover a new favorite read from your local library and let the escapism of reading transport you to new worlds, providing a much-needed reprieve from the warm weather. We look forward to seeing you on the other side!
From June 6th through August 15th, I invite you to join NCW Libraries’ staff and patrons throughout North Central Washington in our annual Summer Library Program! To get you started, check out some of our staff suggestions for our first theme: Armchair Travel.
Black River by Nilanjana S. Roy
Available in print
This is a story of crime in the midst of race and class divides—woven against the backdrop of a small town in modern day India. When a child is found dead in a sleepy village, the townsfolk are quick to assign blame without proof.
Disco Witches of Fire Island by Blair Fell
Available in print and ebook
1989: Friends Joe and Ronnie spend their first summer in the gay paradise of Fire Island Pines. Fans of queer romances with a dash of fantasy will love this novel of community, magic, and hope.
A Cyclist’s Guide to Crime & Croissants by Ann Claire
Available in print, ebook and eaudiobook
Sadie Green chased her dreams when she quit her reliable office job and bought a French cycling tour company. Through a series of twists and turns, she must now solve a murder and try to keep her business afloat.
Ghosts of Waikīkī by Jennifer K. Morita
Available in print
After the newspaper she works for folds, Maya Wong reluctantly returns to Hawaiʻi to ghostwrite the biography of a controversial developer. When the man is found dead, Maya digs for clues while juggling girls’ nights and family dinners.
English