Staff Picks
What should you read, watch or listen to next? We're so glad you asked!
Love stumbling on a fun book display at the library? Welcome to the online version! Dive into our Library staff’s top picks—books, movies, music, and more—by theme, age, awards, read-alikes, and all kinds of cool topics we just can’t stop talking about.
F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early)
These books will educate you on how to gain financial independence so that you can retire early.
Ladies of Mystery
These female sleuths prove that curiosity, intelligence, and persistence transcend any era.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Renamed
This list includes links to scientific and news sites about the change and also books about PCOS/PMOS for people who want to find out more.
Graphic Novels & Comics for Teens
The are great graphic novels for teens in a variety of genres and artistic styles.
LGBTQIA+ Teen Fiction
A list of young adult fiction featuring LGBTQIA+ characters and themes in a variety of genres.
Coming Soon: Book to Screen Adaptations
Here are a few titles that will be TV shows and movies very soon! (Dates subject to change)
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is one of two Eid holidays celebrated in Islam - the word "Eid" means "festival" or "feast" in Arabic.
Branches Early Chapter Books
Featuring illustrations, chapters, and more complex story lines than easy readers. Many genres are represented!
William Allen White Nominees 2026 - 2027 (Grades 6-8)
This list is specific for grades 6-8 and all titles can be found in multiple formats (digitally and physically). Happy reading!
William Allen White Nominees 2026 - 2027 (Grades 3-5)
This list is specific for grades 3-5 and all titles can be found in multiple formats (digitally and physically). Happy reading!
2026 Picture Books Highlights - Part 1
Here are my favorite picture books published in the first half of 2026!
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander - for Kids!
AANHPI month in May is a great reason to explore these books!
Under Construction --> Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Please enjoy these books all about construction work and enjoying the great outdoors!
Library Joy
Here's a list of books for young readers to help them celebrate their library joy - for National Library Week (and any week)
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Kansas in Youth Literature
The May focus of the Kansas 250 bookshelf features Kansas related youth literature.
Nature and Outdoors in Kansas
The April Kansas 250 Bookshelf focuses on exploring nature and the outdoors in Kansas.
Kansas Poetry
The Kansas 250 Bookshelf was created by the State Library of Kansas in conjunction with America 250.
Love Your Kansas Community
Celebrate Kansas with these books related to the history and events of various Kansas communities.
F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early)
These books will educate you on how to gain financial independence so that you can retire early.
Graphic Novels & Comics for Teens
The are great graphic novels for teens in a variety of genres and artistic styles.
LGBTQIA+ Teen Fiction
A list of young adult fiction featuring LGBTQIA+ characters and themes in a variety of genres.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is one of two Eid holidays celebrated in Islam - the word "Eid" means "festival" or "feast" in Arabic.
Branches Early Chapter Books
Featuring illustrations, chapters, and more complex story lines than easy readers. Many genres are represented!
William Allen White Nominees 2026 - 2027 (Grades 6-8)
This list is specific for grades 6-8 and all titles can be found in multiple formats (digitally and physically). Happy reading!
William Allen White Nominees 2026 - 2027 (Grades 3-5)
This list is specific for grades 3-5 and all titles can be found in multiple formats (digitally and physically). Happy reading!
Dog Man
Graphic novels featuring animals having adventures!
The Dragonet Prophecy
Featuring fighting dragons and other animals striving to protect their lands.
Kristy's Great Idea
Books feature girls taking on friendship and troubles, including some series that are also about businesses run by middle school girls!
Ladies of Mystery
These female sleuths prove that curiosity, intelligence, and persistence transcend any era.
Read Around The World (Cup) - Kids!
As excitement builds for the World Cup, enjoy these children's books that take place in or are written by authors from qualifying countries!
Power Ballads
Go ahead. Sing along.
2026-2027 William Allen White (WAW) Nominee List: Grades 6-8
The William Allen White Children’s Book Award is the oldest statewide Children’s book award in the United States.
2026-2027 William Allen White (WAW) Nominee List: Grades 3-5
The William Allen White Children’s Book Award is the oldest statewide Children’s book award in the United States.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Renamed
This list includes links to scientific and news sites about the change and also books about PCOS/PMOS for people who want to find out more.