Staff Reviews

Staff Reviews

Kids / YA Review July 2026

Finding My Spark by Isabelle Jameson

Alex, the protagonist of this picture book, knows he is a boy. He can’t bring himself to say – out loud – the words in his head. His feelings begin his story – worried, afraid, unhappy. The illustrations convey these very well.

Eventually, Alex writes a letter to his mom. She helps him to draw a picture to show his family, and then he tells his class. He wants people to use he/him pronouns. He wants to be called Alex.

His feelings change - relieved, brave, happy. He had the feelings before he had the words. A picture helps him tell his truth.

I remember an altercation with another child – Marty - when I was small. Grown-up interventions ensued. “What happened” was explained by others. I thought, “That’s not right.” It was so obvious in my head - but I didn’t have the words to clarify the facts or my feelings – also I was crying. Feeling powerless to communicate a correction, is what I remember most. (If I met Marty today, I’d explain the whole thing!)

All kids have felt worried or afraid or unhappy. All kids would rather feel relieved or brave or happy. I think this picture book will support many kids to feel these emotions themselves and/or have empathy for others. It might even help them to find words about a specific truth in their own lives. We hope there is room for this Canadian book in your library.

Picture Book pr8383099

 

 

Adult Review July 2026

The Plunge: Maverick Swimmers, an Unlikely Quest, and the Transformative Power of Cold Water by Chris Ballard

A look at cold water swimming, from solo and community quick dippers to events organized by the nascent International Ice Swimming Association, held around the world.

As with “Born to Run,” this is very much a character study of fascinating outliers and eccentrics, along with those dealing with trauma, from the famous (Lynne Cox, Wim Hoff), prize winning (a US Olympic swim team member) and everyday (a CDN getting over the loss of his wife). It also, much like James Nestor’s “Breath” is filled with very readable popular science in greater depth with historical and current research. I haven’t had a book more fun to read than this, year to date.

Adult Non-Fiction pr8342608

  

Shadow Ticket by Thomas Pynchon

A satirical noir in the form of a 1930s private eye thriller that looks at the emerging threats of fascism and new technologies, this is the Great American cheese novel you didn’t know you needed.

Adult Fiction pr8096175

  

 

 

 

Details
Category: Collection Development

The monthly Bound for Gaming lists are selected by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Manager, Music and Video Games. In 2007, Tracy introduced Video Game services to LBI customers, making Library Bound the first Canadian wholesaler to provide this service.

 BTBH 2019
 

We offer the best selection of new and classic video games for libraries including:

  • Nintendo Switch
  • Nintendo Switch 2
  • Sony PlayStation 4
  • Sony PlayStation 5
  • Microsoft Xbox One
  • Microsoft Xbox Series X


 Our services include:

  • Opening Day Collections
  • ARPs available for all platforms and age levels
  • We can help you establish an ARP profile
  • Notification of titles with MATURE content
  • Monthly Bound for Gaming lists
  • Excellent cataloguing and processing services available
  • A range of accessories for programs in the library, as well as official game guides

Details
Category: Collection Development

Library Bound celebrates local authors and content regional to the province of British Columbia by releasing the Best of BC Adult and Kids' collection development lists in the Spring and Fall of each year. 

B-Side Fall 2026 B-Side Fall 2026

The Best of BC lists are selected by Ron Stadnik, Print Material Manager, who has over 27 years of experience in public library material selection. Ron is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and has a Journalism Degree from Conestoga College.

Details
Category: Collection Development

Bound for DVD is a monthly list of new releases that features the broadest selection of DVD and Blu-ray material, including the latest Hollywood hits, television favourites, Canadian and independent cinema, foreign films, documentaries and instructional titles. In addition to UPC barcodes the list includes icons which indicate the film rating, Canadian content and a highlight of Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh titles.

 
 

Bound for DVD monthly selection lists are produced by Anna Kardas, DVD Coordinator. Anna has 15+ years experience with selection and procurement of DVD material in the library services industry. Anna played an instrumental role in introducing the monthly “Bound for DVD” lists and continues to select material for those lists with an emphasis on Canadian content and the highest quality releases in each genre. She sources material from hundreds of studios and suppliers, while continuing to add new vendors to LBI’s extensive supply chain.

Details
Category: Collection Development

Following the Bestseller lists, Library Bound releases secondary lists called The B-Sides. B-Side titles are identified at the time of Bestseller selection and are considered “the best of the rest.” B-Side lists are especially useful as a selection aid for Librarians and Library staff who would like to see a broader selection of the season’s new releases, without reviewing every catalogue and peer journal.

B-Side Spring 2018 B-Side Spring 2018

B-Side Lists are selected by Ron Stadnik, Print Material Manager, who has over 30 years of experience in public library material selection. Ron is a graduate of the University of Waterloo and has a Journalism Degree from Conestoga College.

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