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Articles by Kate McManus
Local Safety Net Programs Brace for Cuts in SNAP and Medicaid as Oct. 1 Nears
Significant changes to federal assistance programs are set to take effect this October 1, putting immense pressure on local health services and food pantries across Maplewood and Essex County. The changes come from H.R. 1 — better known as the “Big Beautiful Bill” — which makes substantial changes to healthcare access and hunger relief initiatives. At a September Maplewood Board of Health meeting, Health Officer Candice Davenport outlined what the federal law will mean for regional residents.
Beyond the Food Shed: Maplewood Residents Find New Path to Food Donation and Access
For years, community giving in Maplewood has followed a simple, comfortable routine: if you had extra cans sitting in your pantry, you drove down to the outdoor Community Fridge on Springfield Avenue and dropped them on a shelf. It was an act of goodwill, but for the neighbors who had relied on the Fridge, it created a persistent unpredictability—a constant gamble between overflowing shelves and empty ones. “We started the program in 2021,” said Maplewood Health Officer Candice Davenport.
WATCH Morning Book Buzz September 2025: Historical Fiction, Dark Gothic Reads, Romance & Romantasy, and More!
Thank you for tuning in to our Morning Book Buzz Season 6, Episode 5! This month, Jen, Elizabeth, and Miriam buzzed about historical fiction, dark gothic reads, romance & romantasy, and more! Join us for our November edition! Register here. Stay tuned to watch the full September episode here.
Starred Reviews for Alison Roman, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Julian Brave NoiseCat, Peggy Townsend, and more!
By Kate McManus | August 25 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal— your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. “This contemporary romance is engaging, well-written, and realistic.
Starred Reviews for A. Rushby, Mark Z. Danielewski, Ian McEwan, Ben Passmore, and more!
By Kate McManus | July 28 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Booklist, Library Journal, and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about.
WATCH Morning Book Buzz July 2025: New Cookbooks, Horror, Debut Authors, and More!
By Kate McManus | July 8 2025 | Morning Book BuzzNews Thank you for tuning in to our Morning Book Buzz Season 6, Episode 4! This month, Sharnell, Rachel, and Kate buzzed about new memoirs, science fiction, nonfiction book club picks, and more! Join us for our September edition! Register here. Stay tuned to watch the full July episode here.
Starred Reviews for Lili Taylor, Isabel Cañas, Lisa Ridzén, Caleb Gayle, and more!
By Kate McManus | July 7 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Booklist, Library Journal, and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. A Novel “Ultimately a story of mothers and the powerful magic they possess, this character-driven fantasy adventure novel is perfect for fans of H. G.
ICE Agents Deployed to Secure Soccer Tourney in Miami
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will be deployed at the FIFA Club World Cup beginning Saturday in Miami, marking a significant federal presence at the high-profile soccer event and raising concerns about potential impacts on attendance, Newsweek reported. The Trump administration, intensifying its immigration enforcement strategy, confirmed through a now-deleted social media post by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that officers will be actively involved in event security.
Starred Reviews for Ron Chernow, Nora Princiotti, Edward Hirsch, Stacey Abrams, and more!
By Kate McManus | June 9 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Booklist and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. A Thriller “Abrams enriches this fast-paced thriller with her sense of social justice: most of the main characters are people of color motivated less by greed than by their experiences with institutional racism.
Starred Reviews for Sally McKenny, Michelle Huneven, Gish Jen, Tre Johnson, and more!
By Kate McManus | May 19 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal and AudioFile— your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about.
WATCH Morning Book Buzz May 2025: New Cookbooks, Horror, Debut Authors, and More!
Thank you for tuning in to our Morning Book Buzz Season 6, Episode 3! This month, Maureen, Sharnell, and Kelly buzzed about new cookbooks, horror, debut authors, and more! Join us for our July edition! Register here. Stay tuned to watch the full May episode here.
Starred Reviews for Sarah MacLean, Ron Chernow, Kyra Davis Lurie, Greg Grandin, and more!
By Kate McManus | April 30 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal and Booklist — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about.
Starred Reviews for Gardiner Harris, Harron Walker, Rick Atkinson, Karie Fugett, and more!
By Kate McManus | April 10 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. A Memoir “This is an essential and unique memoir that should be read by those wanting a better understanding of military families’ difficulties and the ramifications of sending loved ones to war.
Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House Library Marketing is headed to Minneapolis, Minnesota for the 2025 Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) conference! Stop by PRH Booth #312 for resources, galley giveaways, and more! For those of you unable to attend, follow along with us using #ACRL2025 on X, Facebook, and Instagram! ARTS & HUMANITIES BUSINESS & ECONOMICS COMMUNICATIONS & JOURNALISM HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCES POLITICAL SCIENCE & GOVERNMENT SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Discover new poetry,...
Starred Reviews for Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Megan Abbott, Stephen R. Platt, Maggie Stiefvater, and more!
By Kate McManus | March 19 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. A Novel “This lighthearted romance has just enough D&D to delight role-players and also welcome unfamiliar readers. Romance fans will be drawn to the growing friendships and blossoming love interest that will keep them engaged from start to finish.
Announcing the April 2025 LibraryReads List
By Kate McManus | March 17 2025 | NewsLibraryReads Public library staff across the nation have spoken! Congratulations to the books selected for the April 2025 LibraryReads Top Ten List. Listen to Audiobook Clips Here. For more information about the program, or to learn how to vote for your favorite upcoming books, visit LibraryReads.org. And, don’t forget, voting for the April LibraryReads list ends 3/1! Check out which May titles we’re loving.
Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House Library Marketing is headed to Dallas, Texas! Join us for galley giveaways, author events, and more.
Penguin Random House
Penguin Random House Library Marketing is headed to Minneapolis, Minnesota! Join us for galley giveaways, author events, and more.
WATCH Morning Book Buzz March 2025: Fascinating True Stories, Mysteries & Thrillers, Romantasy, and More!
Thank you for tuning in to our Morning Book Buzz Season 6, Episode 2! This month, Jen C., Elizabeth, and Kate buzzed about fascinating true stories, mysteries & thrillers, romantasy, and more! Join us for our May edition! Register here. Check back the full March episode here.
A Message to Librarians from Author Wright Thompson | THE BARN
By Kate McManus | March 10 2025 | Excerpts & VideosAudiobook News Listen to Wright Thompson, author of THE BARN, share a message to librarians. The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection Read by the Author ON SALE MARCH 18, 2025 John Green, the #1 bestselling author of The Anthropocene Reviewed and a passionate advocate for global healthcare reform, tells a deeply human story illuminating the fight against the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
Dear Librarians: A Letter from Sarah Harman, Author of All The Other Mothers Hate Me
Dear Librarian, I was a library kid. Growing up, we moved around a lot, and I while I can’t remember some of my teachers’ names, I can still vividly recall the joy of the stacks, the feeling of a dozen fresh Baby-Sitters Club or Sweet Valley High paperbacks stuffed in a plastic grocery bag, ready to be devoured like actual treats. Books were the perfect companion for the perpetual ‘new kid’ who didn’t have anyone to talk to at lunch.
Starred Reviews for Ashley Herring Blake, Vauhini Vara, Emily Henry, Michael Luo, and more!
By Kate McManus | February 26 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal and Booklist— your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about.
Announcing the March 2025 LibraryReads List
By Kate McManus | February 14 2025 | NewsLibraryReads Public library staff across the nation have spoken! Congratulations to the books selected for the March 2025 LibraryReads Top Ten List. Listen to Audiobook Clips Here. For more information about the program, or to learn how to vote for your favorite upcoming books, visit LibraryReads.org. And, don’t forget, voting for the April LibraryReads list ends 3/1! Check out which April titles we’re loving.
Starred Reviews for Susan Morrison, Sanjena Sathian, Will Bardenwerper, Brendan Slocumb, and more!
By Kate McManus | February 12 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal, Booklist, and AudioFile— your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. A Novel “This well-crafted, mysterious novel with some dystopian twists is a worthwhile read.
Starred Reviews for Marcy Dermansky, Ali Smith, David Levering Lewis, John Green, and more!
By Kate McManus | January 22 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Booklist and AudioFile— your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about.
WATCH Morning Book Buzz January 2025: Future Bestsellers, Mysteries & Thrillers, Gripping Nonfiction, and More!
Thank you for tuning in to our Morning Book Buzz Season 6, Episode 1! This month, Jen R., Maureen, and Kelly buzz about future bestsellers, mysteries & thrillers, gripping nonfiction, and more! Join us for our March edition! Register here. Check out the full January episode soon.
Announcing the February 2025 LibraryReads List
By Kate McManus | January 15 2025 | NewsLibraryReads Public library staff across the nation have spoken! Congratulations to the books selected for the February 2025 LibraryReads Top Ten List. Listen to Audiobook Clips Here. For more information about the program, or to learn how to vote for your favorite upcoming books, visit LibraryReads.org. And, don’t forget, voting for the March LibraryReads list ends 2/1! Check out which March titles we’re loving.
Starred Reviews for Alan Bradley, Shari Lapena, Nicole Maines, Tiya Miles, and more!
By Kate McManus | January 8 2025 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal and AudioFile— your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. The Young Woman Who Outwitted the Nazis and Became a WWII Hero “A captivating blend of historical depth and personal narrative that explores themes of courage, patriotism, betrayal, and the complexities of life during a war.
#FridayReads: A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber
Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s positive feedback and encouragement inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, interrupting and threatening her newfound peace and confidence. Meanwhile revelations from Jay present complications of their own.
#FridayReads: Love You a Latke by Amanda Elliot
As it turns out, Seth’s parents have been badgering him to bring a Nice Jewish Girlfriend home to New York City for Hanukkah, and if Abby can survive his incessant, irritatingly handsome smiles, he’ll introduce her to all the vendors she needs to make the festival a success. But over latkes, doughnuts, and winter adventures in Manhattan, Abby begins to realize that her fake boyfriend and his family might just be igniting a flame in her own guarded heart.
Starred Reviews for Curtis Sittenfeld, Eve L. Ewing, Kiyoshi Shigematsu, Carl Zimmer, and more!
By Kate McManus | December 18 2024 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal, Booklist, and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. “Amidst a markedly growing genre of cozy feline-themed fiction, Shigematsu’s tales, colloquially translated by Kirkwood, noticeably diverge from tidy, feel-good endings.
Starred Reviews for Renée Rosen, Nick Newman, Cory O'Brien, Grady Hendrix, and more!
By Kate McManus | December 4 2024 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Library Journal and AudioFile — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. “Fawcett delivers a perfect new entry in this series, which will enrapture readers with fantastic worldbuilding.
Starred Reviews for Jonathan Evison, Neil Shubin, Sacha Mardou, Allegra Goodman, and more!
By Kate McManus | November 20 2024 | Starred Reviews With starred reviews from publications including Booklist and Library Journal — your patrons will want to read these much-anticipated books that reviewers are raving about. Journeys to the Polar Regions in Search of Life, the Cosmos, and Our Future “Enlightening and often, well, chilling, Shubin’s evaluation of the polar world masterfully merges discovery, appreciation, and concern.” —Booklist, starred review
WATCH Morning Book Buzz November 2024: Exciting Debuts, Moving Memoirs, Fake Dating Romances, and More!
Thank you for tuning in to our Morning Book Buzz Season 5, Episode 6! This month, Jen R., Kate, and Rachel buzz about exciting debuts, moving memoirs, fake dating romances, and more! Join us for our January edition! Register here.
Reps. Johnson, Scalise Make Case to Keep Leadership Roles
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., have formally asked their GOP colleagues to re-elect them as party leaders as Republicans gear up for elections Dec. 13, The Hill reported Wednesday. Although Republicans are projected to retain control of the House, the final balance remains unknown, with Democrats maintaining they have a chance to prevail. In a letter to colleagues, Johnson emphasized plans to support President-elect Donald Trump's agenda immediately.
Sen. Ron Johnson to Newsmax: Trump Made GOP Party of Working Man
President-elect Donald Trump realigned the political parties, with Democrats now the party of elites, and Republicans the party of the working man, and he doesn't get the credit he deserves for that, Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., told Newsmax on Wednesday. On "Rob Schmitt Tonight," Johnson said, "I don't often quote or agree with Sen. Bernie Sanders, but to paraphrase him, you know, when you abandon the working class, it shouldn't surprise you that the working class will abandon you.
Sen. Thune to Newsmax: Ready to Be Majority Leader
With Republicans winning control of the Senate Tuesday, Sen. Minority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., said he hoped to be elected majority leader when the chamber convenes in January. He told Newsmax Wednesday he's up for the job. "What we need right now in the country is we need somebody who's willing to do hard things. We've got some hard things to do," Thune told "The Record With Greta Van Susteren." He said that President-elect Donald Trump "was elected in a huge convincing, decisive win.
Mayor Adams: NYC Will Remain Sanctuary City Under Trump
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, vowed to work with President-elect Donald Trump to address the migrant crisis, while stressing the city will remain a sanctuary city, the New York Post reported. In a New York City Hall press conference Wednesday, Adams acknowledged concerns about Trump's victory and his promise to deport millions of illegal immigrants, but avoided directly addressing the potential for mass deportations. He said the city would continue to protect immigrant communities.
Sen. Graham: Use Reconciliation For Tax Cuts, Border Laws
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., one of President-elect Donald Trump's closest allies in the Senate, is urging fellow Republicans to push for strong economic and border security laws should they keep control of the House, The Hill reported Wednesday. He suggested passing the laws through budget reconciliation, which lets the Senate approve certain types of legislation with a simple majority vote instead of the 60 votes it takes to break a filibuster.
Starred Reviews for Martha Stewart, Cara Bastone, Chris Bohjalian, Samantha Sotto Yambao, and more!
The Elements of Great Baking “Written in the same culinary vein as Shirley Corriher’s exemplary BakeWise, Lamb’s snappily written debut delivers on both the style and substance of baking with wit and warmth.” —Library Journal, starred review 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen “If cookbook authors were like famous musicians and published greatest-hits albums, this would be Martha Stewart’s.
Trump Wins Maine's 2nd District, Giving Him 1 More Electoral Vote
Former President Donald Trump won Maine's 2nd Congressional District on Tuesday, securing one of the state's four electoral votes. Trump's victory in the more rural, conservative-leaning district continued a recent trend; he also won the district in 2016 and 2020, while the rest of the state went to Democrats. Maine is one of only two states that splits its electoral votes by district rather than awarding all to the statewide winner.
SKorea Fines Meta for Illegally Collecting User Info
South Korea's Personal Information Protection Commission fined Meta $15 million Tuesday for unlawfully collecting and sharing sensitive information from nearly a million Facebook users. The commission's four-year investigation found that between 2018 and 2022, Meta gathered details on users' political views, religion, sexual orientation, and other private info through their Facebook "likes" and ad clicks. The company then shared that info with some 4,000 advertisers without specific intent.
Pa. Woman Flies Home From Germany to Vote in Person
A Pennsylvania woman spent more than $1,100 to fly home from Berlin to vote in person after her absentee ballot was returned and never counted. Lexi Harder, whose hometown is in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, told The New York Times, “I’m a Pennsylvania voter. I grew up here. I’m currently living in Germany for a master’s degree. … I registered for an absentee ballot. I filled it out, kept checking my tracking updates and it was never received.
Harris Accused of Staging Phone Call With Supporter
Vice President Kamala Harris visited Democratic National Committee headquarters on Election Day, dropping in on volunteers manning the phone banks. She then purportedly made some calls herself, but eagle-eyed viewers noticed that when she flipped her phone around while making one of the calls, she appeared to be on her phone’s camera app.
Colleges Offer 'Self-Care Suites' to Soothe Election Stress
As Election Day stirs anxiety across the U.S., universities like Georgetown and Puget Sound are setting up "self-care suites" to help students manage stress, the New York Post reported. In Washington, D.C., students at Georgetown's McCourt School of Public Policy can escape political chatter with activities like building Legos, coloring, and sipping hot chocolate in a designated calm space.
US Embassies Cancel Election Watch Parties Because Trump May Win
American embassies in Europe are saying "non" to election night watch parties in major cities this year. Embassies in Paris, London, Berlin, and Brussels have decided to forego the fetes, which traditionally brought together diplomats, journalists, and officials for live updates. However, many embassy officials are still reeling from Donald Trump's shock victory over Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 and are leery of something similar happening this year.
US Embassies Cancel Election Watch Parties Because Trump May Win
Now CNN — They moved to France from San Francisco in October 2023, but just over 12 months later, Joanna McIsaac-Kierklo and her husband Ed Kierklo say they are on the brink of returning to the US. While Joanna, 74, and Ed, 75, intended to spend the rest of their lives in the European country, the …
MLK Jr.'s Daughter Demands Removal of Deepfake Video of Her Dad
The daughter of civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. has demanded that a pro-Trump social media account remove an AI-generated video featuring her father's image and voice. The "deepfake" depicts MLK Jr. speaking in favor of former President Donald Trump and criticizing Democrats, saying they have failed Black Americans.
NYC Equinox Kicks Out Gym Patron Over Trump Shirt
The manager of an Equinox gym in Manhattan kicked out a supporter of former President Donald Trump on Saturday for wearing a pro-Trump t-shirt, The New York Post reports. The gym-goer, named Jared, who requested his last name not be used, said he was working out at the pricey gym's Flatiron location when the general manager approached him and asked him to cover the shirt or leave.
Trump Makes Final Push in Pittsburgh: 'This Will Be The Golden Age of America'
With less than 24 hours to go before Election Day 2024 is in the books, Former President Donald Trump is making his final appeal to supporters in Pittsburgh Monday evening. According to excerpts from his speech seen by Newsmax, Trump will offer a message of hope as he lays out his plans for improving the lives of all Americans. "Over the past four years, Americans have suffered one catastrophic failure, betrayal, and humiliation after another.
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