Tracy McPeck

Stafford

Adult Services Coordinator for a public library system in northern-ish VA. I 😁 because autumn, coffee, niece & nephew, books, cats, beach, coffee, and coffee.

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Articles

Book Corner: Seaside suspense for summer reading

6 days ago | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

Two of my favorite things are reading thrillers and splashing in the ocean (though not at the same time). Both activities get my pulse pounding in a good way. Immersing myself in the mounting suspense of a well-crafted thriller is similar to the heady rush of leaping over a largish wave without getting knocked down. Why not combine the best of both worlds by diving into these thrillers set near the sea?
Book Corner: Lyrical reads for music lovers

1 month ago | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

With the advent of Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s 40th annual “Music on the Steps” on June 2, I knew I wanted this article to focus on music. “Focus” is a strong word. In searching for an angle, I started by Googling how music is a universal language that connects us all.
Book Corner: Books to support your mental health journey

2 months ago | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

We all know we’re supposed to eat healthy, get fresh air and exercise, and floss daily to keep our bodies strong and capable of handling life’s daily challenges. What we might not think about is our mental health, and how our minds need care and nourishment as much as our physical selves. The stress of work, parenting, finances, anxiety about our future, past traumas … all of these can pile up in our minds and challenge our ability to live life to the fullest.
Book Corner: Best-selling authors featured in spring talks

Mar 23, 2025 | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

Listening to an author discuss their books gives me a thrill, like I’m gaining top-secret insider knowledge. I love hearing about the research and the backstory behind creating a work of fiction or nonfiction. I’ve had the fortune of hearing authors speak in person, but it’s not always easy to make that happen, especially when it comes to major best-selling writers.
Book Corner: Warm up with tea-themed fiction

Jan 28, 2025 | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

A spot of tea on a cold winter’s day hits just right. From herbal concoctions to green and black varieties, there’s a flavor of tea for everyone. In addition to the purported health benefits, a hot cup of tea soothes the soul, can wake you up or calm you down, and warms you from the inside. Even a die-hard coffee fanatic like myself appreciates the occasional cup o’ chai. Curl up with your tea of choice and relax with these tea-themed novels. “High Tea and Misdemeanors” by Laura Childs.
Book Corner: Gift ideas for book lovers on your list

Dec 2, 2024 | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

Ever since I was little, the mystery of a wrapped book under the tree was exciting and full of possibility. Who knew what adventures lay in its pages? I can still recall the magical feeling of certain books I read in elementary school—the pale light and clear waters near the end of the world in C.S. Lewis’ “The Voyage of the Dawn Treader,” and the wonder of Leslie’s and Jessie’s imaginary kingdom in “Bridge to Terabithia.” I was not only enchanted, but also emotionally affected.
Book Corner: Feel-good reads to inspire calm

Nov 4, 2024 | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but it’s OK to take a break from constantly scrolling the news, even on Election Day. The 24/7 availability of news and social media isn’t all that great for our mental health, as it can reinforce negative thinking and worsen anxiety. So let’s all put our phones down for a bit and calm our nerves with these entertaining, hope-inspiring novels. “A Psalm for the Wild-Built” by Becky Chambers.
Book Corner: Supernatural thrillers for spooky season

Oct 7, 2024 | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

It’s the most wonderful time of the year ... October! Time for apple picking, all things pumpkin spice, and wearing every shade of mustard, orange and brown I can find. And, of course, ramping up my lifelong love of scary books, movies and television. There’s nothing better than spending a rainy afternoon curled up with a creepy novel, a cup of coffee and a cat. “Jackal” by Erin E. Adams.
Book Corner: Embrace your creativity with arts and crafts

Sep 9, 2024 | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

This is the time of year when I get the urge to create. Something about the cooler temperatures, the scent of pumpkin spice candles, and the unpacking of autumn decorations makes me want to cozy up with an arts and crafts project. The very act of making something is both meditative and rewarding, whether you intend to give your piece away or admire it for yourself. Perfection has no place here; it’s all about enjoying the process.
Book Corner: Weird but true books to learn something new

Aug 12, 2024 | fredericksburg.com | Tracy McPeck

August means back to school for the kiddos, with their new backpacks and sharpened pencils. I’m perpetually enrolled in the “school of life,” no more student loans required. Quite the opposite: I use my library card to read and learn to my heart’s content. And the best thing about being a lifelong learner is that I get to study whatever I want. I could say I spend my school-of-life time reading the latest in leadership practices or improving my financial literacy, and I wouldn’t entirely be lying.