If you’re ready to explore new genres or topics, or you’ve read all your favorites and are hunting for readalikes, the Library has tons of ways to freshen your reading list for the summer. Here are a few of our staff members’ favorite ways to find that next great read:
Book Lists
Visit the Recent Activity section on our website to find staff-created book lists covering all kinds of topics – holidays like Memorial Day or Pride Month, news topics like the death Tina Turner, genres and themes like Crash Course in Fantasy and Poolside Reading, award and prize winners and more.
“I check the Recently Reviewed and Recent Staff Lists sections on the website daily.”
– Brooke, Central Resource Library
Hot Off the Presses
Our We Recommend page contains lists of the newest items in the Library’s collection.
“I always look at the new book lists! Specifically the What's New in Kids, Picture Books and Teens lists.”
– Michelle, Monticello Library
You can catch recently-ordered items before they even make it to the library on the New Titles page.
“I like to see what new titles have just arrived and are on order – I always have 30 items on hold!”
– Sarah, Lenexa City Center Library
“I check the On Order section all the time, especially when I'm looking for books for my kids/teens.”
– Kelsey, Corinth Library
There’s even a secret strategy for using the New Titles page to find out about the newest eBooks and eAudiobooks in Libby!
These items do not appear in the On Order list, “but I have noticed that the day before they show up in Libby, they pop up under Just Arrived. I have had quite a few of those I was able to get the next day by regularly checking that list.”
– Charles, Central Resource Library
NoveList
One of our staff’s secret weapons for book suggestions, NoveList can help find titles based on mood, readalikes, genre, age range, themes and more.
“I like looking at the suggestions on NoveList! I like the books grouped by mood on the landing page.”
– Virginia, Lenexa City Center Library
“I love NoveList. It provides author, title and series readalikes. Super helpful for all ages!”
– Kristen, Lenexa City Center Library
“NoveList makes my geeky heart swoon.”
– Becky, Oak Park Library
Displays
Visit a Library location to check out staff-created book displays full of titles you can take with you and read right away. Displays vary across locations and include books on current events, seasonal themes, featured staff picks and others. There’s also a New Book section in our locations, stocked with the newest titles available for checkout.
“I always have to stop by the Staff Picks displays. I love seeing what my coworkers are reading; we have such a broad range of interests among our staff members.”
– Courtney, Central Resource Library
“I love to browse the "New" shelves in branch for my next favorite read.”
– Sarah, Cedar Roe Library
If you don’t know where to start, stop into one of our locations, give us a call or send us a message. We’re always here to talk books with you!