Settling into a comfortable chair and reading a book by a favorite author or enjoying a book of a favorite genre is one of the great pleasures of life. However, books have even more to offer us – they can broaden our horizons.They can challenge us to think differently about a wide variety of topics.They help us to see the world through different eyes. Bringing all of these kinds of books into our libraries and getting them into your hands is an important part of our mission.

While the libraries have been closed, the librarians have been busy, especially purchasing books, so there will be more to offer you when the libraries fully reopen. We have been trying to purchase the books that will be new favorites, those books we like to settle into a comfortable place to read, but we have also been trying to purchase books that will challenge us, broaden our knowledge of our world, and help all of us to grow and learn.

In addition to purchasing best-seller titles, the Bachelder library continues to work on expanding our collection in three areas.

We would like to see teens read more over the summer! Every year high school students and high school librarians nominate books for two prizes: the Flume Prize and the Isinglass Prize. Teens make the final decision as to which title wins the award. Andover teens: Come to the library, check out these books, and let your voice be heard. You will have until spring 2021 to cast your vote for the best books of 2021.

Working with the Andover Energy Group, the Bachelder Library has expanded its collection of books on environmental issues to include titles on climate change recommended by the New York Times and by members of the Andover Energy Group. It is a rich and varied collection of prize-winning books ranging from a children’s picture book about Greta Thunberg to nonfiction titles by renowned authors such as Bill McKibben, plus fiction titles.  This growing collection includes titles ranging from Rachel Carson’s classic, Silent Spring, to a science fiction novel about New York City in the year 2140. Challenge yourself, learn more about how our climate is changing, and how that is impacting us.

Given the protests following the death of George Floyd, it makes sense that the third collection category that we want to expand is our collection of titles that deal with the topic of racism. These books have been recommended by fellow New Hampshire librarians, local bookstores, national newspapers, and organizations dedicated to combating racism.They will be arriving at the libraries over the next few weeks and months. Some of the fictional stories’ main characters are people who do not look like us, other non-fiction titles examine the systemic racism that has existed in our society for centuries.  One of the most popular titles today challenges us to be more than non-racist but to learn “How to be an Antiracist” (by Ibram X. Kendi).

Our collection of children’s books is being expanded to be more diverse and inclusive.  Healthychildren.org tells us that, “As early as 6 months, a baby’s brain can notice race-based differences. By ages two to four, children can internalize racial bias. By age 12, many children become set in their beliefs—giving parents a decade to mold the learning process, so that it decreases racial bias and improves cultural understanding.”  It can often feel like the world is full of anger and hate, but it’s also full of hope — hope for a better future. It’s so important for children to see themselves and their experiences represented in the books they read. It’s also important for children to read about the experiences of people who are different from themselves.

Please check our catalog and check out these new titles.