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.
"The Muppet Show" Upcoming Special
"The Muppet Show" special reboot premiers February 4th on ABC and Disney+!
Everyday Democracy
Attend the Johnson County Museum's 'Everyday Democracy' exhibit between Feb. 7 2026 and Jan. 9 2027, and use this list to read further.
Essential Cookbooks: The CODES List 2026
Chosen as the Essential Cookbooks for 2026 by librarians - "for both avid home chefs and those just learning the rewards of making a meal."
National Puzzle Day
What exercise is to the body, puzzles are to the brain. Puzzles are shown to improve memory, drive creativity, and build concentration.
Gothic Reads for Teens
Odd characters, unsettling narratives, and atmospheric settings are abundant in these gothic fiction books for teens!
PG-13 family-friendly movies from the 90's
Are looking to share your favorite childhood movies with your older children? Take a look at these nostalgic suggestions.
Popular Picks for Kids and Teens: January 2026
What's everybody wanting to read, watch, and listen to? Here are the top Kids and Teens items at JoCoLibrary!
Teen Disney Fans
Are you teen who loves Disney but has grown out of the Disney books written for young children?
Fútbol America: Books for Kids
A selection of football (soccer) fiction for younger readers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"The Muppet Show" Upcoming Special
"The Muppet Show" special reboot premiers February 4th on ABC and Disney+!
Staff Pick: The Millicent Quibb School... by Kate McKinnon
Our librarian Chris says Kate McKinnon's book is "marvelous" and "highly recommended."
Popular Picks for Kids and Teens: January 2026
What's everybody wanting to read, watch, and listen to? Here are the top Kids and Teens items at JoCoLibrary!
Storytime with Becky Carleton - Spring 2026
Becky Carleton's Spring '26 Storytime goodies are here - the songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and library items recommended for checkout!
6 by 6 Ready to Read: Nurture a Reader
Books about neuroplasticity, early literacy skills, and techniques to help you foster a lifelong love of books and reading in your baby.
Fun Read-Aloud Toddler Picture Books from 2025
Kids benefit in many ways from hearing books read aloud. These fun 2025 picture books are great picks to read aloud to your little ones.
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Love Your Kansas Community
Celebrate Kansas with these books related to the history and events of various Kansas communities.
America 250 Reading List
To celebrate the America's 250th anniversary, PBS Books made this booklist to celebrate the people, events, and ideals that made America.
Kansas: The Road to Statehood
America 250: Learn about the State of Kansas from the early native Kanza tribe, to the early pioneer days, to Bloody Kansas.
"The Muppet Show" Upcoming Special
"The Muppet Show" special reboot premiers February 4th on ABC and Disney+!
Gothic Reads for Teens
Odd characters, unsettling narratives, and atmospheric settings are abundant in these gothic fiction books for teens!
Everyday Democracy
Attend the Johnson County Museum's 'Everyday Democracy' exhibit between Feb. 7 2026 and Jan. 9 2027, and use this list to read further.
Essential Cookbooks: The CODES List 2026
Chosen as the Essential Cookbooks for 2026 by librarians - "for both avid home chefs and those just learning the rewards of making a meal."
National Puzzle Day
What exercise is to the body, puzzles are to the brain. Puzzles are shown to improve memory, drive creativity, and build concentration.
Celebrating Muslim American Stories
January is Muslim American Heritage Month! Join the celebration with works written by or featuring characters who are Muslim American.
PG-13 family-friendly movies from the 90's
Are looking to share your favorite childhood movies with your older children? Take a look at these nostalgic suggestions.
Will Trent Series - In Order
If you like ABC's "Will Trent," follow along in the book series that inspired the show, written by Karin Slaughter.
Books mentioned in 'The Correspondent' by Virginia Evans
'The Correspondent' by Virginia Evans is a book written for readers... and many novels are mentioned throughout the novel.
Storytime with Becky Carleton - Spring 2026
Becky Carleton's Spring '26 Storytime goodies are here - the songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and library items recommended for checkout!
Staff Pick: The Millicent Quibb School... by Kate McKinnon
Our librarian Chris says Kate McKinnon's book is "marvelous" and "highly recommended."
Counting down to Bridgerton? Spill the Tea, Dearest Reader
Step into a world of ballrooms, bold heroines, and deliciously whispered scandal.
Johnson County Library Staff's Most Anticipated: 2026
What are Library staff most looking forward to reading and watching this coming year? Check out this list to find out!
Popular Picks for Kids and Teens: January 2026
What's everybody wanting to read, watch, and listen to? Here are the top Kids and Teens items at JoCoLibrary!
Cold Weather Cooking
Fire up the oven, get out your biggest soup pot, these cookbooks can give you all of the inspiration for making cozy, warm meals.
Online Book Group Recommends - January 2026
A general list of books/movies that came up at the Online Book Group for the discussion of the book North Woods by Daniel Mason