Need a Good Read?

Looking for a great book to read but don't know where to start? Click here to learn how to choose a great novel or choose a book from the booklists below.

Services

Reader's Advisory Services

Looking for a good book to read? Our staff is skilled in recommending and selecting children's and adult materials for every interest.

Interlibrary Loan

Materials not owned by the Public Libraries of Saginaw are borrowed from other libraries. This is generally a free service.

Reserves/Holds

If the title you want is not available, you may reserve it or place it on hold even if it is owned by another library. This can be done, in person, by phone or, in some cases, through the library's online catalog by following the instructions on the screen

Book Page

A monthly magazine of book reviews and information is free at all library branches.

Community Literature Series

Adult book discussion group meets monthly September through May. Call Butman-Fish Library at 799-9160 for more information.

Databases

A list of databases available to assist you in finding reading materials and in doing research. Please note that you must have a Public Libraries of Saginaw library card and live in the library service area in order to use the Literature Resource Center from home. For the remainder of the databases in this section, you will just need a Michigan state I.D. or drivers license.

Literature Resource Center
Biographies, critical reviews, lists of works for writers living and dead.

Michigan Authors and Illustrators
Information on authors and illustrators related to Michigan.

NetLibrary
Electronic books downloadable to your PC.

What Do I Read Next?
Recommended reading titles.

WorldCat
Look for books and magazines throughout the world.

For a full list of our databases, please click here to visit the Magazine Articles & Databases page.

Blogs

Off the Shelf: New & Recommended Books

Looking for a specific book from the "Off the Shelf" column in the Saginaw News? The Public Libraries of Saginaw has created a new literary blog that contains an index of these booklists starting in October. This list will be updated weekly so check back often for new titles. Click here to go there now.

Clubs

Online Book Club

Join the free Online Book Club and receive chapters from popular books in your daily email. Each day, Monday through Friday, we'll send you a portion of a chapter that takes only five minutes to read. After you've read two or three complete chapters from a book, we'll start sending you a new one.

Booklists

Dig Gardening Booklist (New)

Click here for recent books to help your garden grow and your backyard look spectacular!

Wedding Booklist (New)

Planning a wedding? Check out the recommended reads on this wedding booklist.

Fish's Favorite Reads (New)

An updated list of very interesting books to read, compiled by staff members of the Butman Fish Branch of the Public Libraries of Saginaw. Click here for Fish's Favorites

African-American History Month 2008 Booklist

Click here to access the African-American History Month booklist and website links page.

Parenting Children with Specific Needs Booklist

Looking for a book or resources for specific parenting needs such as discipline, learning disorders, or psychological conditions can be a daunting task. Click here for the Parenting Children with Specific Needs Booklist and Resources List.

Technology Booklist

Looking for books to help you improve your skills with programs like Microsoft Word or Excel? Have you recently purchased an iPod but need help using it? Click here for the Technology Booklist. This list contains recommended reads for the computer novice or expert alike.

Chick Lit Booklist

Want sassy, flirty and fun stories? Check out the "Chick Lit" booklist read and recommended by a staff member of the Public Libraries of Saginaw.

Home Decorating Booklist

Looking for ideas to jazz up your living room or kitchen? Check out this cool booklist that will help you whether you are looking for Harlem to Hollywood Decor. This booklist was put together by a staff member of the Public Libraries of Saginaw.

Hispanic Heritage Booklist 2006

Click here to visit the Hispanic Heritage Booklist for Children page. This booklist was used during Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 to October 15.

Booklist for Horse Lovers

Do your fondest childhood memories involve reading lots and lots of horse books? Do you miss the Black Stallion, King of the Wind and the Saddle Club now that you’re officially a “grown-up”? If so, this booklist is for you! There are mysteries, romances, westerns and general novels that include horses and horse people. Whether your interest is racing, showing, western riding or just hearing about those wonderful creatures, you can find the right book at your public library. Click here for the Horse Lovers Booklist.

Booklist - Taking Care of Ourselves

A list of books dealing with physical and mental health, compiled by a staff member of the Public Libraries of Saginaw. Click here for the Taking Care of Ourselves booklist. You will also find an informative list of website links for health related concerns.

Michigan Notable Books List for 2008

Each year’s Michigan Notable Books list features 20 books published in the previous year that are set in Michigan or on the Great Lakes or written by a native or resident of Michigan. The 20 titles, whether fiction or non-fiction, highlight some of the diversity and culture of Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Click here for the Michigan Notable Books List for 2008.