Happy Friday everyone! It’s time for another round-up of the books, movies, events, and more that our staff are the most excited about this week! We hope that everyone can find something to enjoy here, and feel free to share what you are loving right now in the comments!

THESE SUMMER STORMS BY SARAH MACLEAN

Long beloved by historic romance readers, Sarah MacLean has a history of crafting smart, sharp, and witty novels. She excels at writing relationships, in particular siblings, which comes through in this story. After the sudden loss of their father, a billionaire tech mogul, a group of siblings are pitted against each other at the family compound off the coast of Rhode Island. It’s a great summer read that will be of particular interest to fans of the TV series Succession. – Erin Brown

THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN

How do you measure a T.V. series that’s truly worth your time? A memorable story? Great acting? A historical period you’re interested in? If these features matter to you, break out your Kanopy account and watch The Jewel in the Crown.

Set in the 1940’s during the British Raj and the period of India’s newly won independence, this brilliantly made series will not disappoint. While it does take 14 episodes to reach its conclusion, you won’t even notice because of the riveting story and the wonderful acting. If you want to binge-watch a series, allow me to suggest this one.

By the time The Jewel in the Crown is done, you will find the names Hari Kumar, Ronald Merrick, and Guy Perron firmly engraved in your memory. How do I know this is true? I saw this series on Masterpiece Theatre when it was first released in 1984. When I watched it again in July 2025, I remembered every major character’s name and many of the individual scenes that make up this unforgettable story.

Quality programming isn’t always easy to find, but I feel that The Jewel in the Crown certainly fits that description. – Linda Gauld-Elichko

WEAPONS

The latest horror freakout by Zach Cregger, the writer & director of Barbarian, looks to be just as unpredictably twisty and bizarre as that movie was and I cannot wait. – Sean Farrell

THE NAMES BY FLORENCE KNAPP

I was late to the party on this one, but I’m so happy that I stumbled across the audio for this on the Libby app.  The Names by Florence Knapp is beautiful and heartbreaking, and I enjoyed it so much.  It follows three alternating versions of one story, exploring how people’s lives can change in an instant, all because of a name.  I found it to be such an interesting concept, and I could not stop listening to it. [NOTE: It does cover domestic violence, as well as family/relationship issues and trauma]. – Becky McDevitt

AVOWED

I only recently got around to giving the latest RPG from Obsidian Entertainment a try and I have been thoroughly impressed. The level design is beautiful and the fighting is fun, but as usual with the studio it’s the storytelling that really shines. Engaging characters and well-developed side quests make returning to this world a delight. If I have one complaint, it’s that I wish there was more of this highly engaging game. – SF

SHIVER ME TIMBERS! BY THE RIDDLESBROOD THEATER COMPANY

Come by the Library on August 11th or 12th at 7pm for this fun stage show (recommended for ages 16+). Captain Blunderbuss has heard tell of a treasure buried off the Florida Keys and has to evade British capture as he hunts for it. Don’t miss out on this funny and thrilling adventure! – SF

THE MOVIE MAN

This month’s Art House Movie Night at the Library features the documentary The Movie Man, which follows entrepreneur Keith Stata who runs a unique movie theater in the woods of Ontario. Hailed as “magnificent” by Eric Marchen of Rogers TV. This film is not rated and will start at 5pm on August 11th at the Library. – SF

---

The library and its staff do not receive compensation for inclusion on this list, nor do we receive compensation for clicks to or purchases on outside websites.

Cover image made using Microsoft Copilot prompt: make an image of a renaissance painting featuring people being pleasantly impressed by something.