Location Details
Address:
Madison County Public Library
319 Chestnut Street
Berea, KY 40403
Directions:
Google Maps
Jon Reynolds
Circulation Services Manager
Christina Cornelison
Director
Phone:
(859) 986-7112
Fax:
(859) 986-7208
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9AM-8PM
Friday - Saturday: 9AM-6PM
Sunday: 1PM-5PM
MCPL’s Berea location features a reading area with a scenic nature view, a fireplace, outdoor reading garden, Friends Book Sale room, meeting room, and community room with a full kitchen.
New Items
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The Blue Hour
"The best Paula Hawkins yet - by a tense and haunting mile." - Lee Child
"An atmospheric, stylish puzzle box of a thriller... truly exceptional." - Liz Moore, New York Times bestselling author of The God of the Woods
"A masterful exploration of the nature of obsession...I loved it." - Angie Kim, New York Times bestselling author of Happiness Falls and Miracle Creek
The propulsive and powerful new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Girl on the Train
Welcome to Eris: an island with only one house, one inhabitant, one way out. Unreachable from the Scottish mainland for twelve hours each day.
Once home to Vanessa: A famous artist whose notoriously unfaithful husband disappeared twenty years ago.
Now home to Grace: A solitary creature of the tides, content in her own isolation.
But when a shocking discovery is made in an art gallery far away in London, a visitor comes calling.
And the secrets of Eris threaten to emerge....
A masterful novel that is as page-turning as it is unsettling, The Blue Hour recalls the sophisticated suspense of Shirley Jackson and Patricia Highsmith and cements Hawkins's place among the very best of our most nuanced and stylish storytellers.
"Atmospheric and marvelously twisty." - Danya Kukafka, author of Notes on an Execution
"Reminiscent of du Maurier: art, islands, missing spouses ... Hard to put down." - Mick Herron
"A masterpiece! Gorgeous and chilling." - Shari Lapena
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This Motherless Land
From the acclaimed author of Wahala, a "vibrant" (Charmaine Wilkerson) decolonial retelling of Mansfield Park, exploring identity, culture, race, and love.
Quiet Funke is happy in Nigeria. She loves her art teacher mother, her professor father, and even her annoying little brother (most of the time). But when tragedy strikes, she's sent to England, a place she knows only from her mother's stories. To her dismay, she finds the much-lauded estate dilapidated, the food tasteless, the weather grey. Worse still, her mother's family are cold and distant. With one exception: her cousin Liv.
Free-spirited Liv has always wanted to break free of her joyless family. She becomes fiercely protective of her little cousin, and her warmth and kindness give Funke a place to heal. The two girls grow into adulthood the closest of friends.
But the choices their mothers made haunt Funke and Liv and when a second tragedy occurs their friendship is torn apart. Against the long shadow of their shared family history, each woman will struggle to chart a path forward, separated by country, misunderstanding, and ambition.
Moving between Somerset and Lagos over the course of two decades, This Motherless Land is a sweeping examination of identity, culture, race, and love that asks how we find belonging and whether a family's generational wrongs can be righted.
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Lost in the Empire City
Newbery Medalist Avi is back with a gripping exploration of the immigrant experience at the turn of the twentieth century. A must-read for fans of Moon over Manifest and Echo Mountain.
When Santo's father left their tiny town in Italy for America, he made Santo promise to keep their family together until he has enough money to bring the rest of them to the US.
It takes a few years, but Mama finally gets word that their family can join Papa. Santo couldn't be more excited to go to America--and to see his father again. However, Santo gets separated from his mother and siblings at Ellis Island, and he is left to fend for himself on the mean streets of Manhattan. Santo doesn't speak English, he doesn't know anyone, and he has nowhere to go. He has no money and no help.
While searching desperately for a clue as to where his family has gone, Santo gets caught up with a gang of boys who steal to stay alive. But when an unexpected betrayal leaves Santo scrambling, it will take all the street smarts he's gained to find a way back to his family.
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The Grey Wolf
The 19th mystery in the #1 New York Times-bestselling Armand Gamache series.
Relentless phone calls interrupt the peace of a warm August morning in Three Pines. Though the tiny Québec village is impossible to find on any map, someone has managed to track down Armand Gamache, head of homicide at the Sûreté, as he sits with his wife in their back garden. Reine-Marie watches with increasing unease as her husband refuses to pick up, though he clearly knows who is on the other end. When he finally answers, his rage shatters the calm of their quiet Sunday morning.
That's only the first in a sequence of strange events that begin THE GREY WOLF, the nineteenth novel in Louise Penny's #1 New York Times-bestselling series. A missing coat, an intruder alarm, a note for Gamache reading "this might interest you", a puzzling scrap of paper with a mysterious list—and then a murder. All propel Chief Inspector Gamache and his team toward a terrible realization. Something much more sinister than any one murder or any one case is fast approaching.
Armand Gamache, Jean-Guy Beauvoir, his son-in-law and second in command, and Inspector Isabelle Lacoste can only trust each other, as old friends begin to act like enemies, and long-time enemies appear to be friends. Determined to track down the threat before it becomes a reality, their pursuit takes them across Québec and across borders. Their hunt grows increasingly desperate, even frantic, as the enormity of the creature they’re chasing becomes clear. If they fail the devastating consequences would reach into the largest of cities and the smallest of villages.
Including Three Pines. -
A New Lease on Death
Death is only the beginning in Olivia Blacke's A New Lease on Death, a darkly funny supernatural mystery that introduces an unlikely crime-solving duo.
Ruby Young's new Boston apartment comes with all the usual perks. Windows facing the brick wall of the next-door building. Heat that barely works. A malfunctioning buzzer. Noisy neighbors. A dead body on the sidewalk outside. And of course, a ghost.
Since Cordelia Graves died in her apartment a few months ago, she's kept up her residency, despite being bored out of her (non-tangible) skull and frustrated by her new roommate. When her across-the-hall neighbor, Jake Macintyre, is shot and killed in an apparent mugging gone wrong outside their building, Cordelia is convinced there’s more to it and is determined to bring his killer to justice.
Unfortunately, Cordelia, being dead herself, can't solve the mystery alone. She has to enlist the help of the obnoxiously perky, living tenant of her apartment. Ruby is twenty, annoying, and has never met a houseplant she couldn't kill. But she also can do everything Cordelia can't, from interviewing suspects to researching Jake on the library computers that go up in a puff of smoke if Cordelia gets too close. As the roommates form an unlikely friendship and get closer to the truth about Jake's death, they also start to uncover other dangerous secrets. -
This Girl's a Killer
For readers of Finlay Donovan is Killing It and The Bandit Queens comes a bright and biting thriller following Cordelia Black, a best friend, a businesswoman, and, in her spare time, a killer of bad men.
Ask Cordelia Black why she did it. The answer will always be: He had it coming.
Cordelia Black loves exactly three things: Her chosen family, her hairdresser (worth every penny plus tip), and killing bad men.
By day she's an ambitious pharma rep with a flawless reputation and designer wardrobe. By night, she culls South Louisiana of unscrupulous men--monsters who think they've evaded justice, until they meet her. Sure, the evening news may have started throwing around phrases like "serial killer," but Cordelia knows that's absurd. She's not a killer, she is simply karma. And being karma requires complete and utter control.
But when Cordelia discovers a flaw in her perfectly designed system for eliminating monsters, pressure heightens. And it only intensifies when her best friend starts dating a man Cordelia isn't sure is a good person. Someone who might just unravel everything she has worked for.
Soon enough Cordelia has to come face to face with the choices she's made. The good, the bad, and the murderous. Both her family, and her freedom, depend on it.
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The House with a Dragon in It
From the creators of Lily and the Night Creatures comes another illustrated middle grade adventure of magic and granted wishes perfect for fans of The Beast and the Bethany and Kelly Barnhill.
Summer has moved around a lot and knows better than to trust her current foster family. She knows she can only count on herself, which makes adjusting to a new school in a new town very lonely. One day, while Summer and her foster family are having lunch, a hole appears in the middle of the living room.
The hole leads down to a dragon, who promises Summer three wishes, to be granted by a witch. Finally, things are looking up as Summer can have the security and company she’s always wanted—guaranteed by magic with no complicated feelings involved.
But every granted wish makes the hole in the floor grow bigger and the witch more sinister. With the magic taking a dark turn, can Summer risk asking for her dearest wish—a true home—or will she have to find one on her own? -
Like Mother, Like Mother
An enthralling novel about three generations of strong-willed women, unknowingly shaped by the secrets buried in their family’s past.
“What a delight! Like Mother, Like Mother is sharp, fun, and witty.”—Ann Napolitano, bestselling author of Hello Beautiful
“A sprawling family saga, briskly told with the lightest of touches and an often-surprising sense of humor.”—Rumaan Alam, bestselling author of Leave the World Behind
Detroit, 1960. Lila Pereira is two years old when her angry, abusive father has her mother committed to an asylum. Lila never sees her mother again. Three decades later, having mustered everything she has—brains, charm, talent, blond hair—Lila rises to the pinnacle of American media as the powerful, brilliant executive editor of The Washington Globe. Lila unapologetically prioritizes her career, leaving the rearing of her daughters to her generous husband, Joe. He doesn’t mind—until he does.
But Grace, their youngest daughter, feels abandoned. She wishes her mother would attend PTA meetings, not White House correspondents’ dinners. As she grows up, she cannot shake her resentment. She wants out from under Lila’s shadow, yet the more she resists, the more Lila seems to shape her life. Grace becomes a successful reporter, even publishing a bestselling book about her mother. In the process of writing it, she realizes how little she knows about her own family. Did Lila’s mother, Grace’s grandmother, die in that asylum? Is refusal to look back the only way to create a future? How can you ever be yourself, Grace wonders, if you don’t know where you came from?
Spanning generations, and populated by complex, unforgettable characters, Like Mother, Like Mother is an exhilarating, portrait of family, marriage, ambition, power, the stories we inherit, and the lies we tell to become the people we believe we’re meant to be. -
Blood Over Bright Haven
“[A] provocative stand-alone novel [that] deftly incorporates elements of science and philosophy into dark academia” (The Washington Post), from the author of The Sword of Kaigen
“The kind of book that knocks you down, kicks you repeatedly, and then makes you thank it for doing so. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”—John Bierce, author of Mage Errant
The stunning first edition hardcover features red stained edges, gold and red foil on the jacket, a full-color endpaper map, and an interior illustration of an in-world magical item
For twenty years, Sciona has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry at the University of Magics and Industry.
When Sciona finally passes the qualifying exam and becomes a highmage, she finds her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues are determined to make her feel unwelcome—and, instead of a qualified lab assistant, they give her a janitor.
What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was not always a janitor. Ten years ago, he was a nomadic hunter who lost his family on their perilous journey from the wild plains to the city. But now he sees the opportunity to understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland, and keep the privileged in power.
At first, mage and outsider have a fractious relationship. But working together, they uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first. -
Umami
Umami, sick of cold fish, travels the world trying different and delicious food to bring back home for the other penguins to try.
Umami is tired of eating cold fish.
But fish is what the penguins eat. Fish for every meal and birthdays too. To find new exciting foods, Umami adventures across the sea and discovers flavors and spices that are inspiring! She has to share them.
But will the other penguins share her love for these different foods?
Upcoming Events
Need homework help? The Newby Country Store and the Newby Blessed Foundation are partnering with the Madison County Public Library to provide free tutoring for elementary aged students.
Dive into the art of watercolor painting this October at the library with Pat Banks, a seasoned watercolor artist. Each week, Pat will cover a range of watercolor techniques, from foundational skills to more advanced methods.
Open Studio
The Joan Kleine Creative Studio is open for everyone! Whether you're working with our equipment, bringing in your own projects, or just want to see what's happening at the studio, drop on by for our open hours!
The Creative Studio features:
- Recording booth & sound studio
- 3D printers
- Cricut Maker
- Laser Cutter
- Sewing machine
- Art supplies
- And much more!
Join us to learn to sew, have a space to lay out projects, have questions answered, or to just have a place to come and sew with friends.
*Registration is only required if you need to use one of our machines.
Presented in partnership with Madison County Adult Education.
Disclaimer(s)
Accessibility
For special assistance during a library program, please contact the library at least 72 hours before the scheduled event.
Story Time
This is a program for preschool age children ages 3-5. When your child is too old for Baby & Toddler Time, move up to Story Time. We love to read picture books, do music & movement activities, develop early literacy skills, and do simple crafts. This program lasts 45 minutes to an hour and we could get messy so please dress appropriately!
Berea Community Resources
Berea Community Preschool
2 Pirate Parkway
Berea, KY 40403
United States
Preschool educational and intervention services for children 3-4 years old. Enrolling year round for children meeting eligibility requirements. Some tuition spaces are also available.
Berea Faith Community Outreach
108 Parkway Ave.
Berea, KY 40403
United States
Open to Berea residents only, Monday and Wednesday 12-2PM; Friday: 10AM-12PM. Must meet eligibility requirements.
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky
Richmond location
680 Eastern Bypass
Richmond, KY 40475
United States
Berea location:
112 Prince Royal Dr
Berea, KY 40403
Helps job seekers who need help getting a foot in the door with employers or who may need a second chance to participate in the workforce due to criminal backgrounds, language barriers, limited education, lack of transportation, and chronic poverty.
Madison County Health Department
Richmond office
216 Boggs Lane
Richmond, KY 40475
United States
Berea office:
1001 Ace Drive
Berea, KY 40403
Clinic offering health services for children and adults. General services include immunizations, preventitive care, Freedom from Smoking classes, syringe exchanges, CARE, HANDS, and WIC programs.
Madison County Housing Authority
Richmond Office
402 Evansdale Ave
Richmond, KY 40475
United States
Connects eligible Madison Countians to affordable housing.
New Opportunity School for Women
204 Chestnut Street
Berea, KY 40403
United States
Offers a free, two-week educational residency to Appalachian women; focuses on self esteem and wellness, career and education, arts, culture and community.
Office of Family Support
Richmond Office
304 Anna Hume Blvd
Richmond, KY 40403
United States
Berea Office:
204 Pauline Dr, Berea, KY 40403-0461
Local office offering assistance with food benefits, medical and welfare.
Saint Joseph Berea
305 Estill Street
Berea, KY 40403
United States
Hospital offering 24/7 emergency care, general surgery, primary care, women's care, sliding scale dental care, and a Senior Renewal Center.
The Prep Academy
Richmond:
301 Bellevue Drive
Richmond, KY 40475
United States
In Berea:
214 West Jefferson Street
Berea, KY 40404
Head Start for children 3-5 years old, offered to families who meet eligibility requirements.