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.
Books for Your Book Clubs
Hello fellow book clubbers! Here is a list of books in our collection that are generally considered good book club books.
World Carnivorous Plant Day
World Carnivorous Plant Day is celebrated the first Weds of May-and what better for a semi-obscure holiday than a mostly on-brand booklist?
Star Wars: the Fandom Menace (May the 4th be with you!)
This May 4th why not join up with fans of Star Wars and celebrate the story that started a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
Freedom to Read - The War on Words
On May 7, you can attend an author talk with Nadine Strossen highlighting her book "The War on Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech."
YALSA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Teen Readers: Fiction
A list of titles with high appeal as self-selected leisure reading for teens, particularly those who don't usually enjoy reading for fun.
Anthologies for Teens
Not in the mood to read a full-length book? Try one of these young adult anthologies instead! Includes fiction and non-fiction.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month
Here is a list of books for young people to celebrate the cultural diversity of Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander heritage.
Fútbol America: Books for Kids
A selection of football (soccer) fiction for younger readers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Animal POV - Kids Chapter Books
So put on your animal perspective lenses and get ready to embrace the timeless, anthropomorphic life with these tales (tails?).
Christian Chapter Books for Kids Ages 8-12
Need a book series that are wholesome and have a great message? These Christian chapters books are great for ages 8-12.
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander - for Kids!
AANHPI month in May is a great reason to explore these books!
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander - for Kids!
AANHPI month in May is a great reason to explore these books!
Under Construction --> Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Please enjoy these books all about construction work and enjoying the great outdoors!
Library Joy
Here's a list of books for young readers to help them celebrate their library joy - for National Library Week (and any week)
Become a Weather Watcher
Grab one of these titles for your child to learn about all the weather we see and experience here in Kansas!
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Kansas in Youth Literature
The May focus of the Kansas 250 bookshelf features Kansas related youth literature.
Nature and Outdoors in Kansas
The April Kansas 250 Bookshelf focuses on exploring nature and the outdoors in Kansas.
Kansas Poetry
The Kansas 250 Bookshelf was created by the State Library of Kansas in conjunction with America 250.
Love Your Kansas Community
Celebrate Kansas with these books related to the history and events of various Kansas communities.
Teen Writing Workshop: Resources
Writing guidance for teens.
Animal POV - Kids Chapter Books
So put on your animal perspective lenses and get ready to embrace the timeless, anthropomorphic life with these tales (tails?).
Books for Your Book Clubs
Hello fellow book clubbers! Here is a list of books in our collection that are generally considered good book club books.
YALSA's Quick Picks for Reluctant Teen Readers: Fiction
A list of titles with high appeal as self-selected leisure reading for teens, particularly those who don't usually enjoy reading for fun.
World Carnivorous Plant Day
World Carnivorous Plant Day is celebrated the first Weds of May-and what better for a semi-obscure holiday than a mostly on-brand booklist?
Anthologies for Teens
Not in the mood to read a full-length book? Try one of these young adult anthologies instead! Includes fiction and non-fiction.
Star Wars: the Fandom Menace (May the 4th be with you!)
This May 4th why not join up with fans of Star Wars and celebrate the story that started a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...
Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month
Here is a list of books for young people to celebrate the cultural diversity of Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander heritage.
Freedom to Read - The War on Words
On May 7, you can attend an author talk with Nadine Strossen highlighting her book "The War on Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech."
Christian Chapter Books for Kids Ages 8-12
Need a book series that are wholesome and have a great message? These Christian chapters books are great for ages 8-12.
YALSA's Amazing Audiobooks for Teens
A list of notable audiobooks for young adults, from recent releases. This is 2025's list for your 2026 listening pleasure!
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander - for Kids!
AANHPI month in May is a great reason to explore these books!
Voices in Bloom: AAPI Stories for May
These works by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors illuminate identity, heritage, and connection.
Kansas in Youth Literature
The May focus of the Kansas 250 bookshelf features Kansas related youth literature.
The Way It Is, The Way It Can Be
This resource list is inspired by the work of recent Library speaker Baratunde Thurston, acclaimed storyteller and producer.
Our Personal Favorite Kids Books
Recently, the Library received a lovely letter from a third grade student asking "What is your favorite book? Mine is Wild Summer."