AUBURN - From fiction to non-fiction, graphic novels to books on CD, whatever interests a reader, it can be found at Seymour Library.

On Tuesday evening, library director Sheila Mikkelson and librarian Lisa Carr took time to share some of their favorite reads as the library gears up for summer, with the annual Summer Book Preview.

“This is the second or third time we've done this,” Mikkelson said. “This is just to give people some ideas about books to read, things they might not have heard of, some older books, some newer books.”

Mikkelson said lately she's interested in non-fiction works, many made her list. She said a good place to start would be with a series of books that cover the gambit of genres.

“These are called ‘Read On,'” Mikkelson said. “There is ‘Read on Fantasy,' ‘Read on Fiction,' ‘Read on Historical,' horror, sci-fi. These are a reader's advisory. Whatever you are looking for.”

Mikkelson discussed other works, such as “The Glass Castle,” by Jeanette Walls. She said this bestseller was a memoir of Walls' life growing up with parents that chose to be homeless, traveling from city to city while her father had a drinking problem and mother faced mental illness.

“Your Eyes and Stars” by M.E. Kerr, an Auburn native born Marijane Meaker, also made Mikkelson's lists along with some other interesting reads to challenge the mind a little, such as “Mental Floss” and “A Quick Guide To 16 Personality Types.”

Carr also presented a diverse list, spanning several genres and styles. “Lulu Meets God and Doubts Him” by Danielle Ganek was at the top of Carr's list. Carr said this book was in the vein of “The Devil Wears Prada,” looking at the art world.

Carr said that in one of the library's book groups she was talking about the idea of serendipity and was thinking of works to recommend for the summer reading program when she was struck by a bit of serendipity that created a chain reaction of associations that helped her compile her list.

“Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen inspired Carr to look at a graphic novel, “The Magical Life of Long Tack Sam,” by Ann Marie Fleming.

The book, in the form of a graphic novel, is based on a film Fleming made about her great-grandfather, Long Tack Sam, who was born in China, lived all over the world, performed in vaudeville and became a world class magician before living the remainder of his life in Austria.

The theme of magic and graphic novels inspired several of Carr's other recommendations including “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay” by Michael Chabon, set during the golden age of comics as the narrator and his cousin write and illustrate their own comics and “Born Standing Up,” Steve Martin's autobiography about his stand-up comedy career.

“That was really interesting,” Carr said. “I didn't really know what to expect, but it was fascinating, he is very philosophical.”

Those in attendance, such as Carole Tripiciano, of Auburn, found the gathering insightful.

“I love books and I love to read,” Tripiciano said. “And I like to know what other people like to read and see if we are interested in the same things. I found quite a few books that I think will be really interesting to read.”

Carr and Mikkelson also announced the first summer reading for adults contest.

Every summer the library hosts a reading contest for children and this year they decided to apply the same idea to adults. Participants are asked to read at least three books and fill out an entry form, which will be entered into a raffle.

“The idea is to get more people reading,” Carr said. “They'll be entered into a raffle and each week we'll pick a winner for some fun prizes.”