February Staff Picks

If the cold, snow, and ice have left you seeking a little comfort lately, the staff at Crawfordsville District Public Library have some great reading and viewing recommendations. Brenda says “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi (FIC Levi) is “a heartwarming, incredibly written story about the power of kindness. It’s a book that stays with you and leaves you believing that there is still a bit of good in the world. I really loved the characters you meet in this book.”

Mary recommends a feel-good charming story, “The Lost and Found Bookshop” by Susan Wiggs (FIC Wiggs Bella v.3). When the main character inherits a family-owned bookshop, she begins to discover “the meaning of happiness, trust and confidence.” Mary also enjoyed another feel-good story, “The Wishing Season” by Denise Hunter (FIC Hunter Chapel v.3): “An inspirational romance–perfect for a Valentine read!” Want to start at the beginning of the series? Check out “Barefoot Summer” (FIC Hunter Chapel v.1).

If you like your romance fixed with fantasy, don’t miss Christie’s pick this month: “When the Moon Hatched” by Sarah A. Parker (FIC Parker Moonfall v.1). With enchanting creatures, an elemental magic system, and an epic love story, Christie says this book is “romantasy at its finest. One of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read!”

Susanna recommends a different type of love story, one that has been longlisted for the PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel. “Blob: A Love Story” by Maggie Su (FIC Su) is a funny yet deeply moving book about a young woman who tries to shape a sentient blob into her perfect boyfriend. Both unique and heartwarming, this is “an intimate, funny, uncomfortable story about the struggles of becoming a person, externalized through the evolution of a mysterious blob.”

For some feel-good Valentine movies, of course we have the “Hallmark Channel Valentines 3-Movie Collection” (DVD TV FIC Hallmark v.1). Grab some hot tea and blankets for a cozy movie marathon. Need the emotional release of a heartbreaking tear-jerker? You can’t go wrong with Marva’s all-time favorite “Love Story” (DVD FIC Lov).

If this bitter cold makes you want to slow down and rest, embrace that feeling and check out Montica’s pick: “Better Homes and Garden Magazine” Jan/Feb 2026, which focuses on The Slow-Down Season. Advocating for mindfulness over overwhelming resolutions, this issue features cozy, low-stress projects, and recipes for warm soups and comfort foods.

Find these titles and more currently on display on the first floor of the library. Several are also available digitally on our free Libby app. The library’s open hours this winter are Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1-5pm.