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.
Queer Horror
Here's a small sampling of some queer horror films! For even more titles, check out our streaming options!
Not-So-Scary Movies
Don't like being really scared? Check out these films that feature comedy, too!
Celebrate your Freedom to Read
This list is made up of books that have been (and in some cases still are) banned in countries around the world.
Social Justice Non-Fiction for Teens
Non-fiction books for teens around the topic of social justice.
High Fantasy for Teens
Dragons, wizards and quests, oh my! Explore these young adult fiction titles set in fantasy worlds.
Science Fiction for Teens
Hold on to your blasters, these books are about to take off! Explore a wide range of sci-fi plots in young adult fiction.
Caturday: Easy Readers with Cats
Celebrate Caturday (every Saturday) with these Easy Readers that feature cats!
Banned Books Week: Picture Books
Encourage your kiddos to fight censorship as they grow up and read these picture books this week!
Historical Fiction with Latine Characters - Middle Grades
It's Hispanic Heritage Month! Check out these stories featuring Latine kids!
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in J Fiction
Recently published chapter books and graphic novels which center the diverse culture and experiences of Hispanic and Latine kids.
2026 Picture Book Highlights
Here are my favorite picture books published (or acquired by the library) in the first half of 2026!
September Means Fall!
Begone, 100 degree days! Here's some books for all ages about the fall season!
Caturday: Funny Picture Books about Cats
Celebrate Caturday with these funny picture books about cats!
September is Library Card Sign-up Month!
Sure you can have fun without a library card, but it is easier if you have one!
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
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.
Kansas Food and Cookbooks
Our July Kansas 250 booklist focus features Kansas Food and Cookbooks.
Social Justice Non-Fiction for Teens
Non-fiction books for teens around the topic of social justice.
High Fantasy for Teens
Dragons, wizards and quests, oh my! Explore these young adult fiction titles set in fantasy worlds.
Science Fiction for Teens
Hold on to your blasters, these books are about to take off! Explore a wide range of sci-fi plots in young adult fiction.
Favorite Manga for Teens
New and ongoing manga with a few classics as well!
Adult Books with Teen Appeal
These are books for adult audiences that may be a good fit for teen readers, featuring classics, memoirs, romance, nonfiction, and more!
Tough Topics for Teens
Here you will find recent resources on tough topics such as periods, pregnancy, bullying, mental health, suicide, and eating disorders.
Caturday: Easy Readers with Cats
Celebrate Caturday (every Saturday) with these Easy Readers that feature cats!
Games from YA Thrillers I Don't Want to Play
Basically if there's I chance I might die, I'm opting out.
Queer Horror
Here's a small sampling of some queer horror films! For even more titles, check out our streaming options!
Not-So-Scary Movies
Don't like being really scared? Check out these films that feature comedy, too!
90s Horror
They're a scream, baby!
Celebrate your Freedom to Read
This list is made up of books that have been (and in some cases still are) banned in countries around the world.
Banned Books Week: Picture Books
Encourage your kiddos to fight censorship as they grow up and read these picture books this week!
Slices of Horror, 2026 Edition
Are you a fan or horror? Or even if you're the kind of person who can only watch scary movies between your fingers?
A Month of Scary Movies
A veritable cornucopia of horror films - one for every day (or night) of October and two for Halloween!
A Western Reader Starter Pack
This list is my personal top picks for widely approachable westerns.
Your Library. Your Voice.
Johnson County Library is looking toward the future with a new long-term plan. We need your help to create better services and bigger impact. Add your voice to the Library's story!
