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.
Spooky Season Suggestions
I love picking out things to read and watch during Halloween. I'm drawn to stories about witches and ghosts, and cozy, supernatural stories.
Own Voices Christian Fiction
These books are all about Black protagonists coping with their lives through faith.
Christian Fiction - Adult
These books of multiple genres all feature people leaning on their faith to help them get through life.
Novels that it keep it...complex
Consider these titles and authors if you're NOT looking for a light read.
Christian Fiction - Teen
These books may be any genre, but all of them feature teens inspired by their faith or are focused on the struggle of good vs evil.
KC Metro Mock Awards - Printz (2026/2027)
The nomination list for the KC Metro Mock Awards.
Social Justice Non-Fiction for Teens
Non-fiction books for teens around the topic of social justice.
High Fantasy for Teens
Dragons, wizards and quests, oh my! Explore these young adult fiction titles set in fantasy worlds.
Christian Fiction - Middle Grades
Books in several genres featuring kids leaning on their faith as they solve problems and grow up.
KC Metro Mock Awards - Newbery (2026/2027)
The nomination list for the KC Metro Mock Awards.
The 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh
Join us on Saturday, October 17, 10am-noon at the Central Resource Library for Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th Birthday Party!
Celebrate 100 Years of Winnie-the-Pooh
To celebrate Pooh's 100th birthday here's a list of books, audiobooks, and DVDs for fans of all ages about the "silly old bear!"
KC Metro Mock Awards - Caldecott (2026/2027)
The nomination list for the KC Metro Mock Awards.
Celebrate 100 Years of Winnie-the-Pooh
To celebrate Pooh's 100th birthday here's a list of books, audiobooks, and DVDs for fans of all ages about the "silly old bear!"
2026 Picture Book Highlights
Here are my favorite picture books published (or acquired by the library) in the first half of 2026!
September Means Fall!
Begone, 100 degree days! Here's some books for all ages about the fall season!
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Horror, Murder, and Suspense
Our October focus spotlights horror, murder, and suspense with a Kansas connection.
Agriculture and Rural Life
The September Kansas 250 Bookshelf spotlights agriculture and rural life.
Spotlight on Individual Kansans
Our America 250 August focus spotlights individual Kansans.
Kansas Food and Cookbooks
Our July Kansas 250 booklist focus features Kansas Food and Cookbooks.
Spooky Season Suggestions
I love picking out things to read and watch during Halloween. I'm drawn to stories about witches and ghosts, and cozy, supernatural stories.
Own Voices Christian Fiction
These books are all about Black protagonists coping with their lives through faith.
Christian Fiction - Middle Grades
Books in several genres featuring kids leaning on their faith as they solve problems and grow up.
Christian Fiction - Teen
These books may be any genre, but all of them feature teens inspired by their faith or are focused on the struggle of good vs evil.
Christian Fiction - Adult
These books of multiple genres all feature people leaning on their faith to help them get through life.
Novels that it keep it...complex
Consider these titles and authors if you're NOT looking for a light read.
Monster Romances
Paranormal romances are having a moment! Sweet and spicy monsters deserve love too.
KC Metro Mock Awards - Caldecott (2026/2027)
The nomination list for the KC Metro Mock Awards.
KC Metro Mock Awards - Printz (2026/2027)
The nomination list for the KC Metro Mock Awards.
KC Metro Mock Awards - Newbery (2026/2027)
The nomination list for the KC Metro Mock Awards.
Margo's Got Money Troubles
Like Margo's Got Money Troubles? Check out some of these reads that will have you laughing, crying, and something in between.
When Grumpy Met Sunshine
Sometimes, we read a romance just for the trope!
Sci-fi Horror
Horror meets science fiction in these tales for adults!
NYT 100 Best TV Shows of the Century - Readers' Choices
NYT readers' rankings of the best shows.
2026 National Book Awards Finalists
Here are the finalists for the National Book Foundation's National Book Awards. The winners will be announced on November 18, 2026.
The 100th anniversary of Winnie-the-Pooh
Join us on Saturday, October 17, 10am-noon at the Central Resource Library for Winnie-the-Pooh's 100th Birthday Party!