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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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?