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
How can I keep calm? It is Election Day!
Feeling stressed about election season? You’re not alone. These resources can help you relax and find your calm.
Resources for People affected by the SNAP Benefit Suspension
Food pantries and other resources in and around JoCo that may be able to provide assistance, and cookbooks for preparing meals on a budget.
Geriatric Gems
Love a cozy with a seasoned lead—solving murders, saving towns, or causing mayhem with sharp wit. My future goals, right there.
PBS Kids
Whether it's a PBS show you watched growing up or a newer title, we have something for everyone!
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!
Finding the Beauty in the Horror
Thriller/horror movies that are visually stunning, unforgettable, or distinct.
"Art Films"
The experimental nature of these films gives the opportunity for creative risks.
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.
Gratitude Always
Youth titles demonstrating mindfulness and reflecting on how to cultivate an appreciation for all things great and small.
Family Found Through Adoption
Let's bring awareness to the different ways one can find and build family!
Native American Heritage Month - Biographies
Biographies and memoirs for all ages to learn more about Native Americans and their culture.
Middle School: Blech!
Life in grades 5-8 is hard. Here are stories of others like you doing their best to get through.
Family Found Through Adoption
Let's bring awareness to the different ways one can find and build family!
Hide-and-Seek Books
Enjoy finding fun gems hidden in the pictures of these seek and find books.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Also known as the Moon Festival, this harvest festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
Books and rhymes from Storytime with Becky Carleton
Enjoy the songs, rhymes and fingerplays planned for Fall 2025 in our storytime events with Becky Carleton!
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.
Finding the Beauty in the Horror
Thriller/horror movies that are visually stunning, unforgettable, or distinct.
"Art Films"
The experimental nature of these films gives the opportunity for creative risks.
Experimental Films
These films set out to do something a little different...
Northwest Region Reads: Spooky Season
Need more chilling and creepy reads this fall? Staff at the Monticello and Shawnee branches share their favorite recommendations.
Gratitude Always
Youth titles demonstrating mindfulness and reflecting on how to cultivate an appreciation for all things great and small.
Franchises that didn't
Are you the type of person that likes to do exactly half of a jigsaw puzzle? Then I have some recommendations for you!
Family can be messy...
Grab one of these books & a cozy spot [to hide], & you might just find yourself feeling a bit better about your own family. Happy Holidays!
Family Found Through Adoption
Let's bring awareness to the different ways one can find and build family!
Native American Heritage Month - Biographies
Biographies and memoirs for all ages to learn more about Native Americans and their culture.
Frankenstein Deep Dive
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein had a short release in theaters and will be available on Netflix starting Nov. 7
Fictional Food We Wish We Could Eat
Beware checking out these materials may make you hungry.
Advanced Reads for Tweens
Tweens: read everything in the youth section & want more, but not ready for teen/adult content? These picks are for you.
Cozy Mystery Collection, 2025 Edition
Grab a fuzzy blanket - here are some great cozy mysteries, published this year, that should cozy up to your hold lists. Enjoy!
On Gratitude
Find ways to give thanks in your everyday life and learn to appreciate the ordinary things in ways that lead to more joy and meaning.
Hot Drinks for Cold Days
It's getting colder outside! Check out these cozy books that you will probably want to read with a mug of something hot and delicious.
2026 Andrew Carnegie Longlist
See the longlist for the Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction books for adults.