Library Staff Picks

Check out these items The Library staff recommend.

All Picks

BiographiesChildren's | FictionGraphic NovelsHolidayHorror / ThrillersHumorMovies | MusicMysteriesNonfictionRomanceScience Fiction / FantasyUrban FictionYoung Adult

 


 

Movies

The Professor and the Madman

Author
Simon Winchester

Staff Comment
A fascinating account of a man in an insane asylum who contributes 10,000 entries to the Oxford English Dictionary.

Suggested by
Diane, East Shore Area Library

VeggieTales: Abe and the Amazing Promise

Staff Comment
As the old saying goes, "Good things come to those who wait." The whole line of VeggieTales are awesome!

Suggested by
Ashley, McCormick Riverfront Library

The A-Team

Staff Comment
There's a great blend of action and comedy. It will make you laugh and give you a fast-paced trip!

Suggested by
Chris, McCormick Riverfront Library

Big Miracle

Staff Comment
A wonderful story about how a town and people across the country get together to save this family of whales.

Suggested by
Theresa, East Shore Area Library

Bridge to Terabithia

Author
Katherine Paterson

Staff Comment
A story of friendship, imagination and growing up. A story to cherish again and again. Required reading for many schools.

Suggested by
Mary, East Shore Area Library

The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Author
Mitch Albom

Staff Comment
This simple, quick read has valuable messages about life that we all can take heed to. Check out the movie, too!

Suggested by
Ashley, McCormick Riverfront Library

Runaway Ralph

Author
Beverly Cleary

Staff Comment
Tired of his annoying family, Ralph runs away to camp. But it is not what he expected.

Suggested by
Connor, East Shore Area Library

This is Where I Leave You

Staff Comment
The father of the Altman tribe has died and the family convenes in their home town for the funeral. Dad's last wish was that they sit Shiva (stay under the same roof together) for the full seven days. This is odd because they weren't really observant Jews, but the four adult children and various spouses go along with it. Hilarity Ensues, Life Lessons are Learned, and Changes are made. I have both read the book, and watched the film numerous times, very enjoyable.

Suggested by
Lydia, William H. & Marion C. Alexander Family Library

USS Indianapolis : men of courage

Author
Mario van Peebles

Staff Comment
Introduced to the USS Indianapolis through the movie Jaws, I look for stories on the Indianapolis. This work provides yet another look at the horror, struggles and loss suffered by the ships crew as their part in delivering "The Bomb". Well worth the time to watch.

Suggested by
Daniel, East Shore Area Library

Keeping up with the Joneses

Author
Greg Mottola

Staff Comment
Pick this gem up on a whim. What a nugget of gold! If you need to escape, if you need to laugh out load, if you need to release all those good things in your system that will lighten your day, watch this movie. Warning: Watching this movie may make your sides hurt and your eyes cry!

Suggested by
Daniel, East Shore Area Library

Hidden Figures

Author
Theodore Melfi, director

Staff Comment
I experienced the 'Space Race' first hand throughout the 1960's and beyond. This story fills in a lot of good back ground pieces. It is also a tribute to the oft ignored contributions of African-Americans. Thumbs UP!

Suggested by
Daniel, East Shore Area Library

La La Land

Author
Fred Berger, Jordan Horowitz, Gary Gilbert, Marc Platt

Staff Comment
This was not what I expected. La La Land is a good story however I thought it was going to contain a lot more singing and dancing than it did. I got that impression from the previews it was going to be a long the lines of 'Hair Spray'. Not even close. Worth a watch if you hate singing and dancing. Forget it if you like musicals. Thumbs down.

Suggested by
Daniel, East Shore Area Library

Rogue One

Staff Comment
Two best reasons to watch this: 1) It's STAR WARS 2) No Jar-Jar Binks Thumbs UP!

Suggested by
Daniel, East Shore Area Library

Jason Bourne

Staff Comment
Another Jason Bourne film. No better or worse than all the others. Still worth the time, especially if you like action, intrigue and Jason Bourne.

Suggested by
Daniel, East Shore Area Library

Philadelphia Eagles : 1980 NFC Championship, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Author
NFL Films

Staff Comment
A great trip down Memory Lane for Eagle fans. A real thow back experience. Watching this also will make you appreciate today's television coverage of the NFL.

Suggested by
Daniel, East Shore Area Library

Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express

Staff Comment
Just as thrilling today as it was when I first saw it in the theater! Remake will be in theaters soon. This original has set the bar very high.

Suggested by
Daniel, East Shore Area Library

Facing the Giants

Author
Alex Kendrick, director

Staff Comment
A feel good lesson about how doing the right thing regardless of the consequences is always the better way to proceed. As with the the films from the Sherwood Pictures you will laugh and cry and hope that the story never ends.

Suggested by
Daniel, East Shore Area Library

Birdman of Alcatraz

Author
John Frankenheimer (director)

Staff Comment
Pretty inspiring and incredible (mostly) true story about a convicted felon who became a preeminent scholar in a chosen field, from behind bars, in solitary confinement

Suggested by
Dan, East Shore Area Library