In the young adult novel Thirteen Reasons Why, Hannah Baker has something to say to the people who have passed through her life: 13 reasons why they contributed to her death and how they could have helped her if they had only listened. Now, they have to listen because Hannah has recorded her reasons and sent them the tapes.

Clay Jenson isn't sure why he got the tapes; he'd admired Hannah for years but only once worked up the courage to connect with her. So Clay spends the night with Hannah's voice haunting his ears, following the events that led her to do the unforgivable.

I was intriqued by this strange and moving tale by author Jay Asher from the moment I began reading. It might not be suitable for young readers because it deals with suicide, but it is very well written and offers insight into how events can snowball and how some individuals can be crushed under the weight. It is also a good indicator of the warning signs of someone in crisis.

-- review written by Gena Fisher, Belt Branch reference assistant

What's not to love about apocalyptic literature? Granted, it's filled with carnage and the end of the world as we know it, but it also includes a heap of incredible challenges for our inspiring protagonists to tackle.

In Daniel H. Wilson's Robopocalypse, the challenges come in the form of technology that has gone haywire, seeking to obliterate humanity. This tale is set in the not-so-distant future when robots and computers are just slightly more ubiquitous than today.

Science fiction readers aren't the only ones excited about Wilson's latest book. Stephen Speilberg agreed to make a movie of the thing before it was even completed. That's probably because Wilson is not just the author of six novels, but he also has a Ph.D. in robotics. So when he writes about artificial intelligence gone wrong, it's chillingly realistic.

Check out our newest children's service: TumbleBooks-- Digital books for children! Listen to the books being read outloud, play interactive games and other activities to boost literacy skills.

There is no special software to download-- you and your child can read and listen to the book right on your computer. Hundreds of picture books and some chapter books are now available, with more being added regularly. Access the service by clicking on the link above, or by clicking on the Tumblebooks link on the left-hand side of the children's page.

Our vision: The Friends of the Rolling Hills Consolidated Library provide innovative and vital activities, resources, and services that support the dynamic, visionary Rolling Hills Consolidated Library (RHCL).

The Friends group supports the library by providing financial assistance for special programs like the summer reading program for children and by promoting use of the library to the community. They also support the Bestsellers Club by purchasing additional copies of bestselling books and funding author's visits. To raise money, the Friends operate the Friends Bookstore at the Belt Branch and holds annual used book sales.

Values Statement