SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
From city planning, the rise of the super rich, to the story of an ominous great white whale, city councillors are talking about what gets their noses into the books.

City councillor Julian Morse holds a copy of one of his favourite books: Shadow Country by Peter Matthiessen. The book is based off a real Florida sugar cane planter and alleged outlaw in the early 20th century. City councillors were recently asked by the library to name their favourite books. - Dana Bowen/NNSL photo

The Yellowknife Public Library is hosting a monthly edition of Your Picks, which gathers groups from around town to recommend their favourite books and add commentary about why they like them.

"With council, there's a lot of them that are new, so it seemed like a good way to get to know them better," said John Mutford, public services librarian. Previous to city council, favourites have been chosen by seniors at Avens Manor and Grade 8 students from Range Lake North School.

While Coun. Julian Morse chose Moby Dick because of the inspiration it sparked in him to start sailing, Coun. Shauna Morgan talked about her friend Joe Sacco who is most known for the graphic novel Footnotes in Gaza.

"It's a good way to see the range of personalities we have on council," said Mutford. "We have political books but also pop-culture books and Northern books, so it's quite interesting."

Mayor Mark Heyck went with the non-fiction genre with a book titled Happy City by Charles Montgomery.

The book examines urban planning and how it makes for happier residents.

"The author looks at cities around the world and uses behavioural economics and psychology to determine what makes a city 'happy' and how decision-makers can contribute to that goal," Heyck explained on the library website.

While most of the councillors submitted their favourites, it was not mandatory.

Coun. Niels Konge didn't lend his thoughts on the website but told Yellowknifer he is often drawn toward mystery novels and true crime.

"The true crime - it's interesting to see how warped people can be," he said. "A good mystery, action or adventure is always a good read. I like to have something entertaining to read that I don't have to think too much about."

Konge lists Steve Berry and John Grisham as some of his favourites, adding the last book he read was Berry's Lincoln Myth.

"Now I have to find a new one to read," he added.

Mutford explained the library started with a series on its website called Staff Picks, where library staff choose their latest favourites and explain why they like them.

While the staff still enjoy lending literary recommendations, Mutford said he wants to expand the series to the community.

"A lot of people do like getting recommendations by staff. We are surrounded by books, so there's a good chance we can advise people," he said.

"We wanted to give the public the next best thing and wanted to get the community more involved."

While Mutford has been contacting people around town to take part, any group is welcome to reach out to the library with their thoughts, he said.

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