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.
We Remember V for Vendetta (20th Anniversary)
Works that inspired this story as well as others that contribute more context to its cultural impact and the larger themes.
Between the Courts: Romantasy Reads to Survive the SJM Wait
Finished A Court of Splintered Harmony and already counting down the days until January?
Per Aspera: Kansans who Persevered
Our November Kansas 250 booklist spotlights Kansans who Persevered.
For Love of Pop Culture
Nonfiction and stories about fandom, the phenomenon of people who are devoted to an aspect of pop culture or media.
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!
Between the Courts: Romantasy Reads to Survive the SJM Wait
Finished A Court of Splintered Harmony and already counting down the days until January?
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.
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?
Not So Scary Books for Preschoolers
These books are great for young kids who are interested in "scary books."
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.
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!
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!
We Remember V for Vendetta (20th Anniversary)
Works that inspired this story as well as others that contribute more context to its cultural impact and the larger themes.
Between the Courts: Romantasy Reads to Survive the SJM Wait
Finished A Court of Splintered Harmony and already counting down the days until January?
Per Aspera: Kansans who Persevered
Our November Kansas 250 booklist spotlights Kansans who Persevered.
For Love of Pop Culture
Nonfiction and stories about fandom, the phenomenon of people who are devoted to an aspect of pop culture or media.
Mysteries with Black Characters for Teens
These mysteries feature Black characters.
Native American Biographies and Nonfiction
This list focuses on works of memoir and nonfiction published in the last few years.
Native American Adult Fiction
This list highlights adult fiction books by Native American authors published in the last few years.
Mysteries with Asian Characters - Teen
These mysteries feature Asian characters.
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.
We Remember V for Vendetta (20th Anniversary)
Remember, remember V for Vendetta / The fireworks, protest and plot. / I see no reason, (this movie season) / It should ever be forgot.
Finding Grateful
These picks are about finding the simple pleasures in life and the joy of being yourself.
Crane Jane!
These are some other books about what you might want to be when you grow up.