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
5 Star Books, 1 Star Reviews
Have a laugh - and maybe add something to your to-read pile - with these popular books recommended by their one-star Goodreads reviews ★☆☆☆☆
Musical Malpractice
When musicals go wrong, sometimes they're so bad they have some charm to them....just don't let the songs get stuck in your head.
Thought-provoking & Perspective-shifting Picture Books
These picture books all explore concepts and ideas in philosophical ways that captures the wonder of readers all ages.
Crime Never Takes a Holiday: Hanukkah
Dark deeds that take place during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.
Gregg's Top 10 books of 2025! Possibly! Maybe!
Picking the personal top ten best reads of the year as a librarian is ALWAYS difficult.
5 Star Books, 1 Star Reviews
Have a laugh - and maybe add something to your to-read pile - with these popular books recommended by their one-star Goodreads reviews ★☆☆☆☆
What I Loved in 2025
Here are the highlights of what I read in 2025, in order of how I read them. I also ventured into a new genre for me: romance!
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.
THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL (CD)
These books echo the themes, relate to the lyrics, or match the vibes of songs on Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Sundry Historical Adventures, Some with Magic
A selection of stories featuring characters having adventures in historical settings, as often medieval as not, and a few with magic, too!
High School Book Talk List
These are the books I love to recommended when I visit high schools.
Elementary reads - May cause tears
These touching books may cause a few tears but are great to read in upper elementary school.
Our Favorite Board Books Read in 2025
Here are the board books my toddler daughter and I loved the most that we read this year.
Holiday Survival Guide Week 4: Through the Wardrobe
Explore these titles about love, friendship, and courage that remind us--no matter how old we are--of the magic of books.
ALSC Notable Reads for Older Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for older readers (6th-8th grade).
Middle School: Blech!
Life in grades 5-8 is hard. Here are stories of others like you doing their best to get through.
Our Favorite Board Books Read in 2025
Here are the board books my toddler daughter and I loved the most that we read this year.
Thought-provoking & Perspective-shifting Picture Books
These picture books all explore concepts and ideas in philosophical ways that captures the wonder of readers all ages.
Yeti for snow
Yeti or not winter weather is here! Check out these titles featuring Yetis and abominable snowmen to embrace the season & the falling snow.
Rhythm and Music
Perfect for ages 0–4, these stories and picture books celebrate beat, movement, and sound!
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.
5 Star Books, 1 Star Reviews
Have a laugh - and maybe add something to your to-read pile - with these popular books recommended by their one-star Goodreads reviews ★☆☆☆☆
Our Favorite Board Books Read in 2025
Here are the board books my toddler daughter and I loved the most that we read this year.
What I Loved in 2025
Here are the highlights of what I read in 2025, in order of how I read them. I also ventured into a new genre for me: romance!
Holiday Survival Guide Week 4: Through the Wardrobe
Explore these titles about love, friendship, and courage that remind us--no matter how old we are--of the magic of books.
Let's Get Bready to Bake!!
There's no knead to look any further than these amazing cookbooks all about bread!
Musical Malpractice
When musicals go wrong, sometimes they're so bad they have some charm to them....just don't let the songs get stuck in your head.
Gregg's Top 10 books of 2025! Possibly! Maybe!
Picking the personal top ten best reads of the year as a librarian is ALWAYS difficult.
Crime Never Takes a Holiday: Hanukkah
Dark deeds that take place during Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights.
ALSC Notable Reads for Older Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for older readers (6th-8th grade).
ALSC Notable Reads for Middle Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for middle readers (3rd-5th grade).
ALSC Notable Reads for Younger Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for younger readers (Preschool- 2nd grade).
ALSC Notable Reads for All Children
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for all children (Preschool- 8th grade).
All is Calm, all is Fright
A selection of horror stories for a very fearstive season!
Crime Never Takes a Holiday: Christmas
A selection of crime novels and short stories set over the Christmas Holiday Season.
Holiday Survival Guide Week 3: Teach Yourself Joy
As the days get colder, numerous holidays can bring both joy and stress, especially for people who may be experiencing hardship or loss.
Thought-provoking & Perspective-shifting Picture Books
These picture books all explore concepts and ideas in philosophical ways that captures the wonder of readers all ages.