Who says physical media is dead? Over the past few years, we've grown our small record collection to include almost 250 titles, and have a vinyl listening station set up in the library. Our record collection is more popular than ever, and we are now happy to offer a portable record player for checkout in our Library of Things!
To celebrate this new addition, we've curated some pairings of our recently purchased records with a book to match their themes. Click the links to place a hold in our catalog, or ask a staff person to check out the record player.
Shrek Soundtrack and Nettle & Bone
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
Why we paired it: Although Nettle & Bone definitely takes a darker tone than Shrek, both feature reimagined fairy tale tropes, bold princesses, sarcastic sidekicks, and a daring rescue mission.
Amor Prohibido and West Side Love Story
West Side Love Story by Priscilla Oliveras
Why we paired it: The Queen of Tejano Music's fourth album speaks of forbidden love and the struggle between personal desires and family/cultural expectations. Oliveras' puts a lighter spin on these themes with her romance novel retelling of Romeo and Juliet.
Everybody Else is Doing It, So Why Can't We and Normal People
Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We by The Cranberries
Why we paired it: While the Cranberries' debut is open and vulnerable, Rooney's second novel largely hinges on miscommunication and guarded emotions. Despite their differences in approach, both explore the tumultuous highs and lows of a relationship and the capacity people have to love and hurt those they care about.
Stankonia and Friday Black
Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
Why we paired it: Adjei-Brenyah's stories were realeased almost 20 years after Outkast's iconic album, yet the exploration of race, violence, and consumerism in America is heavily mirrored in both works and remain relevant today.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and Grown Women
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill
Why we paired it: These works celebrate and explore the complexities of Black womanhood, particularly focusing on love and motherhood.
Brat and Girl Juice
Brat and It's the Same but There's Three More Songs So It's Not by Charli XCX
Why we paired it: Benji Nate truly captures ~*brat*~ energy with the messy, unapologetic, and free spirited cast of characters in this slice of life graphic novel.