What’s new at Jacksonville Public Library:
“The House of Boleyn” by Tracy Borman: When nobleman Thomas Boleyn, lord of Hever Castle, is called to London in 1509 to present himself to a newly anointed King Henry VIII, he sets in motion a train of events that ensures the Boleyn name will never be forgotten. Years later, as Henry VIII relentlessly pursues Thomas’ daughter Anne Boleyn to be his queen, Hever Castle becomes her escape, a place where her trusted attendants and her father must advise, protect and support her. Lavish gifts are sent by the king and the Boleyn family is given ever greater prominence at court, their glory shining over everything and everyone. Until ambition turns the family on itself, enemies outside the castle circle closer and danger begins to stalk the corridors of Hever. And, as Henry’s gaze moves elsewhere when Anne cannot give him the heir he so desperately seeks, the family faces a terrible, bloody fate. But as long as Hever still stands, hope still exists.
“The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service, and Belonging” by Julia Hotz: In this combination of diligent science reporting, moving patient success stories and surprising self-discovery, journalist Julia Hotz helps us discover lasting and life-changing medicine in our own communities. Traditionally, when we get sick, health care professionals ask, “What’s the matter with you?” But around the world, teams of doctors, nurses, therapists and social workers have started to flip the script, asking “What matters to you?” Instead of solely pharmaceutical prescriptions, they offer “social prescriptions” — referrals to community activities and resources such as photography classes, gardening groups and volunteering gigs. The results speak for themselves. As Hotz tours the globe to investigate the spread of social prescribing in more than 30 countries, she meets people personifying its revolutionary potential: an aspiring novelist whose art workshop helps her cope with trauma symptoms and rediscover her joy; a policy researcher whose swimming course helps her taper off antidepressants and feel excited to wake up in the morning; an army veteran whose phone conversations help him form his only true friendship; and dozens more. The success stories she finds bring a long-known theory to life: If we can change our environment, we can change our health. By reconnecting to what matters to us, we can all start to feel better.
“Make-Up Is a Lie” by Morrissey: Morrissey cultivates an atmosphere that’s plodding and uneasy for the majority of his 14th solo album, “Make-Up Is a Lie.” The former Smiths vocalist reunites with producer Joe Chiccarelli for his first studio album in six years, as well as his return to Sire Records after decades of working with other labels. On the moody title track, Morrissey breaks ground new to him with a trip-hop-styled rhythm and cinematic percussion flourishes. His vocal performances on this song and the rest of the album are emphatic and hyper-expressive in the same style he’s been operating in since the ’80s, recalling the spirit of his early solo work on tracks like the upbeat and disco-tinged “The Night Pop Dropped,” and “Lester Bangs,” a song that would sound at home on early-’90s college radio.
“The Wildest Thing” by Emily Winfield Martin: What would you do if you let the wild in? Eleanor loved wild things. Every wing and wild sprout. There was something wild inside of her that wanted to come out. “The Wildest Thing” beautifully expresses a timeless message about little ones unleashing their inner “wild” and encouraging their budding imagination and unique individuality.
A library program at 6 p.m. Wednesday will explore how Andrew Carnegie’s philanthropic interests centering on education and world peace led to the establishment of public libraries, including Jacksonville Public Library. HFK Presents actor Terry Lynch portrays Andrew Carnegie in the live program. Admission is free.
A program by the library and Our Town Books at 6 p.m. Sept. 3 at the library will feature award-winning investigative journalist and author Chet Hardin as he takes the audience through the exclusive interviews and firsthand reporting that led to Hardin’s book, “The Vampire’s Cult.” The book unravels the making of a modern cult — and the social desperation that feeds it. In an era defined by false realities and toxic charisma, “The Vampire’s Cult” reveals just how easily darkness can disguise itself as devotion. A book signing will follow. Admission is free.
Those ages 50 or older can join University of Illinois Extension educator, Karina Moore at the library at 2 p.m. Sept. 15 for engaging, hands-on activities that help boost cognitive function and memory. This fun, informative class is perfect for keeping everyone’s mind sharp.