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.
Recent Staff Lists
Fourth Wing: Just the Vibes
Waiting for the 4th book in the Empyrean series? Pass the time with titles that match the vibes of Basgiath, dragon riding, and rebellion.
Hurt People Hurt People
Superheroes as archetypes of mental illness stemming from untreated traumatic events in their past.
Books the book club ladies are reading
Here's a list of the books my book club ladies are reading when they're not reading a book for our club.
Motorcycle Fixation
Explore different facets of motorcycle history, culture, subgroups, and stories--both fiction and nonfiction.
Required Reads We Actually Enjoyed
Here are some that staff at our Oak Park and Central branches were required to read but that we ended up loving enough to recommend to you!
Online Book Group Recommends - Fall 2025
A list of books/movies that came up in Online Book Group during the discussion of the book Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Gardner Book Group Recommends, Fall 2025
A list of books/movies that came up in the Gardner Book Group during the discussion of the book Yellow Face by R.F. Kuang
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States starting September 15th until October 15th.
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Debut Novels
It's exciting to discover a new favorite author. Share your love of these novels with your friends and help grow an author's popularity.
Required Reads We Actually Enjoyed
Here are some that staff at our Oak Park and Central branches were required to read but that we ended up loving enough to recommend to you!
Mental Health Awareness for Teens
Memoirs, self-help books and works of fiction can shine a light on mental illness and help us all feel less alone.
Fourth Wing: Just the Vibes
Waiting for the 4th book in the Empyrean series? Pass the time with titles that match the vibes of Basgiath, dragon riding, and rebellion.
Hurt People Hurt People
Superheroes as archetypes of mental illness stemming from untreated traumatic events in their past.
Waiting for The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Movie?
Fill the Belly & Conrad shaped hole in your heart?
Elementary reads - May cause tears
These touching books may cause a few tears but are great to read in upper elementary school.
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States starting September 15th until October 15th.
Developing Money Management Skills - For Kids!
Money management skills can be hard to learn, but luckily the library has got you covered.
Middle Grade books featuring characters with disabilities
In the United States, 1 in 4 Americans has a disability, making it the largest and most diverse minority group in the country.
Middle School: Blech!
Life in grades 5-8 is hard. Here are stories of others like you doing their best to get through.
Books and rhymes from Storytime with Becky Carleton
Enjoy the songs, rhymes and fingerplays planned for Fall 2025 in our storytime events with Becky Carleton!
First Day Nerves?
The first day at school - or even the first day back to school - can be nerve-racking for kids AND their adults!
Books for Kindergarteners
A short selection of books recommended for kindergarteners. Some are easy readers, and some are books meant to be read aloud by an adult.
Wordless Books
Books without words?! As the art of these children's books pull you along remember, a picture is worth a thousand words!
Staff Pick Spotlight: Music
Couch Concert 🤘
Avoid the crowds and expense! Stay home, curl up on the couch, and enjoy these live performances and music documentaries.
Just the Jukebox Musicals
If you want a pick-me-up, some sing-along therapy, or just need a bop or two, these jukebox musicals are just the ticket.
Naxos Music Library
Music from the world's most extensive online classical music library. Unlimited streaming.
More Staff Picks
Online Book Group Recommends - Fall 2025
A list of books/movies that came up in Online Book Group during the discussion of the book Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Gardner Book Group Recommends, Fall 2025
A list of books/movies that came up in the Gardner Book Group during the discussion of the book Yellow Face by R.F. Kuang
Pumpkin Spice Season
If you like your coffee to smell like a pumpkin pie then these books may be what you have been craving with your Pumpkin Spice Latte!
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated in the United States starting September 15th until October 15th.
Fourth Wing: Just the Vibes
Waiting for the 4th book in the Empyrean series? Pass the time with titles that match the vibes of Basgiath, dragon riding, and rebellion.
Carry On: 20 Years of Supernatural
327 episodes. 15 seasons. Hundreds of fan conventions. Two brothers. 20 years.
Hurt People Hurt People
Superheroes as archetypes of mental illness stemming from untreated traumatic events in their past.
Books the book club ladies are reading
Here's a list of the books my book club ladies are reading when they're not reading a book for our club.
Waiting for The Summer I Turned Pretty: The Movie?
Fill the Belly & Conrad shaped hole in your heart?
Debut Novels
It's exciting to discover a new favorite author. Share your love of these novels with your friends and help grow an author's popularity.
Motorcycle Fixation
Explore different facets of motorcycle history, culture, subgroups, and stories--both fiction and nonfiction.
In Space, No One Can Hear You Scream
Have you ever looked up at the stars and wonder what goes bump - or, in this case, slither - in the night?
Developing Money Management Skills - For Kids!
Money management skills can be hard to learn, but luckily the library has got you covered.
Middle Grade books featuring characters with disabilities
In the United States, 1 in 4 Americans has a disability, making it the largest and most diverse minority group in the country.
Creature Features
We're looking forward to Halloween - but it's never a bad time to enjoy a human-versus-monster flick!