Month: July 2025

Book Clubs For Every Book Lover!

July 26, 2025 Book Clubs, Library Programs

At AAPLD we try to offer something for everyone, and our book clubs are no exception! Whether your favorite genre is literary fiction, fantasy, romance, thrillers, horror, sci-fi, Young Adult, or even non-fiction, we've got a book club for you! In August, we're launching two new clubs: The Next Chapter, for readers 55 and over; and Friends of Fiction, which focuses on contemporary and historical fiction.

Like to read a bit of everything? No worries! Look for the club selections that sounds most interesting, and sign up.

We take care of ordering the books, just come to the Adult Services desk at the Main Library or Eastgate, and pick up a copy. Then, gather with other readers to share ideas and insights about what you've read.  Because our most popular book clubs can fill quickly, it's important to register ahead of time, to make sure there's a seat waiting for you!

A book club for Non-Fiction fans, which meets 1st Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm. at Eastgate.  September 2, the club will discuss Trippy: The Peril and Promise of Medicinal Psychedelics by Ernest Londono.

A general fiction book club, Spinecrackers meets the 1st Friday of the month, 10:00 a.m. at the Main Library. For September 5, the group will discuss The Woman With The Cure by Lynn Cullen.

For adult fans of Young Adult books, the group meets 2nd Monday of the month, 6:30 pm., at Eastgate. The book for the September 8 meeting is What Stalks Among Us by Sarah Hollowell.

NEW!

One of our newest clubs, this group will focus on contemporary and historical fiction. It will meet at the Main Library the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:00 pm. For September 10, the book is Interesting Facts About Space, by Emily Austin.

Our fantasy and science fiction book club meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. at Eastgate. On Sept. 9, the group will discuss How High We Go In The Dark, by Sequoia Nagamatsu.

Love romance and happy endings? Join the fun the 3rd Monday of the month, 7 p.m. at the Main Library. On Sept. 15 the group discusses Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam Young.

Nail Biters reads thrillers and suspense, and meets 3rd Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. at Eastgate. Sept 16 the group discusses You Will Never Be Me by Jesse Q. Sutanto.

NEW!

Books, coffee and lively discussion for book lovers age 55+. Join us the 3rd Friday of the month, 2 pm at the Main Library. Sept. 19 Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.

Ghosts, ghouls and everything creepy! Join us, if you dare, on the last Tuesday of the month 7 pm, Virtual.  Sept 30, the group will discuss Pinata by Leopoldo Gout

Meet This Month’s Featured Artist Drew Kristoff

July 15, 2025 Artist of the Month, Library Programs

Super Hero fans won't want to miss this month's exhibit on the AAPLD Art Wall. Local artist (and AAPLD staff member) Drew Kristoff's love for art and comics is on colorful display during the month of July. Learn a little more about Drew and his work.

Artist: Drew Kristoff
Background/Training: I've been drawing since grade school, and by the time I got to junior high, I started to get more serious. Like most artists, I copied other artist's work, which taught me about layout, perspective and shading. In high school, I spent a lot of time filling sketchbooks with original and inspired art. My high school art teachers encouraged me, and I started to explore new techniques. After high school, I attended the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where I studied fundamentals, figure drawing, illustration, advertising and even tried a semester of oil painting. I graduated with an Associates degree in Illustration/Graphic Design.
What inspires your work: I can get inspiration from almost anything, possibly something I see when walking or driving or from viewing other artist's works.
What is your favorite medium: My favorite medium is using colored pencils and then adding additional dimensions by adding pastels or watercolors to enhance the illustration.
How can someone contact you: I accept freelance work, please contact me by email at dkristoff@sbcglobal.net

Spice Club – July 2025 – Smoked Paprika

July 7, 2025 Spice Club

Paprika comes from dried and ground peppers (Capsicum annuum), native to Mexico and Central America. It was introduced to Europe in the 16th century via Spanish and Portuguese invaders. Spain and Hungary became major paprika producers. Hungarian paprika, especially from Szeged and Kalocsa, is world-renowned for its depth of flavor. The word “paprika” comes from the Hungarian language, derived from the Serbo-Croatianpapar (pepper). Smoked paprika gets its flavor by drying the peppers over oak wood fires.

Culinary Uses: Paprika is essential in Hungarian dishes like goulash, chicken paprikash, and halászlé. In Spain, smoked paprika (pimentón) flavors chorizo, stews, and paella. A dash adds color and mild heat to veggies, eggs, soups, and sauces. Paprika varies from sweet to hot to smoked, depending on the pepper and how it’s dried.

Health Benefits: Paprika is packed with antioxidants, including capsanthin, carotenoids, and vitamin E, which help protect cells from damage. It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, known for supporting vision and a strong immune system. The capsaicin found in hot varieties may help reduce inflammation and boost metabolism. Additionally, paprika provides iron and vitamin B6, both important for red blood cell formation and brain function.

Fun Facts: Paprika is often used in food styling to add a rich red hue to dishes. In Hungary, paprika is considered the “national spice”, and families often have their own blends passed down through generations.

ALLERGEN WARNING: AAPLD is not responsible for any reactions or sensitivities to any spice. Please be aware that spices may contain or come into contact with common allergens like dairy, eggs, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, or wheat. Stay safe! Cook with caution.

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