This week at the library

Momence Library Book Club met October 13, 2026, with nine members in attendance. The book under review was Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson (published January 28, 2025), a multi-generational historical and contemporary fiction novel. In general, members enjoyed book but had reservations about giving it a full endorsement. Many felt the author tackled too many themes: the journey of the Freeman family from slavery to successful dynasty, living in an upscale Connecticut community; the tragedy of a robbery gone wrong resulting in the shooting death of a young family member named Baz; the trauma of his younger sister who witnessed the event, her continuing trauma as she was left at the alter 13 years later by her fiancé, and her subsequent retreat to France. Members also felt the time line was disjointed, with alternating chapters shifting across time, generations, and multiple viewpoints. Everyone felt several characters could have been developed in more depth, especially the ‘character’ of “Old Mo,” a large, clay pot made by an enslaved ancestor, and glazed with a mixture of ash, lime, and sand to create a hard, glassy seal. Because there were so many characters and themes, there was not time or space for the full development of any one of them. Several members felt the ending was prolonged, when it could have been resolved just as well with a cleaner, more direct style. One member described it as anti-climactic. Others felt the final reveal of the inscription on the bottom of ‘Old Mo’ was very moving. In short, the consensus was a mixed bag: Good Dirt was an educational and enjoyable book, but one that could have been improved. The next meeting is Tuesday, November 17 at 6 pm at the Momence Library. The book for discussion will be Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man's Fight for Justice The book is part crime thriller, and part political crusade, It is the story of one man taking on overpowering odds to change the world, and how, without intending to, he found meaning in his life. Red Notice is a cautionary tale for the rest of the world, exposing a ruthless and corrupt elite in Russia. Led by Putin, they will go to any lengths, including murder to get away with their crimes.
This week at the library- Monday Craft club for kids 4pm Wednesday Storytime Singalong 11am Thursday Adult Nutrition and budgeting 6pm Friday Wand making 4:30 pm Saturday Bordertown Hauntings noon