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.
Dinosaurs in Fiction - Inspired by "Dinosaurs Revealed"
Sure, almost every toddler goes through a dinosaur phase, but what about the grown-ups?
Movies that I regret not seeing sooner
We've all done it, checked out a movie and instead of watching it, decided to binge watch reality TV instead, and returned it unwatched.
Northwest Region Reads: Long Winter Picks for a Short Winter
Staff at Monticello and Shawnee share things that helped them get through winters past.
Chinese Zodiac Book Pairing
Enjoy this eclectic list of books featuring your zodiac animal starting with the Year of the Horse (2026) and following in order!
Books for older teens and new adults
New Adult books have appeal for a wide age range and feature themes that both teens and adults will relate to.
Black Teen Romance
February is a time to celebrate Valentine's Day and Black History Month. Here are teen romances written by a Black authors!
No Thanks, Romance
Books for teen readers, that feature aromantic and/or asexual characters, authors, or information about being aro/ace.
Gothic Reads for Teens
Odd characters, unsettling narratives, and atmospheric settings are abundant in these gothic fiction books for teens!
Fútbol America: Books for Kids
A selection of football (soccer) fiction for younger readers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
JoCoLibrary-Dynamite Dinosaurs!
Aren’t Dinosaurs fascinating? Dinosaurs are a group of reptiles that have lived on Earth for about 245 million years. More facts incoming!
National Love Your Pet Day
February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day! Here are some movies that tell stories about our animal pals.
Ramadan
Ramadan 2026 will begin for most Muslims on the evening of Feb 17. Find out more with these books from the Library.
Storytime with Becky Carleton - Spring 2026
Becky Carleton's Spring '26 Storytime goodies are here - the songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and library items recommended for checkout!
6 by 6 Ready to Read: Nurture a Reader
Books about neuroplasticity, early literacy skills, and techniques to help you foster a lifelong love of books and reading in your baby.
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Love Your Kansas Community
Celebrate Kansas with these books related to the history and events of various Kansas communities.
America 250 Reading List
To celebrate the America's 250th anniversary, PBS Books made this booklist to celebrate the people, events, and ideals that made America.
Kansas: The Road to Statehood
America 250: Learn about the State of Kansas from the early native Kanza tribe, to the early pioneer days, to Bloody Kansas.
Dinosaurs in Fiction - Inspired by "Dinosaurs Revealed"
Sure, almost every toddler goes through a dinosaur phase, but what about the grown-ups?
Books for older teens and new adults
New Adult books have appeal for a wide age range and feature themes that both teens and adults will relate to.
JoCoLibrary-Dynamite Dinosaurs!
Aren’t Dinosaurs fascinating? Dinosaurs are a group of reptiles that have lived on Earth for about 245 million years. More facts incoming!
JoCoLibrary - Preschool - Dinosaurs
Check out these dinosaur picks for preschoolers!
National Love Your Pet Day
February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day! Here are some movies that tell stories about our animal pals.
Movies that I regret not seeing sooner
We've all done it, checked out a movie and instead of watching it, decided to binge watch reality TV instead, and returned it unwatched.
Northwest Region Reads: Long Winter Picks for a Short Winter
Staff at Monticello and Shawnee share things that helped them get through winters past.
Chinese Zodiac Book Pairing
Enjoy this eclectic list of books featuring your zodiac animal starting with the Year of the Horse (2026) and following in order!
Ramadan
Ramadan 2026 will begin for most Muslims on the evening of Feb 17. Find out more with these books from the Library.
Year of the Horse
A selection of youth titles featuring equine friends in honor of Lunar New Year ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse for 2026.
My Ideal Bookshelf
My favorite books, from haunting dystopias to magical realism and sweeping fantasy sagas, a touch of romance, and historical fiction.
County Librarian Reads Summer 2026
Titles recommended by Tricia Suellentrop, County Librarian Summer 2026.
Movies Set During the Winter Olympics
A selection of movies and documentaries set during the Winter Olympics.
Crime Never Takes a Holiday: Valentine's Day
A selection of crime ficton set on and around Valentine's Day.
The Original Bad Bunny
Way back in 1976, we were introduced to a vampire rabbit that sucks the juice from vegetables. Beware: Bunnicula!
Galentine's Day movie list
Get together with your besties on February 13 to celebrate Galentine's Day with these movies that champion female friendships.