More new books in January 2026
Here's a shelf full of new books. Punishing Putin by Stephanie Baker, Nightshade by Michael Connelly, Holmes, Marple and Poe by James Patterson, Dead Man Blues by S D House, and many more! C J Box, Lisa Marie Presley, and Linda Castillo.
200 New Paperbacks!
HUGE shout out to the people who donated over 200 NEW paperbacks! Thank you SO much! Included in the recent donation are Bridgerton and Longmire books! Also Colleen Hoover, Christine Feehan (romance section) and sets from Ellen Dugan plus many more! Come shop with us
New - 2026 Annual FOL Membership Application 2026 FOL Membership Form Membership forms with payment may be mailed to "Friends of the Library, 130 N. Franklin St., Decatur, IL 62523" or brought into our Books & Beyond bookstore during business hours as listed in the letter.
FOL Phone Number - We do have an extension number you can use to notify us. Call the library at 217-424-2900 ex 6133. Leave a message and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
Book Donations and Dropoffs - Reminder: we are still accepting donations of used books. There is a cart located outside the main library entrance where donations can be left. All genres are needed. This is one of our main routes of fundraising. Thank you again for supporting your community by supporting Friends of the Library!
Please join us on Wednesday, January 7, 2025, at 12:15 in the Decatur Public Library's Madden Auditorium for Books Between Bites.
Book: The Dark Maestro Author: Brendan Sclocumb Presenter: Susan Danco
About the book - Curtis Wilson is a cello prodigy, growing up in the Southeast D.C. projects with a drug dealer for a father. But through determination and talent, and the loving support of his father’s girlfriend, Larissa, Curtis claws his way out of his challenging circumstances and rises to unimagined heights in the classical music world—even soloing with the New York Philharmonic.
And then, suddenly, his life disintegrates. His father, Zippy, turns state’s evidence, implicating his old bosses. Now the family—Curtis included—must enter the witness protection program if they want to survive.
A propulsive and moving story about sacrifice, loyalty, and the indomitable human spirit, The Dark Maestro is Brendan Slocumb at the height of his powers.
About the author Brendan Nicholaus Slocumb was born in Yuba City, California and was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in music education, concentrations on Violin and Viola. As a musician, Brendan has performed on violin with the Washington Metropolitan Symphony, the McLean Symphony, the Prince George's Philharmonic, and the Alexandria Symphony.
In his spare time, Brendan enjoys writing, exercising, collecting comic books and action figures, and performing with his rock band, Geppetto's Wüd.
About the Presenter: Susan Danco is a retired Medical Records Administrator and Occupational Therapist. She is a lifelong learner and has been an active member of the DPL Book Group for 10 years. She is an enthusiastic music connoisseur (though not a musician) and a collector of many interesting things! Since returning to Decatur 30 years ago, she has been a member of the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur and season ticket holder and is now a member of the SOGD Board of Directors for 5 years and counting.
Books Between Bites is a free program at the Decatur Public Library, sponsored by Friends of the Decatur Public Library
Large Print Books on Sale! 1/2 off Large Print Books!
FOL booksales are at the library 3 to 4 days a week at the new Friends area on the lower level of the library. Open every Monday from 10:30am - 2:30pm, Tuesdays from 10:30am - 2:30pm, Thursdays from 3pm - 6:30pm. And second and fourth Saturdays sales are from 9:30am - 12:30pm.