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.
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.
Jewish American Heritage Month
In recognition of Jewish American Heritage month, check out this selection of books about some of the many prominent American Jews.
Coming Soon: Book to Screen Adaptations
Here are a few titles that will be TV shows and movies very soon! (Dates subject to change)
YALSA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Teen Readers: Fiction
A list of titles with high appeal as self-selected leisure reading for teens, particularly those who don't usually enjoy reading for fun.
Anthologies for Teens
Not in the mood to read a full-length book? Try one of these young adult anthologies instead! Includes fiction and non-fiction.
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!
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.
Easy Reader Graphic Novels
Did you know that we have graphic novels for kids who are just learning to read independently?
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.
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.
Jewish American Heritage Month
In recognition of Jewish American Heritage month, check out this selection of books about some of the many prominent American Jews.
Reese's Book Club 2025 and 2026
Newest picks from Reese Witherspoon's book club.
Easy Reader Graphic Novels
Did you know that we have graphic novels for kids who are just learning to read independently?
Judge a Book by Its Sprayed Edges
Sprayed edges—often called “spredges”—are one of publishing’s most stylish trends, turning books into art as much as reading material.
They were in that?
All our favorite actors had to start somewhere! Here are some actors in their sometimes questionable early roles.
Coming Soon: Book to Screen Adaptations
Here are a few titles that will be TV shows and movies very soon! (Dates subject to change)
Watch It Again (and Again and Again)!
Most of these movies are laugh out loud funny; some are more romantic. And a few for those occasional times when you just need a good cry.
2026 Picture Books Highlights - Part 1
Here are my favorite picture books published in the first half of 2026!
The Past is Prologue: The Power of Imagery & Civil Rights
Items documentating how imagery shaped and reflected the struggle for civil rights.
Turn Up the Volume!
I don't know about you, but one of my favorite ways to turn a bad day around is to sing at the top of my lungs, usually in the car.