Exciting New Releases Coming in February 2026 at the Bethel Library!

We’re thrilled to share an exciting selection of new books arriving this February! From whimsical adventures through literary worlds to powerful reflections on identity and resilience, there’s something here for every reader.

So Old, So Young by Grant Ginder

A smart, heartfelt novel about adulthood, ambition, and the confusing space between youth and maturity. The story follows a group of friends as they navigate the challenges of work, relationships, and expectations in a world that seems to demand more than it gives in return — all told with wit, sharp insight, and memorable characters.

The Astral Library by Kate Quinn

Enter a magical, hidden library where books are more than stories — they’re worlds you can walk into. When Alix Watson stumbles through a secret door in the Boston Public Library, she discovers a refuge where readers can step inside classic novels. But when a mysterious force threatens this wonderland, Alix must team up with a quirky guardian and a brave companion to save all who’ve found hope here. Whether you love adventure, imagination, or libraries themselves, this enchanting tale will delight you.

A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides by Gisèle Pelicot

A visceral and moving book that explores how shame is assigned and endured. Pelicot’s powerful voice guides readers through deeply personal experiences while calling for a shift in how we think about trauma, blame, and healing. This is a book that resonates long after the last page.

Citizenship: Notes on an American Myth by Daisy Hernández

This thoughtful nonfiction work challenges our assumptions about citizenship in the United States. Hernández blends storytelling and cultural critique to explore how identity, belonging, and power shape who is included — and excluded — from the American narrative.

These titles will be available at the Bethel Library later in February 2026. Swing by to explore them on our shelves, place a hold, or ask our librarians for personalized recommendations — we can’t wait to help you find your next great read!

Coming in January 2026: New Titles Arriving at the Bethel Library

A new year means new books—and we’re excited to kick off 2026 with a fresh batch of buzzy releases hitting the Bethel Library shelves this January. From gripping thrillers to thought-provoking literary fiction, here’s a preview of three standout titles we can’t wait to share with you.

The First Time I Saw Him by Laura Dave

Laura Dave returns with a long-awaited sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me. Five years after Owen’s disappearance, Hannah Hall and her stepdaughter Bailey have finally built a quiet life together. But everything changes when Owen suddenly appears at one of Hannah’s art exhibits. His reemergence brings danger with it, forcing Hannah and Bailey back into a world of secrets, threats, and hard choices. As they flee the fallout of Owen’s past, Hannah realizes that the only way out may demand more from all three of them than she ever expected. Suspenseful and emotional, this is one of January’s most anticipated releases.

Vigil by George Saunders

The ever-inventive George Saunders—author of Lincoln in the Bardo—returns with a deeply imaginative and philosophical novella. Vigil follows the final hours of oil baron K.J. Boone, who faces death with all the swagger and conviction with which he lived. Assigned to guide him into the afterlife is Jill “Doll” Blaine, but Boone proves unlike any soul she’s escorted before. Through their strange and poignant encounter, Saunders examines capitalism, greed, environmental ruin, and the eternal tangle of good versus evil. Expect wit, compassion, and sharp social critique in equal measure.

Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

Emily Austin, beloved for her darkly quirky and deeply human characters, offers a powerful new novel centered on a librarian rebuilding her life. After returning to work following a mental health crisis, she finds herself facing a wave of book-banning activists. What follows is a moving, funny, and heartfelt story about grief, resilience, community, and the profound importance of libraries—told with Austin’s signature warmth and insight. A must-read for anyone who loves stories about books and the people who care for them.

These titles will be added to the Bethel Library’s collection as soon as they are released in January 2026. Keep an eye on our catalog, place your holds early, and get ready for a strong start to your reading year!

Top Checkouts at the Bethel Library in 2025

Bethel readers dove into all kinds of stories this year — from wild landscapes and haunting mysteries to weddings, homecomings, and unforgettable characters. Based on circulation data, these were the most checked-out adult fiction titles of 2025, showing what our community couldn’t get enough of.

Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey (16 checkouts)

Blending magical realism with gritty wilderness survival, this novel follows Birdie, a single mother in Alaska, whose life becomes entwined with the mysterious Arthur after he rescues her daughter from the woods. Their retreat to a remote cabin promises freedom and self-sufficiency — but the wilderness, and Arthur himself, hold darker truths.

Why readers loved it: evocative landscapes, emotional depth, and a story that feels both mythic and deeply human.

The Wedding People by Alison Espach (16 checkouts)

Phoebe Stone arrives at a Newport wedding intending to quietly end her life — but instead finds herself drawn into the orbit of the wedding guests. What follows is an unexpectedly funny, compassionate, and life-affirming story about connection and second chances.

Why readers loved it: heartfelt, humorous, and ultimately hopeful, with memorable characters and emotional insight.

Welcome Home, Stranger by Kate Christensen (16 checkouts)

After her mother’s death, Rachel returns to her childhood home in Maine and confronts old friendships, family memories, and the question of what it really means to belong. This thoughtful novel explores reinvention and the quiet power of coming home.

Why readers loved it: a gentle but profound homecoming story filled with warmth, reflection, and Maine atmosphere.

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker (15 checkouts)

A gripping, emotionally charged novel that blends crime, love, and obsession, following characters whose lives are shaped by violence, loyalty, and the search for redemption. This is a dark but deeply human story that lingers long after the final page.

Why readers loved it: suspenseful yet character-driven, with powerful emotional payoff.

Bear by Julia Phillips (15 checkouts)

Set in the Pacific Northwest, Bear follows sisters Sam and Elena, who live a quiet, constrained life caring for their ill mother. When a bear begins appearing near their home, it becomes a powerful symbol of escape, danger, and the pull of something wild just beyond their reach.

Why readers loved it: tense, atmospheric, and deeply emotional, with a slow-burn sense of unease and beautifully drawn sibling dynamics.

The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan (15 checkouts)

Jane Flanagan returns to her late mother’s home in Maine and begins uncovering the layered history of the house and the women who lived there before her. A multi-generational story of memory, loss, and legacy unfolds.

Why readers loved it: atmospheric, emotionally rich, and ideal for fans of generational and place-based fiction.

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon (15 checkouts)

Set in 18th-century Maine, this historical novel follows midwife Martha Ballard as she investigates a suspicious death discovered in the frozen Kennebec River. Inspired by real historical records, the novel blends mystery with vivid historical detail.

Why readers loved it: immersive setting, strong historical voice, and a compelling mystery rooted in real history.

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler (15 checkouts)

Told over the course of a wedding weekend, this warm and witty novel centers on Gail, the mother of the bride, as she navigates family tensions, surprises, and reflections on love and marriage.

Why readers loved it: short, satisfying, and full of heart — a perfect example of Anne Tyler’s gift for finding meaning in everyday moments.

This year’s most-checked-out fiction reflects Bethel readers’ love for strong characters, emotional depth, and vivid settings — especially stories rooted in place and personal transformation. Looking for your next great read? Stop by the library or place a hold on one of these community favorites!

Bethel Library Staff’s Favorite Reads of 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, our staff has been reflecting on the books that informed, comforted, challenged, and delighted us this year. From immersive histories and intimate memoirs to literary fiction and enchanting fantasy, these are the titles that rose to the top of our reading lists—books we kept thinking about long after turning the final page.

Caralyn’s Pick: On Air: The Triumph and Turmoil of NPR by Steve Oney

Caralyn was captivated by Steve Oney’s On Air, a sweeping and meticulously researched history of NPR. Oney brings readers behind the familiar voices and programs, revealing the chaotic beginnings, the internal debates, and the passionate people who shaped public radio into the cultural force it is today. With its blend of drama, insight, and backstage storytelling, this book offers both a nostalgic and eye-opening look at an institution many of us rely on every day.

Eileen’s Pick: Just Like Glass: A Family Memoir by Amy Wight Chapman

Eileen’s favorite read of the year was Amy Wight Chapman’s memoir Just Like Glass, a Bethel Library Book Club selection that left a lasting impression. Chapman’s family story contains multitudes—grief and humor, love and resilience—all grounded in a strong sense of place. The writing feels intimate and generous, offering readers a powerful reflection on how families fracture, mend, and grow. It’s no wonder this title sparked so much conversation and connection throughout our book club.

Lee’s Pick: The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

Lee chose The House in the Cerulean Sea for its profound warmth and gentle wisdom. Few books capture the heartwarming power of acceptance and appreciation of others who are different from ourselves as beautifully as this one. Klune’s enchanting fantasy is a rewarding read for both young adults and adults alike. It’s a story that lingers, reminding readers of the quiet magic found in kindness, belonging, and chosen family.

Kelcy’s Pick: Intermezzo by Sally Rooney

For Kelcy, Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo stood out above the rest, particularly for this line:
“The demands of other people do not dissolve; they only multiply. More and more complex, more difficult. Which is another way, she thinks, of saying: more life, more and more of life.”

Rooney’s novel delves deeply into relationships—their complexities, their yearnings, and the ways they shape our days. With her signature clarity and emotional precision, Rooney crafts a story that feels both grand and intimate, exploring how the pressures of connection are inseparable from the fullness of living.

Conclusion

Whether you’re in the mood to learn something new, connect with a deeply personal story, explore the complexities of relationships, or escape into a hopeful and imaginative world, our 2025 staff favorites offer something meaningful for every reader. We hope these selections inspire your next great read and spark conversations of your own. Happy reading—and here’s to another year of discovering memorable books together at the library.

Short Wintery Reads to Help You Hit Your Year-End Reading Goal

There’s something magical about winter reading—early sunsets, warm blankets, and the quiet hush of snow outside the window. It’s the perfect season to curl up with a book… and if you’re also racing to meet your year-end reading goal, short books become your best friends.

Below is a collection of short, atmospheric, winter-themed (or winter-feeling) reads. Each is under 300 pages—and many are under 150—so you can savor the cozy vibes and stack up those finished titles before the year wraps up.

Small Things Like These — Claire Keegan (128 pages)

If you read one winter novella this year, make it this. Set in 1980s Ireland during the lead-up to Christmas, Keegan’s writing is spare and luminous. Through the eyes of a quiet coal merchant, she unravels a gentle yet powerful story about compassion and moral courage in a snow-dusted town. Perfect for one sitting, ideally with a cup of tea nearby.

The Builders — Maeve Binchy (~96 pages)

Maeve Binchy is always a comfort read, and The Builders is a warm, easily devoured novella about a quiet Irish neighborhood, unexpected generosity, and the small acts that weave a community together. It’s winter in tone if not in temperature—cozy, kind, and perfect when you need something both brief and uplifting.

The Winter Room — Gary Paulsen (128 pages)

A beautifully written tale of rural family life in the cold months. Paulsen captures the stillness and harsh beauty of winter in a way that feels both nostalgic and sharp. A short, poignant read with a deep sense of place.

The Snow Child — Eowyn Ivey (240 pages)

A bit longer than some on this list, but still a quick, immersive winter read. Set in 1920s Alaska, this novel blends magical realism with the stark realities of frontier life. Snow, loneliness, love, and mystery permeate every page.

Non- Fiction Staff Picks September 2025

Built to Move by Kelly Starrett

Staff Pick from Betsy

This book is an absolute gem for anyone passionate about healthy aging! With its engaging writing style and inspiring content, you’ll find it both easy to read and hard to put down. Dive in and discover a wealth of knowledge that will motivate you to embrace the journey of aging gracefully!

One Man’s Owl by Bernd Heinrich

Staff Pick from Lee

In an inspiring tale, Professor Bernd shares his remarkable journey of rescuing and nurturing an owlet over three summers. His experiences are filled with fascinating insights about owls and other bird species, making it a delightful read. This is a heartwarming and sweet story.

The Last Traverse: Tragedy and Resilience in the Winter Whites by Ty Gagne

Staff Pick from Eileen

Embark on an exhilarating journey through a gripping true tale of a winter hike in Franconia Notch. This is not just a story—it's a riveting account of survival, a daring search and rescue operation, and a remarkable medical saga that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

Read Alike Suggestion from the Bethel Library

Here are some read a like suggestions from the Bethel Library: 

If you liked

Wild Dark Shore by  Charlotte McConaghy

Try Twist by Colum McCann

These novels share something powerful: a raw exploration of grief, survival, and the fragile beauty of human connection.

Neither book is interested in neat endings. Wild Dark Shore asks what it means to fight for a vanishing world when your own interior landscape is already fractured. It explores motherhood, guilt, and love in a way that’s as morally complex as it is heartfelt.

Twist also resists simplicity. McCann raises questions about identity, home, belonging, and history without offering resolution. Instead, both novels suggest that truth is not singular—and that healing may come not from answers, but from endurance.

Wild Dark Shore and Twist are wildly different, yet they echo each other in the best ways. If you’re drawn to fiction that’s emotionally fearless, environmentally conscious, and gorgeously written—these two are must-reads.

Graphic Novel Read a Like Recommendations

Here are three captivating Middle-Grade Graphic Novels that evoke a cozy atmosphere and uniquely animate emotions, drawing readers into their heartwarming narratives. 

The Happy Shop by Brittany Long Olsen 

Eleven-year-old Darcy just moved somewhere new. She’s feeling lost and misses her friends back home. That’s when she stumbles upon a shop full of mysterious glowing jars labeled with things like “Picking up the last sweater on the rack and it’s on sale” and “Having the perfect weather on your wedding day.” Much to Darcy’s surprise, this store sells happy feelings. This is a heartfelt story about helping those you love and understanding your emotions.

How to Talk to Your Succulent by Zoe Persico

Eleven-year-old Adara and her dad are moving from California to the cold and flat lands of Michigan. After Mom's recent passing, it seems way too soon. Talking to Dad has always been harder than with Mom, but now it's like walking on eggshells. Then, she meets a little succulent named Perle, and she unlocks the same magical ability her mother had: talking to plants! This graphic novel explores loneliness, mental health, and empathy, and shows how communication, openness, and a willingness to listen can help people — and plants! — navigate their well-being and heal from loss, individually and together.

Crumble by Meredith McClaren

Emily, her mom, and her aunt Gina have a very special, magical power: They can bake emotions into the desserts they sell at their family bakery. Need a dash of confidence? Try their millionaire shortbread! Want relief after a stressful day? The cheesecake will lighten your spirits! There is only one rule: Never bake a bad feeling. But when Aunt Gina dies in an accident, Emily’s life is turned upside down. Not knowing what to do, Emily breaks the rule and bakes her bad feelings into. . . a crumble. A  magic-filled graphic novel about friendship and feeling every kind of emotion, no matter the flavor. 

Discover some of the exciting places you can explore with your Bethel Library card!

Bethel Library Passes 2025 include access to some of the following places:

Maine Maritime Museum

Fishing, building, trading, exploring, privateering, enjoying; Maine has always been about the sea. All these aspects are well covered in a museum in an old shipyard, next to today’s most important Maine shipyard, Bath Iron Works (Tours available.) Learn more about the museum here: https://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/

MILL

We tend to think of forests and wilderness, but industry, especially textile mills and shoe factories, was a very important part of Maine. It’s a story about technology, but even more about people; MILL knows that. Learn more about the museum here: https://mainemill.org/

Maine Mineral and Gem Museum

Never a big mining state, Maine has nevertheless produced a range of mineral products and a spectacular variety of semi-precious stones. The story is well told, right here in Bethel. Learn more about the museum here: https://mainemineralmuseum.org/

Tate House

There’s not much left of really old Portland; it kept burning down. But in 1755 a well-to-do British immigrant built a stylish house a few miles away, and ran his business and the British Navy’s (masts) timber business for decades. Learn more about the museum here: https://www.tatehouse.org/

Dreaming of the Library Plant Sale

Plant Sale Sign at the Bethel Library

I think many of us are relieved to see green hues and warmer temperatures finally back. For me, the signs of spring I always count on in Bethel are peepers, ice cream being served on the porch again at the Sugar Shack, and the planning of the Library Plant Sale! Now with all three of these occurring, we must be past the gray and cold of winter.

  This year, the Library Plant Sale will be Saturday, June 7th, in the yard next to the Library on Broad Street. It is one of my favorite mornings of the year as people begin to gather almost an hour before the sale begins to save their spot and maybe daydream about what they may find. I am always impressed with the hardiness of our Western Maine neighbors and this continues to be the case on Plant Sale Day. Two years ago, my first year helping with the sale, it simply downpoured the whole time. But the line was still out, and the sale was a success! Like our garden plants, our community shows up each spring again and again. 

Not only does the sale celebrate the season but of course the proceeds support our non-profit library. Did you know that about 70% of our funding comes from private and business donations? Truly a community enterprise. 

Plants can be donated to the sale starting on June 6th, or reach out, and I will happily come dig them up from your garden. Tags to identify the plant and its habits are at the library. I hope you will join us to kick on the summer on June 7th!

By Eliza Hazen, Bethel Library Trustee

The Bethel Library offers a pass to the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum to its patrons

The Bethel Library has partnered with the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum to offer a free pass to the museum. The pass program admits 2 adults and up to 4 children or teens to explore the museum. The MMGM showcases our geological history, displays renowned mineral and rock collections, and provides educational opportunities. Check out their website for more information about the museum: https://mainemineralmuseum.org/ 

All you need to access the pass program is a patron account in good standing with the Bethel Library! The library pass can be used by one individual or group for each calendar day, so plan ahead and know your preferred dates! Get the pass from the front desk at the Bethel Library. For more information or questions regarding the pass program please contact the Bethel Library at 207-824-2520 or come in during opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 9-1 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 12-5

Knit Happens at the Bethel Library

The Yarn Hub has been knitting along!

This program began last fall when volunteers hosted a successful “Destash” Yarn Sale at Bethel’s HarvestFest. They had enough beautiful yarn left over, generously donated by the community, to create a yarn “store” in the upstairs of the Bethel Library. It’s called a “store” because patrons can purchase yarn for “Pay What You Can” prices. 

The Yarn Hub volunteers were excited to collaborate with the Maine Valentine Project by holding some “learn to knit” sessions in the late fall, yielding over a hundred hats and scarves for the homeless. 

Creating this space spun into more than just providing a source for yarn in Bethel and filling a bin with wonderful handmade items for donation. It united people for a good cause, fostering community, new friendships, and a heartfelt sense of giving.

The Bethel Library is filled with much more than books!

Top Fiction Books by Circulation at the Bethel Library in 2024

Tied for The Third Most Checked Out Title:

Dreamland by Nicholas Sparks

Dreamland is an emotional story that follows a farmer with a passion for music, an aspiring singer, and a woman trying to escape an abusive marriage with her young son. This love story explores the theme of risking everything to pursue a dream and questions whether it is truly possible to leave the past behind.

The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring

Set in Dalton, Maine, in 1990, this novel explores life in small-town America. When a local makes an unthinkable decision, the community is shaken. In the aftermath, personal issues come to light, revealing that no one is quite who they seem.

The Second Most Checked Out Title:

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Elizabeth Zott is a self-assured research chemist in 1960s California whose career takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the star of a popular TV cooking show. Lessons in Chemistry combines humor and keen observations with a vibrant cast of characters while also portraying the unique challenges of early feminism.

The Most Checked Out Title:

Welcome Home, Stranger by Kate Christensen

This novel explores grief, love, and family complexities through the journey of a woman in her fifties who reluctantly returns to Maine after her mother’s death. It raises the question: Can you ever truly go home again? Lively and emotionally resonant, it captures the essence of the human experience.

Staff Picks October 2024

Caralyn’s Pick: This Other Eden by Paul Harding

An enduring testament to the struggle to preserve human dignity in the face of intolerence and injustice. Great characterization and prose.

Lee’s Pick: The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

Post-apocalyptic but somehow hopeful; the story shows the power of the human/animal bond and how humans need others.

Nancy’s Pick: Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy

Unusual plot and beautifully written story that addresses reintroducing wolves to Scotland. Themes of family and relationships. Great for nature lovers and those interested in complex families.

Kelcy’s Pick: Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield

This book was sad, creepy, mysterious, and romantic all at once. Told from alternating perspectives of one wife who takes a journey under the sea and the other wife who was left behind. I downloaded the audiobook version on cloudLibrary and couldn’t stop listening!

Recommendations if you like short, cozy, translated books

What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyam

This book, translated from the original Japanese, tells the narratives of five interconnected individuals. Each character visits the library at a point in their lives where they are looking for a renewed sense of purpose and direction. This short novel is an insightful and inspiring read. The simple yet elegant prose beautifully captures the essence of the human experience—an ode to the transformative power of literature and the sanctity of libraries.

The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee

This enchanting Korean bestseller takes readers on a journey through a department store that specializes in selling dreams, offering a unique perspective through the eyes of a new employee named Penny. As Penny explores the store's various floors, each dedicated to selling different kinds of dreams, we are introduced to the department store’s eccentric employees. The novel's exceptional world-building weaves together a magical and thought-provoking narrative that is sure to captivate the imagination.

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi

This novel is the story of four individuals and their motivations for wanting to travel back in time temporarily; from wanting to correct a mistake, seek closure, or address a regret. The rules of time travel from the small Tokyo cafe are stringent, deterring many people, including a rule that the time traveler must return to the present before their coffee gets cold. Despite this, these four individuals decide that the journey through time is worth undertaking, even though it will not alter the present. It is a concise and introspective novel that delves into the intricacies of human relationships, while also prompting reflection on regret, closure, and missed opportunities.