Do you have a favorite first line of a book? Many of us know “Call me Ishmael” from Melville’s Moby Dick. Great first lines help pull a reader into a story. With millions of books published every year, how do the books you read land in your hands? Do you only read from the best sellers list? Maybe you rely on your neighbors’ recommendations; or maybe the local librarian or book store employee. How often do you try to find your “own” next great read?

I took classes with a great creative writer professor during my undergrad days. She laid out some simple structures for writing; “show, don’t tell,” and “grab them with a great first line”. Since then, I use the first sentence as a guide when choosing a book. Sometimes the first sentence is the last sentence I read in a book. Other times, great times, I finish the book to find a great last line.

As I started thinking on this, I wondered, what are some great first lines of a book that you still remember? Could you name the title of a book based on its first line? Maybe you need the first and last line. For fun, I’ll be posting to the Library’s Facebook the first and last lines of random books. Specifically, random books from the adult fiction section of Merrill Memorial Library. Some of the books may come from the New Fiction display, some may come from the bottom shelf in the Adult Fiction room. Follow along once a week and see if you can figure out the title of the book from the first and last lines. Maybe you will find your next great read.

-Andi

Come join the Team! The Merrill Memorial Library has an immediate opening for a part-time Adult Services Librarian.

MML is a lovely public library in the historic village district. We are looking for a 4-day/wk Adult Services Librarian to join our highly regarded professional team. The ASL is responsible for purchasing all adult fiction, mystery and large print for the collection. The ASL is also responsible for programming in that department, including hosting the monthly adult bookgroup discussion. The ASL is part of a staff of 8 that cooperatively staffs public desks, provides reference, readers’ advisory and referral services to all patrons, while maintaining a professional, welcoming and calm demeanor.

The schedule for this position is Mon 9-5, Tue 9-3, Wed 1-7, Thu 9-3. Saturday (1x/month) 9-3

The p-t position comes with a competitive hourly rate, paid holidays and a flexible schedule. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to:

hgrimm@yarmouthlibrary.org

Full Job Description

Are you searching for a book that you are unable to find? Perhaps the book is brand new, and none of the libraries have a copy of it yet. You can still request it.

Fill out this form with as much information about the book as you know, include your name, card number, and your email address or phone number, and we will consider purchasing it for the library. You will be the first to borrow it if we do.

The Yarmouth Community Coronavirus Task Force is still ready with information and resources.

Need groceries, information, resources, or a person to talk to? Call 207-846-4763 (the library’s phone number). All calls will be returned within 24 hrs. Visit the group on Facebook.