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All Library branches will be closed and the Mobile Library will not make its scheduled stops on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
MOBIUS Information
The Schweitzer Brentwood Branch remains closed due to a maintenance issue. During this period, the drive-through will remain open, offering service from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
One Read
One Read 2024 | Events | Past Titles
Join the 2024 One Read
"Remarkably Bright Creatures," by Shelby Van Pelt.
 | Shelby Van Pelt’s debut novel “Remarkably Bright Creatures” became an instant New York Times bestseller. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s now missing the mountains in the Chicago area with her husband and children. |
After Tova Sullivan’s husband died, she began working the night shift at an aquarium, mopping floors and tidying up. Keeping busy has always helped her cope, which she’s been doing since her eighteen-year-old son mysteriously vanished on a boat over thirty years ago. Tova becomes acquainted with curmudgeonly Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus living at the aquarium. Marcellus knows more than anyone can imagine but wouldn’t dream of lifting one of his eight arms for his human captors — until he forms a remarkable friendship with Tova. Ever the detective, Marcellus deduces what happened the night Tova’s son disappeared. And now Marcellus must use every trick his old invertebrate body can muster to unearth the truth for her before it’s too late.
Available at the library for checkout in book, large type, digital audiobook, e-book Playaway audiobook, and audiobook CD formats.
Download the Discussion Guide/Read-alikes (pdf).
Read-alikes
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Between the Lines: "Remarkably Bright Creatures"
An exhibition inspired by the 2024 One Read book selection.
March 1–30, 2024
Join us for First Friday Art Walk and the opening of the new exhibit featuring works of art by Springfield Regional Arts Council members and submissions from the public from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, March 1, at the Park Central Branch Library. |  |
“Remarkably Bright Creatures"”:
A Conversation with Shelby Van Pelt
Thursday, March 28, 7 p.m. For adults Library Center main floorCharming, witty and deceptively sensitive, Shelby Van Pelt’s “Remarkably Bright Creatures” follows an unlikely connection between a widow and a Giant Pacific Octopus residing at the local aquarium.Written through the lives of this unexpected pair, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” offers a gentle reminder that sometimes, taking a hard look at the past can help uncover a future that once felt impossible. Come together in this annual community read event to hear the author discuss her acclaimed novel — a story of friendship, reckoning and hope.Books will be available for purchase and signing. |  |
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