Have you cut back on paid video subscriptions this year? Try Hoopla’s BingePass to get your streaming fix. With the checkout of one BingePass, you will have access to a large selection of entertainment media including movies, TV, magazines, puzzles and video courses.

Available BingePasses include:

For Movies – Hallmark +, Dove Channel, and Curiosity Stream

For Crafters – Creativebug and Craftsy

For Kids – Kids’ Books in Action and The Highlights Collection

For Puzzlers – Puzzmo and Puzzle Palace

And more!

As a crafter, I love being able to hop on Creativebug and get ideas and inspiration for my next craft. The instructors go step-by-step and provide supply lists and downloadable resources to help every level of crafter to feel comfortable trying out something new. Most classes are divided up into segments to allow for easy playback. This feature has been helpful when I need to find and repeat part of the instructions.  I enjoy learning about art mediums I am unfamiliar with and Creativebug allows me to sit back and relax by watching the creation of a craft.  Whether you are looking for a daily practice or a one-off craft, give Creativebug a try and start creating!

To access BingePass, you will need to set up your Hoopla account using your library card number, your pin, and your email address. Once you are on the homepage, click the BingePass tab to view the collection. You have access to 4 instant borrows with your Alamance County Library card. A single BingePass counts one instant borrow that give you free access to that platforms’ content for 7 days.

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

“Only When It’s Us” by Chloe Liese. Copyright 2023, New York: Berkley Romance (372 pages, $17.00).
“Always Only You” by Chloe Liese. Copyright 2023, New York: Berkley Romance (370 pages, $17.00).
“Ever After Always” by Chloe Liese. Copyright 2024, New York: Berkley Romance (351 pages, $17.00).
“With You Forever” by Chloe Liese. New York : Berkley Romance, 2024.
“Everything for You” by Chloe Liese. Copyright 2024, New York: Berkley Romance (352 pages, $18.00).
“If Only You” by Chloe Liese. Copyright 2024, New York: Berkley Romance (369 pages, $18.00).
“Only and Forever” by Chloe Liese. Copyright 2024, New York: Berkley Romance (356 pages, $18.00).

The Bergman Brothers Series follows the love lives of seven Swedish-American siblings living on the West Coast. Every novel is filled with heart, humor, and heat and each can be read as a standalone.

We meet the Bergman’s in Only When It’s Us, the first book of the series, as we follow Ryder and Willa’s frenemies-to-lovers relationship when both characters are forced to open up and be vulnerable in order to find their happily ever afters. Content warning: death of a parent, cancer, grief, sexual content.

Always Only You is the grumpy sunshine book that you didn’t know you needed. Ren Bergman – all-star hockey player and secret Shakespeare enthusiast – is the sunshine, and Frankie – lover of Harry Potter, coke flavored gummies, and her dog, Pazza – is the grump. He falls first, obviously, but she falls harder. Content warning: chronic illness, sexual content, ableism, drug use.

Here we have our first Bergman sister, Freya, the oldest of the Bergman clan in Liese’s third installment, Ever After Always. She and her husband, Aiden, are in a marriage of crisis as their own stubbornness and anxieties get in the way of them having an open dialogue to ease their worries. Content warning: sexual content, mental illness, panic attacks/disorders, abandonment, alcoholism.

With You Forever is our contemporary marriage of convenience with reserved Axel (Bergman) and sunshine incarnate Rooney (Sullivan-Bergman) and all of the shenanigans that happen up at the A-Frame, from siblings crashing without warning to animals upending well laid plans. Content warning: sexual content, abandonment, chronic illness, IBS, ableism.

Don’t be alarmed by the time skip in Everything for You. We still have all of our favorite Bergmans popping up, along with some new ones! Everything for You can be likened to what Ted Lasso would be if it was a bit gayer and American. Oliver is the rising soccer star that is grating on Gavin’s veteran talents until they are forced to co-captain their team together and learn that they are not only good at co-captaining their team, but their lives as well. Content warning: sexual content, mental illness, panic attacks/disorders, homophobia/biphobia, injury.

If Only You is where we have our youngest Bergman (and the only other sister) Ziggy wanting to change up her image a bit with the help of her brother Ren’s best friend – Sebastian. And honestly, Sebastian could use an image rehaul as well, and Ziggy’s squeaky-clean reputation can help balance out his bad boy image. This is probably the slowest of slow burns that Liese has written, but it is so worth the wait. Content warning: sexual content, alcoholism, chronic illness, emotional abuse.

Only and Forever is the conclusion to this Bergman Family saga where Viggo finally gets his moment. Viggo has seen all of his siblings fall in love and is hoping for his chance at his happily ever after. As Viggo’s path crosses with Tallulah again, can this hopeless romantic convince a chilly cynic that love is worth it, especially if it involves the two of them? Content warning: sexual content, chronic illness, medical content, mental illness, abandonment, fatphobia.

I cannot recommend this book series enough. It has something for everyone with the vast varieties of tropes but it also has so much neurodivergent representation alongside other various forms of chronic illnesses – mental and physical. I discovered Chloe Liese during the pandemic and she has become a comfort favorite. This is a series that I will always and gladly revisit.

Kayleigh D. is a Library Technical Processing Assistant at May Memorial Library.

Feeney, Alice. Beautiful Ugly. New York : Flatiron Books, 2025.

This page-turning mystery follows the story of a bestselling author who is overcome with grief when his wife goes missing.  If you’re a fan of the author like me, you know that Feeney is the queen of the plot twist.  Feeney created so many twists and turns throughout the narrative, but she tied together all the loose ends beautifully at the end of the book.  If you want to read a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, this book is for you!

Amy K. is the branch manager at May Memorial Library.

Highly suspicious and unfairly cute. Hibbert, Talia. New York, : Joy Revolution, [2023]

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert is a fun, heartfelt young adult romance that combines humor, witty banter, and a touch of vulnerability. The story follows two very different characters, Celine and Bradley, who initially have a contentious relationship but are thrown together in a high-stakes situation that forces them to confront their differences, while also exploring their underlying connection.

The premise centers around Celine, a smart, confident, and somewhat skeptical young woman who has a complicated relationship with Bradley, her former best friend-turned-rival. Bradley, on the other hand, is charming, popular, and often the center of attention, but beneath his outward persona, he struggles with personal issues and insecurities. When they both sign up for the same adventure challenge, they find themselves forced to team up, and the tension between them builds in both frustrating and romantic ways.

Talia Hibbert does an excellent job of balancing humor and heart in this novel. The dynamic between Celine and Bradley is the core of the book, and their interactions are full of sharp, hilarious dialogue and moments of real emotional depth. The way Hibbert develops their relationship from enemies (or, at least, wary acquaintances) to a romantic partnership is both entertaining and heartwarming.

One of the standout features of the book is Hibbert’s ability to create well-rounded characters with complex emotional lives. Celine is smart, fiercely independent, and unapologetically herself, but she also has her own vulnerabilities and insecurities that make her a compelling character. Bradley, though initially appearing to be the “perfect” jock, is revealed to have his own struggles and personal growth throughout the novel. This depth of character development makes their eventual romance feel earned and satisfying.

In addition to the romance, the novel touches on important themes like self-acceptance, the pressure of expectations (both from others and from oneself), and the complexity of relationships. The adventure challenge that Celine and Bradley take on provides a fun and lighthearted backdrop to the emotional growth they experience, and it allows for a mix of tender moments and hilarious situations.

The pacing of the book is well-handled, with the right balance of tension, conflict, and resolution. While the story is largely character-driven, Hibbert’s strong writing keeps the plot engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers invested. The book’s humor is another highlight, with Hibbert’s sharp wit coming through in the characters’ dialogue and internal thoughts.

Overall, Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute is an enjoyable, sweet, and witty romance with well-developed characters and a healthy dose of humor. Fans of Hibbert’s previous work and readers who enjoy YA romances with a good balance of humor, heart, and character growth will likely find this novel a charming and satisfying read.

Chantell H. is a Circulation Assistant at North Park Library.

Kitasei, Yume. The Deep Sky. New York : Flatiron Books, 2023.

Chalk full of tension, the terrifying thrills of augmented reality, and an interesting library of bird facts, Yume Kitasei’s The Deep Sky is a solid science fiction thriller perfect for fans of Andy Weir or Martha Wells’ The Murderbot Diaries.

Set on the Phoenix, a spaceship transporting the highly selective crew from Earth to Planet X with the hopes of rebuilding humanity, the story follows a young woman named Asuka. As an Alternate, Asuka is a jack-of-all-trades aboard the ship and the second choice for a mission she had dedicated years of her life to potentially join. When an explosion kills several crew members—including the captain—and derails their course, Asuka is tasked with unraveling the mystery of what caused the explosion… and which of the people on their ship may be responsible.

As Asuka struggles to uncover the truth behind the explosion, we learn more about her life before becoming one of the members aboard the Phoenix: the intense years of training on Earth before the final few candidates were selected, the complicated sociopolitical climate that surrounds the catalysts for launching the Phoenix, and the growing divide between herself and her mother after a devastating family tragedy. Asuka’s deeply fraught relationship with her mother and her special interest in birds further fleshes out her character in a way that enhances the drama and intrigue of the mystery-thriller sections of the novel.

For those who love the dramatic tension, complex parent-child dynamics, and humanity of Interstellar, this book may be your next favorite read! The Deep Sky is available as a physical copy (and as Large Print) through Alamance County Public Libraries.

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

Watson, Renée. Black Girl, You are Atlas. New York : Kokila, 2024.

Celebrate National Poetry Month this April by diving into “Black Girl, You Are Atlas,” a powerful poetry collection by Renée Watson. This semi-autobiographical work beautifully encapsulates Watson’s journey as a Black girl growing up in Portland.

With a stunning array of poetic forms, from haiku to free verse, Renée Watson delivers a captivating experience that is both artfully crafted and deeply resonant. Her words vividly portray the essence of Black girlhood, the journey of self-discovery, and the importance of listening to one’s inner voice.

Accompanying with breathtaking illustrations and full-color artwork by Ekua Holmes that enriches the reading experience. “Black Girl, You Are Atlas” is more than just a book; it’s an inspiring reminder of the power and worth of Black women and girls, encouraging young readers to embrace their futures with confidence and a sense of sisterhood.

This thought-provoking collection invites you to take your time, reflecting on each poem and letting its profound messages resonate within you. “Black Girl, You Are Atlas” deserves a place on your reading list this National Poetry Month. It’s available as a physical copy at Alamance County Public Libraries, in our Young Adult collection.

Sharada F.M. is a Library Assistant at Graham Public Library Children’s Department.

I am a big fan of anime and mangas, which led me to obsessing over light novels. They have more words than pictures but still have the same familiar story lines and feelings as your favorite anime shows. Hoopla offers a lot of series that would be great for young adult/adult cozy readers or someone that wants to take a break from books with stressful themes. These five are a great way to get into reading light novels!

Dragon Daddy Diaries by Ameko Kaeruda – A baby shows up in a dragon’s cave and starts calling him dad. He raises her with all the love he and his new friends can offer. (Super cute and full of doting dad and loving daughter moments!) Volumes 1-4 available.

The Engagement of Marielle Clarac by Haruka Momo – A girl with average looks gets a proposal from society’s top bachelor! Shenanigans ensue as her quirky obsession over writing love novels and fangirling over her fiancé introduces her to a lot of trouble. (A historic romance that is full of funny moments with mysteries sprinkled in!) Volumes 1-10 available.

Dahlia in Bloom by Hisaya Amagishi – Dahlia decides to focus on bettering herself and her magic items after her fiancé breaks their engagement. Because of her past life memories, she is able to create unique items that gather the attention of nobility and her late father’s friends. (My favorite part is that Dahlia is completely unbothered by her ex-fiancé and continues to grow!) Volumes 1-9 available.

My Daughter Left the Nest and Returned an S-Rank Adventurer by Mojikakiya – Belgrieve adopts a baby he found in the forest and teaches her how to be an adventurer. Angeline grows up to become an S-rank adventurer but her only goal is to be near her dad. (This is an adventure story so there is fighting, but the characters are loveable, and Belgrieve is the best dad!) Volumes 1-11 in eBook and Audiobook available.

Taking My Reincarnation One Step at a Time by Kaya– Sarasa goes to sleep one night and meets a goddess who tells her that the chronic fatigue she has is because she lives in a world with no mana. She wakes up in the body of a ten-year-old and in fantasy world full of monsters! (I enjoyed the way the author made an adventure story feel like the stakes were always low) Volumes 1-7 available.

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

Hidden Science of Alamance County
Saturday, April 12
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.; grand opening of the Discovery Lab 2:00-4:00 p.m.

We are excited to announce that the North Carolina Science Festival, the country’s first statewide celebration of science, is returning for its 15th year! Alamance County Public Libraries, has been partnering with the festival since 2015 to bring fun science events to the community. This year’s theme Science Everyday, Everywhere, Everyone truly encompasses the mission of the festival to help spread science education through exciting, educational, and fun hands-on science events.

Alamance County Public Libraries is partnering with Burlington Recreation and Parks again this year to hold Hidden Science of Alamance County at North Park, located at 849 Sharpe Road, Burlington, NC. Last year’s event, saw 20+ exhibitors and 300 participants. We want to support and celebrate area businesses, organizations, and makers that are STEM proponents by shining a light on the knowledge they share with the community every day. It is our hope that through this event we build the potential for the next generation of scientists, engineers, inventors, and workers!

This event is a family-friendly outdoor event where everyone is welcome! From 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. participants can explore the incredible world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) right in your own backyard through an engaging and interactive displays or hands-on activities around the park. Then from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. the Grand Opening of the Discovery Lab inside of North Park Library will be happening inside the Mayco Bigelow Community Center. We have Makerbot 3D printers, I-Root robots, a Tool Library, sewing machines and more!

This event offers a unique opportunity to connect with area professionals, ignite curiosity, and celebrate the vibrant STEM community of Alamance County. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to uncover the hidden science and makers around you! Admission is free, and all ages are welcome.

Alexis Vivian, branch manager of North Park Library, the Discovery Lab, and Hidden Science of Alamance County. For more information, call (336) 226-7185.

Khan, Ausma Zehanat. Blackwater Falls. New York : Minotaur Books, 2022.

Khan, Ausma Zehanat. Blood Betrayal. New York : Minotaur Books, 2023.

I really love a mystery series that really captures a place and a moment, and the Blackwater Falls series does that well.

Inaya Rahman is a police officer with the Denver Police Community Response Unit. Their goal is to improve policing in areas with high immigrant and/or low-income populations in the greater Denver area. Right now, they are in Blackwater Falls, where immigrant girls have been disappearing and the sheriff can’t seem to be bothered to do anything about it. Inaya and her coworkers are pulled in when a Muslim girl is posed and hung on the doors of the local mosque.

Inaya has a complicated relationship with her supervisor, Lieutenant Waqas Seif, which adds to the tension of this story. Qas is raising his two brothers, both of whom are more devout than he is and who question his past dating history of non-Muslim women. Inaya left one police force because of bullying and religious harassment from fellow officers, and has chosen, for now, to forgo the hijab. This is a complicated decision for her – can she still consider herself devout without the hijab? She doesn’t know why Qas seems to be harder on her than her coworkers, and she tries not to care when he seems to kowtow to the sheriff instead of doing his job.

The mystery is great, but what really shines in this series is the struggle in Blackwater Falls between immigrants and newcomers and those who have lived there all of their lives. This plays out in communities all over our country, including Alamance County.

If community policing, race relations, small town frictions and murder sound like the perfect ingredients for a great book, give Blackwater Falls and Blood Betrayal a try!

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

Lee, Fonda. Untethered Sky. New York: Tor Publishing Group, 2023.

Want a short but punchy fantasy book with flying mythical creatures?

Inspired by Persian and Arabian folklore, Untethered Sky is an engaging fantasy novella which details the story of a young girl, Ester, whose mother and brother are lost to the brutality of a raging manticore—a deadly creature with the body of a lion and tail of a scorpion. In this world Fonda Lee creates, there is only one natural predator that can rival a manticore: the roc, a giant falcon featured in Persian myth. Ester then resolves herself to a life of hunting and killing manticores by training to become a ruhker, a highly skilled roc trainer in service of the king. 

Told from the first-person perspective of Ester, the story follows her as she slowly develops a trusting relationship with the adolescent roc she is tasked to train named Zahra and shifts from apprentice to a fully-fledged manticore hunter. The trusting—yet deeply tenuous—relationship between Ester and Zahra is the cornerstone and highlight of the novella. Lee plays heavily on this concept of the relationship between humankind and nature through the complex dynamic ruhkers have with their rocs. Ruhkers build an intensely personal attachment with their rocs, while also maintaining the understanding that these are wild creatures who cannot be owned or reciprocate such attachments. 

Untethered Sky is a sharply earnest coming-of-age fantasy story about finding one’s calling, the power of mythical beasts, and how our love for a wild animal cannot restrain them—yet we care for them anyway. It is available as a physical copy through Alamance County Public Libraries and as an audiobook via Hoopla. 

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