Kothe Memorial Library

Contact the library for Zoom meeting information

Contact Library for ZOOM meeting information

July 13 Monday at Noon

Brown Bag Book Club Selection

También de este lado hay sueños. On this side, too, there are dreams.

Lydia Quixano Pérez lives in the Mexican city of Acapulco. She runs a bookstore. She has a son, Luca, the love of her life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while there are cracks beginning to show in Acapulco because of the drug cartels, her life is, by and large, fairly comfortable.

Even though she knows they’ll never sell, Lydia stocks some of her all-time favorite books in her store. And then one day a man enters the shop to browse and comes up to the register with a few books he would like to buy―two of them her favorites. Javier is erudite. He is charming. And, unbeknownst to Lydia, he is the jefe of the newest drug cartel that has gruesomely taken over the city. When Lydia’s husband’s tell-all profile of Javier is published, none of their lives will ever be the same.

Forced to flee, Lydia and eight-year-old Luca soon find themselves miles and worlds away from their comfortable middle-class existence. Instantly transformed into migrants, Lydia and Luca ride la bestia―trains that make their way north toward the United States, which is the only place Javier’s reach doesn’t extend. As they join the countless people trying to reach el norte, Lydia soon sees that everyone is running from something. But what exactly are they running to?

American Dirt will leave readers utterly changed. It is a literary achievement filled with poignancy, drama, and humanity on every page. It is one of the most important books for our times.

Already being hailed as "a Grapes of Wrath for our times" and "a new American classic," Jeanine Cummins's American Dirt is a rare exploration into the inner hearts of people willing to sacrifice everything for a glimmer of hope.

As a reminder, the library has many digital services available to you for free, such as e-books and e-audiobooks and digital subscriptions to newspapers and magazines through Bridges.

Please call or email the library to update your phone number and email. Your patron library card number gives you access to Bridges.

Download up to three items for up to 14 days - NO late fees!

Create a  Bridges account or log in by selecting Kothe Memorial Library and enter your library  card number.  

Downloading the Libby OR the Overdrive app will facilitate downloading, reading or listening to your selection.

Access the library with Your Library Card anytime, anywhere!

Deadline EXTENDED to September 1

Information can be found at

ButlerSWCD Poster

Each year, Butler SWCD works with local young artists to create posters focusing on a conservation message. This year's theme is

“Where Would We Bee Without Pollinators?."

Completed posters can be sent to the Butler Co. USDA office in Allison at 310 Allan Street, Allison, IA 50602.