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

Fourth Wing: Just the Vibes

Waiting for the 4th book in the Empyrean series? Pass the time with titles that match the vibes of Basgiath, dragon riding, and rebellion.

Hurt People Hurt People

Superheroes as archetypes of mental illness stemming from untreated traumatic events in their past.

Books the book club ladies are reading

Here's a list of the books my book club ladies are reading when they're not reading a book for our club.

Motorcycle Fixation

Explore different facets of motorcycle history, culture, subgroups, and stories--both fiction and nonfiction.

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!

Box Office Poison

In his new book, Tim Robey puts forward the idea that we have as much to learn about Hollywood from its flops as we do from its hits.

Horror for Newbies

Wanting to join in the spooky season but unsure what to read?

Stay Gold: The Legacy of the Outsiders

A film from Francis Ford Coppola, a Best Musical-winning stage adaptation and more have been inspired by The Outsiders.

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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.

Scary Movies for the Faint of Heart

Celebrating Halloween but too timid to watch "The Revenge of the Mississippi Mangler Part VI"? Check out these flicks instead!

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.

Middle School: Blech!

Life in grades 5-8 is hard. Here are stories of others like you doing their best to get through.

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!

First Day Nerves?

The first day at school - or even the first day back to school - can be nerve-racking for kids AND their adults!

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More Picks for Birth to Six

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.

Sunday Gospel Mood

Gospel CDs for your Sunday morning or any day of the week.

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.

Box Office Poison

In his new book, Tim Robey puts forward the idea that we have as much to learn about Hollywood from its flops as we do from its hits.

Horror for Newbies

Wanting to join in the spooky season but unsure what to read?

Stay Gold: The Legacy of the Outsiders

A film from Francis Ford Coppola, a Best Musical-winning stage adaptation and more have been inspired by The Outsiders.

Different and Able: A Resource List

Books for those who want to better understand what it's like to move through this world as a differently abled person.

English Practice

These guides can help you practice pronouncing English words.

Gargoyles, Ghouls, and Other Ghostly Things

Welcome to my spooky-season reading list!

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.

Scary Movies for the Faint of Heart

Celebrating Halloween but too timid to watch "The Revenge of the Mississippi Mangler Part VI"? Check out these flicks instead!

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.

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!

Most Banned Authors in America

A list of the most Banned Authors in America and books they have written.

RIP Jane Goodall

Learn more about Dr. Jane Goodall - founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace and world-renowned ethologist.

What Spring Hill Patrons Are Reading: Fall 2025

As Library staff walked in the 2025 Spring Hill Fall Festival Parade, they asked attendees what they're currently reading.

Poetry as Hope in the Autumn Dark

A list of poets to read as the nights grow longer.

Horror Anthologies

Read a little or a lot with these horror fiction short story collections.
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