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A Librarian’s Summer 2026 Reading List

Lauren Hays

May. 19, 2026
Librarian Dr. Lauren Hays offers her annual summer reading list which this year includes a blend of escapist, scientific, pedagogical, and philosophical titles.

Each year, I share a list of recommended summer reading. This year, the list will include books I have read and recommend, as well as a few that are on my own list for this summer.

Emotions, Learning, and the Brain: Exploring the Educational Implications of Affective Neuroscience by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang

Cover of "Emotions, Learning, and the Brain" by Mary Helen Immordino-Yang. Abstract swirls of blue and white evoke contemplation and depth.

This book is on my list to finish reading. I am preparing for a new class I will teach in the fall, titled Technology and the Brain. This book is likely going to be an important part of the class. I read the Foreword and Introduction and am very excited to dig in further. Thinking about the impact of emotions on learning has always fascinated me.

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson

Cover of "Pineapple Street" by Jenny Jackson features bold pink and white text over a colorful interior scene. "New York Times Bestseller" noted on the side.

The book is described as an “escapist novel,” and this description fully captures how I felt about it. It was an easy read that didn’t require much brainpower, which is sometimes exactly what I want!

Bandersnatch: C.S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings by Diana Paclac Glyer

The cover of "Bandersnatch" features an intricately drawn mythical creature with sharp features and textured scales. Text includes "C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and the Creative Collaboration of the Inklings" by Diana Pavlac Glyer. The tone is imaginative and scholarly.

This is another book I have started and hope to finish over the summer. As AI increasingly serves as a thinking partner, I am interested in learning how humans have pushed each other to be better writers and thinkers. It may also give me some ideas for using AI more productively … maybe.

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Cover of "In Five Years" by Rebecca Serle. Features the Brooklyn Bridge sketch, stars, and bestseller accolades. A quote praises the novel's impact.

This is a book about friendship. While it wasn’t what I was expecting, I ultimately really enjoyed it. This was the first book I read by Rebecca Serle, and I am sure I will be reading more.

Uncommon Sense Teaching: Practical Insights in Brain Science to Help Students Learn by Barbara Oakley, Reth Rogowsky, and Terrence J. Sejnowski.

Book cover titled "Uncommon Sense Teaching" on an orange background. Features a brain graphic and emphasizes practical insights in brain science.

With as much as I read about teaching, I am a bit embarrassed to admit I have never read this book. That will change this summer as I need it to prepare for the course I mentioned earlier, Technology and the Brain. I have heard excellent things about it, and am looking forward to spending time digging in.

I frequently say there are many, many books I want to read, and I do not have enough time to read them all. I am sure you have your own lists too. I hope my choices either encouraged you to pick up something new or to go back to your own reading list and select something from it. Whether it is for pleasure or for learning (and many times it is both), I want to take time this summer to dedicate to reading.

Lauren Hays

Lauren Hays

Librarian Dr. Lauren Hays is an Associate Professor of Instructional Technology at the University of Central Missouri, and a frequent presenter and interviewer on topics related to libraries and librarianship. Please read Lauren’s other posts relevant to special librarians. Learn about Lucidea’s powerful integrated library system, SydneyDigital, or Simple Little Library System (SLLS) for school libraries.

**Disclaimer: Any in-line promotional text does not imply Lucidea product endorsement by the author of this post.

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