September is the National Library Card Sign-up month, and at Springville library, patrons who register for a new library card will be entered for a chance to win a gift card from a local business.
The campaign has been going nationwide since 1987 when the Ronald Reagan-appointed Secretary of Education William Bennett said, “Let’s have a campaign … Every child should obtain a library card and use it.”
In addition to the contest, the library will also be hosting a slew of regular events, such as Storytime every Tuesday and Music and Movement every Wednesday for young children. They also host Kid Zone every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at 4 p.m. with a themed activity for kids. Teens and tweens also have plenty to do, such as Tween Space, hosted at the same time as Kid Zone, and Teen Corner every Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m.
All of this, of course, is in addition to the collection of books, movies, and video games that the library always has on offer. For those taking advantage of the library for the first time this month, or the old-timers looking for something new, here are a few Utah-based authors to add to your autumn reading list:
Shannon Hale – The Goose Girl (The Books of Bayern series).
This book is in the young adult fantasy/fairy tale retelling genre, and is a retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, The Goose Girl. This retelling follows Princess Ani, who has a unique ability to communicate with animals. After being betrayed by her handmaiden on the way to marry a prince, Ani must assume the identity of a goose girl while plotting her return to the throne. This lush, lyrical fantasy is filled with themes of identity, courage, and self-discovery. Hale’s beautiful writing pairs well with a cup of tea on a chilly autumn day.
Hale crafts beautiful, fairy tale-inspired novels that blend fantasy with heartfelt themes. The Goose Girl is a perfect companion for fall’s magical atmosphere.
Terry Tempest Williams – Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place
This book is in the memoir/nature writing genre, and is set against the backdrop of the rising Great Salt Lake in Utah. Refuge is a poignant memoir about Williams’ family and her mother’s battle with cancer. This powerful narrative blends personal history with the story of the landscape, exploring themes of environmental destruction, family grief, and resilience. The prose is deeply meditative, making it a perfect introspective read for fall.
This Utah-based environmentalist and author captures the spirit of the American West. Refuge explores themes of loss, nature, and family, making it a deeply reflective read for the fall.
Ally Condie – Matched (Matched Trilogy)
This book is in the dystopian young adult genre set in the dystopian world of Matched. Within this world, society controls everything from what you eat to whom you marry. Cassia Reyes has always trusted their decisions until she is accidentally shown two faces for her future partner. One is her best friend, but the other is a mysterious boy. As she starts questioning the system, Cassia is drawn into a rebellion. Filled with themes of choice, control, and freedom, this young adult dystopian novel is thought-provoking and perfect for fans of The Hunger Games or Divergent.
Condie, a Utah native, offers a thought-provoking dystopian world that’s ideal for readers seeking adventure and romance set against the backdrop of an imperfect society.
Dean Hughes – The Children of the Promise series
This historical fiction series follows the Thomas family from Salt Lake City, Utah, during World War II. The narrative shifts between different family members as they grapple with the war’s impact—one son goes off to fight, another struggles with his faith, and others are left at home to support the war effort. Hughes paints a vivid picture of life in Utah during the 1940s, weaving in the emotional and spiritual struggles of a family in turmoil. It’s a heartwarming and heartfelt look at the intersection of faith, family, and history.
This series, written by Utah author Dean Hughes, chronicles a Mormon family during World War II. It’s an emotional and immersive look at faith, family, and the struggles of war, offering plenty of warmth for autumn.
David Farland (Dave Wolverton) – The Runelords (The Runelords series)
This book falls in the fantasy genre and is set in the kingdom of Mystarria. Within this kingdom, warriors can gain incredible powers by receiving “endowments” from others, like strength, speed, or intelligence. But the giver of the endowment is permanently weakened. Prince Gaborn Val Orden finds himself entangled in a battle for the throne, as well as a battle against an ancient, inhuman evil threatening the world. Farland’s novel mixes epic fantasy with dark magic and moral dilemmas, making it a thrilling, thought-provoking read for fantasy lovers.
Farland, a Utah-based fantasy author, spins a gripping tale of magic, kingdoms, and heroism in The Runelords, perfect for fans of high-stakes fantasy in the cooler months.
Sarah Eden – Longing for Home (A Proper Romance series)
Classified as historical romance, Longing for Home is set in the 19th century American West. The book follows Katie Macauley, an Irish immigrant who moves to Wyoming seeking a fresh start. She takes a job as a housekeeper for a kind but troubled man and soon finds herself in the middle of a bitter feud between Irish and American settlers. As Katie navigates the tensions between these two communities, she also struggles with her own guilt and heartbreak from her past. This is a heartwarming story about redemption, belonging, and love, filled with beautiful descriptions of the American frontier.
For readers who love historical romance, Eden’s Longing for Home is a heartwarming story set in the 19th century American West. It captures the spirit of community and hope, ideal for autumn vibes.
Brandon Sanderson – The Way of Kings (The Stormlight Archive series)
This epic fantasy story is set in the storm-battered landscape of the world of Roshar where cities are built to withstand devastating highstorms. The Way of Kings follows three main characters: Kaladin, a former soldier turned slave; Shallan, a scholar with hidden motives; and Dalinar, a nobleman plagued by visions of ancient times. Together, their fates are intertwined in a grand epic of war, politics, and a looming threat. This intricate and masterfully built fantasy world is perfect for fans of epic, multilayered stories.
Sanderson, a prolific fantasy writer, lives in Utah and his Stormlight Archive series is perfect for readers looking to immerse themselves in a rich, complex world during long autumn nights.
