Miller, Vanessa. The American Queen. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2024.

Have you started reading our Alamance Reads 2026 selection yet? If you’re new to Alamance Reads, it’s a community‑wide reading program funded by the Friends of the Alamance County Public Libraries. The goal is simple but powerful: bring our community together by encouraging everyone to read the same book, join in meaningful conversations, and enjoy a special visit from the author.

This year is the perfect time to jump in—and there’s still plenty of time to finish this remarkable book before author and North Carolinian Vanessa Miller visits in just two weeks. She is generously offering three opportunities for the community to meet her and hear her inspiring story. Plus, we have her book available in every format—from print to e‑audiobook—so there’s no excuse not to dive into this fantastic read.

This year’s book, The American Queen, pulls you in from the very first page. It tells the story of freed men and women who built a thriving, resilient community during some of the most challenging times for African Americans. The Kingdom of the Happy Land was a self‑sufficient, communal society established in the 1870s in Henderson County, NC, by formerly enslaved people fleeing violence in Mississippi. Led by King William and Queen Louella, the community thrived on shared labor, farming, and education before declining in the early 1900s. At the height of its prosperity, the Kingdom owned more than 200 acres of land.

As an avid lover of anything North Carolina, I was excited to read this little‑known history about a thriving community of freed slaves—and it did not disappoint. The book is engaging and heartfelt; I didn’t want it to end. It has stayed with me long after I turned the last page, and I continue to recommend it to anyone looking for their next great read. I was so moved by the story that I even traveled to the Henderson County Library and Historical Museum to explore the history they’ve preserved about these inspiring people.

Queen Louella stands at the heart of this story—a woman of noble character, unshakable strength, and a fierce commitment to her people. She endures heartbreak, violence, and discrimination for being both a woman and Black, yet her resilience inspires everyone around her. While the novel doesn’t shy away from the hardships this community faced, it blossoms with hope, love, and the power of unity through faith. You finish the book feeling uplifted and eager to share this story with others. It is a novel that feels especially meaningful in this moment in history.

When a book sparks conversations about courage, legacy, and the strength of community, you know it’s the perfect choice for Alamance Reads—and Vanessa Miller’s The American Queen does exactly that.

 Vanessa Miller will be with us on Tuesday, April 14th at 2:00 p.m. at the Alamance Community College Auditorium, or at 6:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Burlington. Her final visit will be Wednesday, April 15th at 12:0o p.m. at the Elon Community Church (registration required).

Alexis V. is the Branch Manager of North Park Library.

Calling all kids interested in science and nature: help contribute important data to real life scientists using ecoEXPLORE Discovery Packs!

Created by the North Carolina Arboretum, ecoEXPLORE (Experiences Promoting Learning Outdoors for Research and Education) is a community science initiative geared towards children in grades K–8 that utilizes incentives to encourage children to explore the outdoors and participate in community science.

Want tools to help participate in ecoEXPLORE? Alamance County Public Libraries has a number of ecoEXPLORE Discovery Packs available for checkout as part of our Library of Things. These backpack kits include kid-friendly binoculars, a bird call, butterfly net, bug collection jar, as well as a trail camera and SD card, all of which patrons can use to help record their nature sightings.

To join the program, patrons can sign up online at ecoexplore.net and begin recording their findings, including plants, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and more! Participants simply take a picture of wildlife while making note of the day, time, location, and species observed, after which they log into their ecoEXPLORE account and submit their observation. With each observation you submit, you can earn points that can be redeemed for a variety of prizes.

In addition, the South Graham Park has been designated as an ecoEXPLORE “HotSpot” location, so participants that record wildlife they see around the park can earn extra points!

For more information about the ecoEXPLORE Discovery Packs, please call (336) 570-6730 or click here to check out our Library of Things.

Sara D. is a Library Assistant at the Graham Public Library.

Udemy is a new online resource that was made available to library patrons in February 2026. Udemy is a learning platform that offers a wide range of courses for learners. Whether you want to learn a new language, learn to write code, pick up some soft skills for a new management role, or just learn to play the piano, you can find it on Udemy. With over 25,000 on-demand videos, we hope you find something that you’re excited about.

Some of Udemy’s features include courses in other languages that aren’t just translated but instead are taught by subject experts in the field. Udemy has a new role-play AI tool that allows you to conduct a mock interview or practice speaking skills with feedback on how to reach your goals.

This resource is great for those who are 13 years old and older and can be accessed for free until January 2028. Homeschoolers will find courses that may get them excited about continuing education, small business owners will find resources to grow and expand their small business, and best of all, you can find the best course for you to learn at your own pace on your own time. To get started, check our Technology page under Research and Learn to find out more or look under Online Resources under the letter U for a direct link and information about the Udemy App, which will allow to you to take your learning with you on the go.

Christina R. is the Emerging Technologies Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries.

Rowley, Steven. The Guncle. New York : G. P. Putnam’s Sons, [2021].

Book content warning: Death, LGBTQ+ themes, homophobia, and a brief allusion to suicide.

Every now and then, I come across a book that pleasantly surprises me when I step out of my comfort zone of psychological horror thrillers. Those are always exciting to me – but after reading so many of them in a row, my mind needs a lighthearted break and a chance to laugh.

That is exactly what The Guncle by Steven Rowley provides: a witty and fun story about navigating the process of grief and finding your way back to who you are, that is equal parts hilarious and touching.

In this critically acclaimed book, Rowley introduces us to the charming character of Patrick, a TV sitcom actor with a somewhat stalled career who is struggling with finding a new path in life. Patrick’s brother calls him one day to give him terrible news: his wife (who is also Patrick’s lifelong best friend) has died after a long battle with a terminal illness. To help his brother, Patrick agrees to take his niece and nephew back to his house in California for the summer. In doing so, he assumes a role of guardian that he is very ill prepared for.  

What ensues is a hilarious and adventurous summer for Patrick and the kids that brings them closer than ever! Patrick’s niece and nephew lovingly call him GUP, short for Gay Uncle Patrick. And Patrick takes on this honorable role very (un)seriously, introducing them to the wonders of brunch, The Sound of Music, dancing, and plenty of afternoon swims in Patrick’s pool, while imparting little nuggets of wisdom to the kids that Patrick calls “Guncle Rules”.

This book took me on a magnificent rollercoaster ride of emotions. The story is well paced, with plenty of humor that helped me get through this book a lot quicker than most books I pick to read. As a character, Patrick is quite charming, and his delivery of quick and witty one-liners in response to his niece and nephew’s antics and heavily inquisitive nature kept me laughing with every turn of the page. Patrick’s growth while navigating the rough waters of parenting that he never even thought about dipping his toes in, even if only temporarily, is also inspiring.

But the one thing that I loved the most about this book is that, at its core, there is a heartfelt and captivating story about grief, how it affects people in different ways, and the emotional turmoil that we have to overcome to keep living our lives after a loss. Patrick has experienced lots of loss in his life. He tries his best to help his niece and nephew come to terms with their mother’s death, while also figuring out how to process his own grief. As a result, a series of tough, honest, and emotionally heavy conversations among Patrick and the kids are sprinkled throughout the book that brought quite a few tears out of me. The humor provides much needed comic relief after those moments, but I strongly recommend having some tissues ready before reading this book.

If you love a story that is dynamic and charming, that will have you laughing while also giving you plenty of moments for introspection about life, loss, and healing, this book is definitely for you. And after you are finished reading it, you can also check out the equally amazing sequel, The Guncle Abroad, in which Patrick and the kids take their adventures all the way to Europe!

Fabian R-J is a Library Assistant at May Memorial Library.

All Of Me Masayoshi Takanaka (2006) | hoopla

All of Me by Masayoshi Takanaka is a true jazz fusion masterpiece. If you’ve never experienced Takanaka before, this is such a great place to start. For a long time, this album was only available on CD or vinyl, so having it easily accessible on Hoopla feels like a gift.

This collection pulls together some of Takanaka’s most iconic early work and wraps it into one perfect package. From the first track, you’re transported somewhere warm and bright. The weather always feels perfect, the sun is always shining, and the ocean is never far away.

The guitar work is smooth but energetic, technical but never overwhelming. It’s the kind of album you can put on in the background and vibe to, or sit down and really listen to and catch something new every time.

If you need music that lifts your mood and takes you somewhere better for a while, this is it. Absolute classic.

Tyler J. is a Library Assistant at Mebane Public Library.

Brosh, Allie. Hyperbole and a Half. New York : Simon & Schuster, 2013.

Sometimes after finishing an epic adventure or a story full of darker themes you need something to act as a palate cleanser before diving into the next book on your TBR list. For me, that book is the graphic novel Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh.

The illustrations are hilarious, with an art style that feels familiar to those who love scrolling through memes online. This collection of stories is filled with heartfelt moments and honest humor. She has an amazing ability to make you feel like she is sitting right beside you, sharing these stories like an afternoon gossip session with a friend.

What makes this book special is how well balanced the stories are. Allie recounts various stories from chaotic childhood misadventures that reminded me of my own, to adult struggles that made me reflect on the importance of mental health awareness. My favorites include her first encounter with a birthday cake, watching her dogs act in silly ways, and a showdown with a feral goose. I found myself having to put the book aside several times because I was laughing too hard to keep reading.

If you are looking for something to read in between heavier books, trying a new genre, or craving a good laugh, this book is for you!

Kayla H. is a Library Assistant at May Memorial Library.

Hoopla is a great resource for eBooks and audiobooks, but did you know you can also check out music albums? While it seems you can find your favorite songs and artists through so many different sites and apps, it becomes a bit trickier to find a way to listen to a complete album for free and without commercials. Hoopla is the solution for you! Once you check out the album, you have seven days to listen to it as many times as your heart desires. You will have the opportunity to listen to the album as the artist intended, with the original song arrangement and without the interruption of advertisements. You may even find a new appreciation for the artist or a new favorite song.

Whether you are looking for chart-toppers, rock, gospel, or K-Pop, Hoopla has something to offer.  Multiple different languages of music are available. To sign up for Hoopla you will need your library card and an email address. Both an app and web version are available. If you need help signing up or using Hoopla, be sure to ask your librarian! Any ACPL branch will be able to assist you.

–Susana S. is a Library Assistant at Graham Public Library.

If you are looking for a new (or first!) job, ACPL can help. We have in-person classes, online resources, as well as some great books in our libraries.

Books

Pollak, Lindsey. Getting from college to career : your essential guide to succeeding in the real world. New York, NY : Harper Business, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers, 2024.

Recent college graduates and those early in their careers will appreciate the no-nonsense approach this book takes to job-hunting. This is the third edition of this book and includes information on using AI in your job search, how to interview in person and over Zoom, and how to keep your skills relevant in a fast-changing world.

Vermunt, Sarah. Career rookie : a get-it-together guide for grads, students and career newbies. Toronto : ECW Press, 2019.

What if you have no idea what you want to do? What if you went to school for something you now hate? What if you’re not able to get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience without a job? This book handles these topics and others with humor and a straightforward manner that young job-seekers will appreciate.

Enelow, Wendy. Modernize your resume : get noticed … get hired. Supply, NC : Emerald Career Publishing, 2023.

This guide to creating an effective resumé is only a few years old, meaning that it includes information on LinkedIn, automated resumé screeners, and other challenges that have changed how we apply for jobs. Combine this book with our online and in-person resources to create the best resumé for you!

Bernstein, Ethan. Job moves : 9 steps for making progress in your career. New York, NY : Harper Business, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, [2024].

Changing jobs can feel like a huge gamble – will this new job move me further along in my career? Is this my dream job, or will I end up disappointed? The strategies shared in this book will help you make an informed decision before jumping to another job.

Weiss, John Henry. Moving forward in mid-career : a guide to rebuilding your career after being fired or laid off. New York, NY : Skyhorse Publishing, [2018].

When you lose your job mid-career, you often feel lost. This book helps you decide your next steps, whether that is to improve your skills to get another job in your field, try another field, go back to school or training, or open your own business.

Online Resources

Job and Career Help is the one-stop shop for all of our employment resources. You’ll find links to Ferguson’s Career Guidance Center, Learning Express Library, resume builders, cover letter assistance, and interview assistance.

We also have more databases and websites linked in our Online Resources under Career. This page also includes links to Northstar, Niche Academy, Udemy, GCF Global, and Digital Learn, where you can extend your technical and job skills through online classes.

In-Person Classes

We are offering in-person classes, some in conjunction with ACC. Visit our calendar of events to see what is being offered this month!

Check back soon for more Spring Career Compass information, including classes, mock interviews and our Community Closet!

Love is right around the corner and if you’re anything like me, you’ve already binged the first half of season four of Bridgerton and are counting the days until the second half drops. In the meantime, check out some of these Regency and Victorian book recommendations to tide you over until the conclusion of Benedict and Sophie’s story.

Looking for a modern spin on the classic Regency-era novels? Try Martha Waters’ Regency Vows series, a completed five book, standalone series. To Have and to Hoax starts us off with estranged husband and wife as they enact a prank war to spite one another but rekindle their love along the way. The rest of the series follows characters from Violet and James’ friend group with tropes like enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience, and second chance romances.

Virginia Heath’s Merriwell Sisters follows down on their luck sisters Minerva, Diana, and Venus. Opening with Minerva’s story, Never Fall for Your Fiancée, as she tries to support herself and her sisters after their father up and abandons them, Minerva seizes the opportunity to play fake fiancé for the Earl of Fareham. As hilarity ensues and stories get crossed, so do feelings as Minerva and the Earl realize that they might just be falling for one another but are questioning how one can truly start when the beginning of the relationship was a farce?

Evie Dunmore not only brings the vibes we all love from these genres, but she brings a little dash of political intrigue with her four main heroines being a part of the suffrage movement in late 19^th Century Victorian England. In Dunmore’s debut novel, Bringing Down the Duke, we meet Annabelle Archer, our first member of the Oxford Rebels. Annabelle kicks starts the series A League of Extraordinary Women by seeking the aid of Sebastian Devereux, the Duke of Montgomery, to keep her scholarship and to influence the political scene of England.

A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem, the first entry in the Ladies Most Scandalous series by Manda Collins, pairs our Victorian heroines with serious detectives as they both rush to solve the case. We open in England 1865, and Katherine has not only reported and led to the catching of a notorious murderer, but she has also now witnessed another murder! After reporting and advising the public of this act, Katherine is being accused by Detective Inspector Andrew of inflaming the masses rather than informing, and Katherine cannot stand for that. So, she vows to solve the crime before the Detective Inspector can. Collins truly keeps readers on our toes with her mystery/thriller elements in this four-book series.

Jenny Holiday’s Earls Trip series is the only series I have on here that is ongoing as only books one and two have been published. Holiday gives us a delight modern feel for Regency romance as readers follow a set of three earls on their annual holiday trip. Archibald Fielding-Burton is such a lucky man for having not one, but two best friends. Men who have known each other since their school days, know of the pressures and skeletons in their closets. And Archibald needs this get away with his two best mates! But when a letter from an old family friend arrives asking for Archibald’s help, what else is he supposed to do? So now, the boys’ trip is no longer just a boys’ trip – it includes Clementine, the daughter of the old family friend, who is grown and surprising Archibald. (Book three, Brown Eyed Earl, is expected to hit shelves late 2026 according to the author’s Instagram.)

Now I know if you’ve gotten this far that you have enjoyed Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton series in one format or another. But did you know that she wrote a prequel series to Bridgerton called Rokesbys? This series not only follows a family of Bridgertons before we knew of the ones Netflix brought to our screens, but also the Brothers Rokeby. The two families have been neighbors for centuries, creating a perfect beginning for Billie Bridgerton and her frenemies to lovers’ relationship with George Rokesby in book one, Because of Miss Bridgerton. This is a completed four book series (as there are four Rokeby brothers!).

Kayleigh Dyer is a Library Technical Processing Assistant at May Memorial Library. Contact her at kdyer@alamancelibraries.org.

Penelope, Leslye. The Monsters We Defy. New York, NY : Redhook, 2022.

Content Warnings: death, racism, references to slavery, violence.

I stumbled upon this book in a list of great magical realism novels and was thrilled to see that we had it at ACPL! Once I began reading it, I didn’t want to stop. What’s not to like with a setting of 1920s Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., characters talking to spirits Over There, and a little romance!

Clara Johnson made a deal with an Enigma years ago when she was imprisoned for killing a policeman in self-defense. The Empress, a strong spirit, gave her a Charm (a gift) that she refuses to use again, and a Trick, which compels her to aid anyone who asks her for help. She often communes with the spirit world to help people find answers to questions and solve problems. Unfortunately, that often means people are signing up for their own Charm and Trick, not realizing how much trouble they’re getting into.

Black DC residents are disappearing in droves. Before they disappear, they seem possessed, like a zombie. A mother comes to Clara with her afflicted son, but when Clara tries to connect with the spirit world, the Enigmas are silent. That has never happened before.

When she contacts The Empress, she tells her that the people are under the spell of a ring, and she needs to steal it. The problem is that the ring is owned by Josephine, an opera singer with bodyguards and too much fame to make it an easy heist.

She reluctantly joins up with Aristotle Bishop and brothers Israel and Jesse Lee, who have their own Enigma debts, and Zelda Coleman, an albino woman who was sold by her family to a circus when she was young. Can they figure out what the ring is doing to possess people, where the people go when they disappear, and how to break the ring’s spell?

This book has a bit of romance, but most of it is off page. I loved the historical elements. Clara works for Dr. Woodson at The Journal of Negro History, and works with Langston Hughes there. She attends an event at the Whitelaw Hotel, with the “Luminous 400.” The book also mentions the first Negro History Week. This would be a great read for Black History Month!

Mary Beth A. is the Community Engagement Librarian for Alamance County Public Libraries.