Worried that you’ll miss the Casti Library this summer? You don’t have to! Our collection of more than 1000 ebooks is open 24/7. You’ll be able to log in whenever you like.
Ebooks are readable on many different devices and apps. Learn more on our FAQ or stop by the library to talk to one of your librarians before you head out on summer vacation. We can also show you how to download audiobooks from your public library. You should also take a look at the column near the entrance of the library, where your classmates and teachers have posted book recommendations and their own plans for summer reading.
So what’s in the digital library? Something for everyone, we hope! From childhood classics to YA to adult; from science fiction to historical fantasy to contemporary realism; from popular bestsellers to spectacular under-the-radar releases; the collection has a lot to choose from. If you need a book recommendation, click on the purple square to your right and look at our recommended reading booklet, Pinterest account, NoveList Plus, and recommended other sources for finding great books.
If you are doing an internship or academic enrichment program this summer, you’ll be happy to know that our databases are open all summer as well! You may even find them fun to peruse for pleasure reading. 2014-15 Library TA Kiana B. ’16 will tell you all about how great databases are for finding information on fun topics you never knew people wrote about. Click on the blue square to access all the library’s databases.
Have you checked our Pinterest page lately? We’ve been adding hundreds of book recommendations to make sure you always have something to read – and they now include recommendations from our ebook library as well.
If you’re a middle schooler who loves realistic and historical fiction, you’ll want to check out our board For Fans of Wendy Mass. It has some great choices of books starring strong, quirky, and smart boys and girls in realistic situations that you may recognize from your own life or that of your friends’.
If fiction is not your thing, we have a board dedicated to Arts, Crafts, Style and Cooking and another full of Autobiographies and Memoirs. You’ll find inspiring stories of amazing artists, get ideas for crafty projects indoors and out, or learn about the lives of totally normal but totally remarkable people – famous, infamous, or next door.
Comics fans will want to click on Can’t Get Enough Graphic Novels for fiction and nonfiction books told through words and pictures. Books in the perpetual favorite post-apocalyptic and dystopian genres can be found on SciFi, Futuristic, and Dystopia.
Another new board, See the World Differently, highlights books about the different ways people experience the world. If you loved books like The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time or Marcelo in the Real World or Out of My Mind, you’ll want to look here for more books to read. You may see yourself in one of these characters, or maybe you’ll consider a perspective you never thought of before.
Is there a theme or genre you’d like recommendations for? Let us know!
And now we present Four to Read More, mini collections of four books that share some common theme, whether it’s the name of a character, a cover design quirk, or something else. Inspired by Kelly Jensen’s “Three on a YA Theme” series at Book Riot (take a look – we’ll wait!), this series will highlight some books you may have missed on the shelves.
This time around, we’re looking at a popular trend in YA books lately: doomsday cults, formerly utopian communes, and other intentionally insular communities.
Disappear Home by Laura Hurwitz
Shoshanna, her sister, and mother have escaped her abusive father and the Sweet Earth Farm. But now their mother is unstable, and they need to flee again.
(availabile on Overdrive ebooks)
Starbird Murphy and the World Outside by Karen Finneyfrock
Starbird leaves the Free Family Farm when she gets her Calling to become a waitress. But she’s not quite ready for things like school, money, or junk food.
(available in print and on Overdrive ebooks)
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
This is a thriller about a polygamist cult centers around Kyra, a 13-year-old who is told she must become her uncle’s seventh wife. She doesn’t know much about the outside world, but the discovery of a library bookmobile opens a new world to her.
(available in print)
Vivian Apple at the End of the World by Katie Coyle
Vivian’s parents joined the Church of America, which predicted an apocalypse. The morning of the event comes, and Vivian goes to wake up her parents–but they’re gone, and there’s a hole in the ceiling above their bed.
(available in print)
Do you have an idea for a Four to Read More theme? Email us and let us know!
For the final Middle School elective rotation, Mr. Mead’s Stop Motion class and Ms. Gómez’s Books and Movies class joined forces to create video book trailers in stop motion format! Check out some of the videos below.
by Lexi T. ’21, Kaavya P. ’21, Megan F. ’21 The 8th Day by Dianne K. Salerni
Tobey S. ’21, Mariel G. ’21, Sophia Legend by Marie Lu
Lauren S. ’20, Frannie D. ’19, and Julia K. ’20 The Selection by Kiera Cass
Atmika S. ’19, Emi S. ’19, Sophia L. ’20 The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Maureen Johnson and Sarah Rees Brennan
Coco L. ’21 and Lauren T. ’19 Cress by Marissa Meyer
by Izzy R. ’21 and Kelly Y. ’21 Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Hey, Upper Schoolers! Need a break from APs, final projects, and final exams? Come to the library’s Trivia Night! This event is for the Upper School only and will be in the library from 3:30 to 6:00pm on Friday, May 15th.
Form a team of 3 to 5 people and be ready to answer traditional pub-style trivia questions, delve into FOMF-esque challenges, and participate in live command performances. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be prizes!
RSVP to confirm your attendance and form a team. Just follow this link.