​Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale is one of those books that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. Set in the dystopian Republic of Gilead, a brutal theocracy that has taken over the U.S., the story follows Offred, a Handmaid whose only role in society is to bear children for the ruling class. It’s a deeply unsettling look at power, oppression, and the loss of personal freedom, made even more chilling by how plausible it all feels.

What makes the novel especially haunting is that Atwood didn’t invent Gilead out of thin air—every form of control and oppression in the book is based on real historical events. She researched totalitarian regimes, including Puritan New England’s strict theocracy, Nazi Germany’s reproductive policies, and the surveillance-heavy societies of Communist states. Real-world policies like Nicolae Ceaușescu’s forced birth laws in Romania also influenced the book’s depiction of women being stripped of their bodily autonomy. Even Gilead’s rigid language, with phrases like “Blessed be the fruit” and the manipulation of religious texts, is inspired by how real governments have used language as a tool of control.

Since its release in 1985, The Handmaid’s Tale has been at the center of controversy, frequently appearing on lists of banned books. Schools and libraries have challenged it due to its depictions of sexual violence, strong language, and themes of oppression and rebellion. However, these are the very reasons why many argue it should be widely read. Atwood herself has pointed out that banning a book about censorship and the control of knowledge only reinforces its message.

While it’s not an easy read, The Handmaid’s Tale is an essential one. It’s gripping, thought-provoking, and disturbingly relevant even decades after its publication. Whether read as a warning about the future or a reflection of real-world struggles, it’s the kind of book that forces readers to think critically about power, freedom, and the consequences of complacency.

Reserve the book at the library, or the eBook or audiobook with your SPL card. We also have the TV show on DVD. Start with Season One! 

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

1984 pulls you into a world where the government watches everything, controls what people think, and even rewrites history. Winston Smith, the main character, dares to question the system—but in a place where Big Brother sees all, that’s a dangerous game.

Orwell’s writing is unsettling and powerful. We’ve seen nations dealing with real-life examples of media suppression and attempts to rewrite history, making this dystopian story feel eerily close to reality. While it’s clearly fiction, it scratches that uneasy spot where the line between imagination and truth starts to blur.

The book has been banned in some places for its political themes, sexual content, and sharp critique of authoritarianism. Some found it too radical, while others just thought it was too bleak.
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Love it or hate it, 1984 stays with you forever. It’s a must-read for anyone who cares about freedom, censorship, and the dangers of unchecked power.

We have the novel as well as a graphic novel if you prefer. There's also an eBook and audiobook available for download with your SPL card. There is also a Spanish edition eBook and audiobook available.

Aimee Clark, IT Librarian

Fahrenheit 451 throws you into a world where books are illegal, and firemen don’t put out fires—they burn books instead. Guy Montag, one of these firemen, starts to question everything after meeting a curious young woman. As he secretly begins reading the books he’s supposed to destroy, he realizes just how much his society fears knowledge and independent thought.

Bradbury’s writing is intense and poetic, making this dystopian world feel eerily close to home. It’s not just a book about censorship—it’s about what happens when people stop thinking for themselves and let entertainment replace real conversation.

Ironically, Fahrenheit 451 has been banned and challenged in schools for its themes, language, and critique of censorship—the very thing it warns about.
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It’s a quick, thought-provoking read that still feels relevant today. If you care about free speech, curiosity, and the power of books, this one’s a must-read.

There are many options for checking out this title! We have the novel and the graphic novel adaptation. We also have a copy in Spanish! You can download the eBook. There are four different readers to choose from for the audiobook, Stephen Hoye.  Christopher Hurt, Tim Robbins, or author Ray Bradbury himself. We also have the 1966 film on DVD available for checkout.

​Aimee Clark, IT Librarian