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
N'awlins
Have you ever paid a visit to the Crescent City? Get your fix with one of these titles on the history, food, music, and people.
My Favorite Books to Read with Babies
Reading with babies builds big brains and forms life-long bonds. Here's a list of my favorite books to read with babies.
2025-26 William Allen White Nominees: Grades 3-5 & 6-8
The William Allen White Children’s Book Award was established to encourage the children of Kansas to read and enjoy good books.
Studying Shadows: the Dark Academia Mini-genre
Dusty tomes, forbidden knowledge ... sometimes even murder. It's not quite its own genre, but some of us can't get enough of Dark Academia.
Al Pacino Binge
Al Pacino's memoir, Sonny Boy, has been a popular release of 2024. If you're still on a Pacino kick, here is a list of his movies to enjoy.
On Being 40(ish)
We should celebrate the wisdom we gain as we age. Enjoy these inspirational, thought-provoking reads that are age-positive.
Titanic Stans
Can't get enough of everything Titanic? Here are more ideas to fuel the obsession.
Books released in the late 1800's
Have you ever been curious about the first books people may have passed around in the late 1800's in the United States?
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Kansas Notable Books 2025
Kansas Notable Books recognizes 15 outstanding titles written by Kansans or about a Kansas-related topic.
Pride Reads: Queer Graphic Novels
Delve into beautifully illustrated stories revolving around queer characters this Pride!
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.
Great Beginnings
Teen/YA novels with particularly cool, intriguing, or interesting opening lines/paragraphs
Teen Non-fiction: Race
Race Project KC's recommendations for books exploring race issues in the United States.
Homeschooled Characters for Kids and Teens
Looking for books and movies about homeschoolers? This list is for you!
Elementary reads - May cause tears
These touching books may cause a few tears but are great to read in upper elementary school.
Ocean Movies for Kids and Families
Check out these movies for kids that all have an ocean theme. Learn about life in the deep blue sea!
My Favorite Books to Read with Babies
Reading with babies builds big brains and forms life-long bonds. Here's a list of my favorite books to read with babies.
Growth Mindset Picture Books
These books celebrate the growth mindset - the belief that we can build on our strengths and grow in the ways we work toward.
Wordless Picture Books
These wordless picture books are great for story telling practice and for using your imagination.
My Favorite Books to Read with Babies
Reading with babies builds big brains and forms life-long bonds. Here's a list of my favorite books to read with babies.
Picture Books for Teaching Cause and Effect
We all know what happens when you give a mouse a cookie. But what if you give a dragon a taco!?
Becky's Spring Storytime Picks
If you found a new favorite book or rhyme this Spring with Becky, you can find it here!
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.
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.
More Staff Picks
My Favorite Books to Read with Babies
Reading with babies builds big brains and forms life-long bonds. Here's a list of my favorite books to read with babies.
2025-26 William Allen White Nominees: Grades 3-5 & 6-8
The William Allen White Children’s Book Award was established to encourage the children of Kansas to read and enjoy good books.
Studying Shadows: the Dark Academia Mini-genre
Dusty tomes, forbidden knowledge ... sometimes even murder. It's not quite its own genre, but some of us can't get enough of Dark Academia.
Theatre in the Park - 2025
Here are the shows playing at the Theatre in the Park in Johnson County, KS (At Shawnee Mission Park) this 2025 season.
Pregnancy & Baby Parenting 2025
Whether you're brand new to pregnancy and parenting or you just want more guidance this time around, here are some helpful titles.
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.
Great Beginnings
Teen/YA novels with particularly cool, intriguing, or interesting opening lines/paragraphs
My Favorite Colorful Book Covers
Color Our World - and our book covers! Have you ever seen a book cover and you just instantly knew that you had to read the book?
Great Outdoors Month
June is Great Outdoors Month! Need a campfire cookbook, or hiking trail suggestions? Or identify that weird plant ASAP? We got you.
Titanic Stans
Can't get enough of everything Titanic? Here are more ideas to fuel the obsession.
Alone in a Mansion
There's just something about a character being isolated in a great big mansion. Oh my!
Couch Concert 🤘
Avoid the crowds and expense! Stay home, curl up on the couch, and enjoy these live performances and music documentaries.
Kitchen Magic
The heart of the home. The place where everyone hangs out. The spot where you make your special meal. Kitchens can be magical.
Who Is This Diva? 💅
Spend an afternoon engrossed in the world of these glamorous and successful performers and personalities