The end of the year is upon us, and we’ve been looking back with fondness at the books, movies, and more that we’ve enjoyed from the library in 2023. Luckily, with more than 61,000 items in our collection – and more than 9 million across the IHLS system as a whole – we’re always seeing something interesting or unexpected pop up on the holds shelf. Here are a couple of the fun (or funny) finds we’re requesting to learn & laugh more in 2024:

Artisan Cheese Making at Home: Techniques and Recipes for Mastering World-Class Cheeses, by Mary Karlin. They say the way to a person’s heart is through cheese… and I can guarantee that’s true. This is the book for you if you’re ready to take your cheese-making, heart-taking game to another level.

Flower Philosophy: Seasonal Projects to Inspire & Restore, by Anna Potter. Ready for a breath of fresh air and a beautiful start to the new year? This gorgeous book offers tips on not just individual flowers, but wreaths, bouquets, arrangements, and more to fill your space with floral beauty.

A Beginner’s Guide to Kintsugi: The Japanese Art of Repairing Pottery and Glass, by Michihiro Hori. Sometimes starting over doesn’t mean tossing everything out, but making repairs where you can to create a new beautiful thing. This book offers an excellent starter’s guide to mending the broken pieces in your life. (And if you’d like a more philosophical approach, don’t miss Kintsugi Wellness: The Japanese Art of Nourishing Mind, Body, and Spirit, by Candice Kumai).

Papermaking: The History and Technique of an Ancient Craft, by Dard Hunter. Social media is SOOO 2023. Next year, we’re all about the handwritten letters — and what better way to show off your penmanship than with handmade paper? (For bonus points, the gorgeous Make Ink by Jason Logan will give you the tools you need to create a completely hand-crafted message).

Amazing Leonardo da Vinci Inventions You Can Build Yourself, by Maxine Anderson. The perfect way for kids — or adults! — to seize the day: creating world-changing inventions from materials that are already laying around the house. Once you get started, who knows where inspiration will take you?

Looking for your next read? These items (and millions more) are available here at the O’Fallon Public Library, or through Interlibrary Loan. Check one out on your online account, via our new SHARE app, or by asking one of your friendly local librarians!