Summer is the perfect time to pick up a new book. What better place to find your next literary adventure than at the library! 

At Olin Library, our New & Noteworthy collection features a curated selection of recently published titles that are sure to pique your interest and keep you turning pages all summer long. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for in our collection, you can also order books for free through interlibrary loan. 

To give you a few ideas, we’ve asked our library staff to share what they’re reading this Summer.

Here are a few of their top picks: 

Hannah’s Pick: A House with Good Bones by T. Kingfisher 

 ” I’m a huge horror fan and I love super spooky stories, but when I’m in the mood for something that’s a little less intense, I like reading horror authors who also write stories with a little humor and fun stuff thrown in the mix! One of my favorite contemporary horror authors, T. Kingfisher, has a perfect summer book that fits this vibe! A House with Good Bones is a Southern Gothic novel about a young woman named Sam (a researcher who studies bugs at archaeology sites, very cool and random) who returns to the NC town where she grew up to check in with her mom, who seems to be acting “off.” During her stay, Sam begins to discover something is seriously amiss in the house where she grew up, and some bad vibes, dark family history, and WITCH stuff slowly starts to unfold! The story also has a lot of humor, excellent character development, and is the perfect atmospheric summer book to read on a hot day, sitting on the front porch or in a hammock in the backyard! We have a copy in Olin Library, and the audio book is available on Libby at TCPL!” 

Emma’s Pick: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros 

 “I read this last summer with a friend for our book club, and I thought it was beautifully written and does a great job at examining race, gender, and the pains of growing up — all in the form of vignettes. Because it’s a short book, it’s also easier to get into if you’re someone who has trouble reading physical books! Patrons can get a copy at the Flower-Sprecher Veterinary Library, or through interlibrary loan.” 

Jess’s Pick: Mother Tongue: The Surprising History of Women’s Words by Jenni Nuttall  

“Written by a professor who taught the history of the English language at Oxford University, this book is a fascinating, historical investigation of feminist language and thought, spanning from the inception of Old English to contemporary times. I haven’t been able to put it down! You can get this gem at Olin Library or through interlibrary loan.” 

Leah’s Pick: Funny Story by Emily Henry 

“Funny Story is available in both ebook and downloadable audiobook formats through Cornell’s Libby collection. What’s not to love in this funny romance featuring a librarian in a wine country near the Great Lakes?” 

Lynn’s Pick: In Ascension by Martin MacInnes 

“If you like Science Fiction and, really, even if you don’t, this book is amazing. On the New & Noteworthy shelves.” 

Virginia’s Pick: The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra by Vaseem Khan 

“Charming, entertaining mystery set in contemporary Mumbai with a baby elephant.” 

Visit Olin Library today and let us help you find your next favorite book. Happy reading! 

Reposted from the Cornell University Library Space Projects blog.

Beginning Tuesday, May 28, the large multi-user and single-user restrooms in the Olin Library basement will be taken offline for a much-needed renewal. This work will happen over the summer, and all 3 restrooms are anticipated to reopen by the beginning of the fall semester.

Please note that there are accessible public restrooms available on the adjacent Olin Library 2nd floor, Kroch Library 1st floor, and Uris Library 1st floor.

Join us on Sunday, May 12th at 10 pm for our biannual Late Night Pizza Study Break in Olin Library. The event will take place in the Olin Library Lobby until all the slices are gone.

On Tuesday, May 14th library staff will be on Ho Plaza between Olin & Uris Libraries handing out granola bars & fruit snacks from 8:30 am until 10:00 am.   In the event of rain, we will hand the snacks out in the Olin Lobby and Uris Library Tower Room.

Stop by on your way to your exam or study space and pick up a free treat!

Feeling stressed about prelims? Take a study break and join us in the Uris Library Dean Room on Tuesday, March 12th, from 12-1 pm, as the Cornell Companions make a special visit. Swing by, say hello to our four-legged friends, and let the wagging tails and happy faces melt your stress away.

If dogs aren’t your thing, consider joining a guided meditation in Room 703 at 12:15 pm, instead. Let’s Meditate offers free guided meditations in Olin Library every other Tuesday! You can find the full schedule here.

 Hello, students!

As February Break approaches, we want to ensure you have all the information you need for your library visits. Here are our special building hours during the break:

Olin Library

Friday, 2/23: 8 am – 6 pm

Saturday, 2/24, and Sunday, 2/25: 10 am – 6 pm

Monday, 2/26: 8 am – 9 pm

Uris Library closes one hour earlier, but the Cocktail Lounge and Tower Book Pickup location will still be open 24/7.

We’ll be back to our regular hours on Tuesday, 2/27 (8 am – midnight).

Whether you’re staying in Ithaca, or traveling somewhere exciting, why not browse our selection of New and Noteworthy books? Find something fun to read and make the most of your break! 

Or use Cornell University Library’s Overdrive collection through the Libby app to listen to audiobooks while you travel.

We look forward to seeing you at Olin & Uris and hope you have a restful break.