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.
Holiday Horror Films
A quick list of some horror films that involve Christmas in some way.
Friday the 13th: "You're All Doomed!"
Here's a list of all of the films in order, with little mini-reviews. Happy Friday the 13th!
10 Underrated 90s Movies - Creature Features
I think the brightest spot in the horror of the 1990s was the creature feature. Check out these rad monsters!
Teen Mysteries with Characters with Disabilities
These mysteries feature characters with disabilities.
They're So Wrong for You: Deadly Pairings in Teen Romance
If hating-to-dating, forbidden romance, or a love interest straight out of hell sounds like a good time, find your next book obsession here!
Caturday for Teens
Celebrate Caturday with books and graphic novels featuring cats for teens!
A Backyard Pet
These choices are similar to A Backyard Pet - easy readers about funny farm animals!
Celebrating Diwali
The Festival of Lights, Diwali is a Hindu religious holiday for the new year. These kids' books feature facts and stories about Diwali.
Periods, Puberty, and Positivity
Here are notable period-positive books that help break the stigma, inform readers, and celebrate menstrual health.
ABCs of Children's Illustrators
It's time to celebrate the illustrators that make picture books so memorable!
Finding Grateful
These picks are about finding the simple pleasures in life and the joy of being yourself.
Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?
Fun and imaginative books similar to Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Per Aspera: Kansans who Persevered
Our November Kansas 250 booklist spotlights Kansans who Persevered.
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.
Holiday Horror Films
A quick list of some horror films that involve Christmas in some way.
Friday the 13th: "You're All Doomed!"
Here's a list of all of the films in order, with little mini-reviews. Happy Friday the 13th!
10 Underrated 90s Movies - Creature Features
I think the brightest spot in the horror of the 1990s was the creature feature. Check out these rad monsters!
1980s Horror Films - Reviewed!
1980s horror film reviews for your perusing pleasure.
1970s Horror Films - Reviewed!
A list of 1970s horror films reviewed by our Library horror movie buff, Mike.
The Trans New Weird
Novels (and one movie!) from the last few years that attempt to twist, subvert, or expand common narratives surrounding trans life.
ABCs of Children's Illustrators
It's time to celebrate the illustrators that make picture books so memorable!
Books Recommended by NYT Newsletter "The Morning"
The NYT sends a newsletter to subscribers each morning: a mix of short essays and headlines - and often book recommendations.
Science Books Charles Loaned (...but Didn't Get to Read)
I still want to read all these books, but I had to return them either because my interest switched to another title or there were holds!
1950s and 60s Horror and Sci-Fi - Reviewed!
A list of 1950s and 1960s horror and science fiction films with reviews by one of our resident Library horror movie buffs!
Mysteries with Black Characters - Adult
These mysteries feature black characters!
Teen Mysteries with Characters with Disabilities
These mysteries feature characters with disabilities.
Mysteries with Asian Characters - Adult
These mysteries feature Asian characters!
Reader Seeking Historical Fiction
You've read every Kristin Hannah book and need a break from WWII novels. What should you read next?
Mysteries with LGBTQIA+ Characters - Teen
These mysteries feature LGBTQIA+ characters.
They're So Wrong for You: Deadly Pairings in Teen Romance
If hating-to-dating, forbidden romance, or a love interest straight out of hell sounds like a good time, find your next book obsession here!